ACE Mentor Program Yearbook 2020 - Reflecting on ACE's Resiliency and Creativity ENR's Annual
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
ENR’s Annual
ACE Mentor Program
Yearbook 2020
Reflecting on ACE’s Resiliency and Creativity
A
CMiC DISTRIBUTES
$400,000
IN SCHOLARSHIPS
THROUGH THE ACE MENTOR
PROGRAM OF AMERICA.
CMiC — the most complete ERP and FIELD operations software
platform for construction management — in 2020 has distributed
a total of $400,000 in scholarships to 23 high school students
across 23 states. In its 2nd year, the CMiC - Allen Berg Memorial
Scholarships were presented in partnership with the ACE Mentor
Program of America. "The scholarships are a real 'career
booster' for some of the most talented and promising of our
thousands of students," said ACE's president Diana Eidenshink.
"Many of them come from families with limited means. Some
scholarship winners are the first in their family to attend college.
We expect them to be industry standouts during their careers."
In memory of CMiC’s founder, the
CMiC-Allen Berg Memorial Scholarship
grant will support 23 students as they
pursue post-secondary programs in
architecture, engineering and construction.
The grant was established back in 2018 in memory of late CMiC
founder, Allen S. Berg. The spirit of the grant is to preserve and
extend Mr. Berg's rich legacy. "Allen was a lifelong learner,
devoted to educational and community causes," says Judith
Berg, Chairwoman of the CMiC Board of Directors. "This
scholarship in his memory will carry on his legacy as an advocate
for equal opportunities to drive positive change in the world."
Scholarship recipients were selected on the basis of merit and
financial need. This fall, they will enroll in accredited college
programs in architecture, construction, interior design and
engineering. Winners were notified this year via a Zoom video
conference announcement.
"We congratulate the exceptional students who were awarded
at CMiC. "We look forward to following their journeys and
successes as they grow into professionals in the AEC industry."
The scholarships are a part of CMiC's broader commitment to
corporate social responsibility.
TALK TO AN EXPERT &
DETERMINE YOUR SOLUTION TODAY!
www.cmicglobal.com
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION ACE Mentor Yearbook 2020
A Message From the
Chairman
Recent events prove once scholarships. Along with the generous CMiC Allen
again the power of the Berg Memorial Scholarship program, ACE was able to
ACE Mentor Program, award well over $2 million in scholarships.
and the extraordinary As we look ahead, the pandemic won’t be a barrier to
creativity and commitment progress. We’ll have to adapt our program in the near
of our mentors. future to protect the safety and health of everyone. This
The ACE program had a strong year thanks to past spring’s experience gives me confidence that we can
everyone from our sponsors and ACE staff to mentors deliver a meaningful virtual mentoring program.
and school champions pulling together. I had the ACE is all about community and opportunity. As
opportunity to watch many of the virtual end-of-year you’ll see in the following pages, we are harnessing
presentations, and I was so impressed by the capabili- industry professionals’ desire to give back, recruiting the
ties of our young people. Students and mentors nimbly next generation of AEC professionals and helping to
pivoted to a virtual environment and opened the door to diversify our workforce.
new ways to share their ideas. Our 76 affiliates did an Join us as we celebrate the year’s accomplishments.
Opinions expressed are those of the sponsor.
outstanding job of organizing effective mentorship for We hope these stories from affiliates, mentors and
our more than 10,000 students. students inspire you both personally and professionally,
ACE mentors are the catalysts for our industry’s as they do all of us.
future. The impact these individuals have on students
over the course of 15 weeks ripples through our industry
year after year, as these young people graduate from
high school, attend college or trade school, intern with
our firms and eventually join as full-time employees.
Our many sponsors were asked to help out this year,
both financially and operationally. Their donations of
virtual meeting tools and specially prepared videos went Peter J. Davoren
a long way toward making 2019/2020 a successful year. Chairman, ACE National Board,
As many of our students moved to the next phase 2017–Present
of their learning, we were also able to help them with President and CEO, Turner Construction Co.
WHAT’S INSIDE
◆ ACE Adapts Amid Adversity ◆ Anniversary Affiliates Demonstrate Flexibility ◆ ACE Outstanding Mentors 2020
◆ Virtual 2020 CIRT Competition Finals Spotlight Next-Gen Talent ◆ ACE Awards Another $400K in Scholarships
◆ An Interview with ACE President Diana Eidenshink
COVER PHOTOS: COURTESY OF ACE MENTOR PROGRAM
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION ACE Mentor Yearbook 2020
ACE Adapts Amid Adversity
Despite global events, the ACE
Mentor Program enjoyed another
strong year with more than 10,000
students mentored by 4,200 mentors in
76 affiliates across the United States.
In fact, when the COVID-19 virus
threatened the high school mentoring
program, mentors, students and spon-
sors responded with speed and inge-
nuity—the very characteristics we’ve
come to expect from this impressive
group of individuals.
“Despite these rapidly changing
times, ACE staff and mentors kept
a clear focus on our organization’s When the pandemic threatened one of the nation’s top after-school programs, mentors
mission and found extraordinary ways and sponsors provided students with new opportunities to learn about the industry.
to continue the program virtually
and guide students into design and grant from Lendlease, this web-based, collaboration with several affiliates,
construction careers,” says ACE Mentor multifaceted collection of practical this optional, self-directed mini-ACE
Program President Diana Eidenshink. information for students was up and program teaches students professional
running several months ahead of development skills and also introduces
Rolling Response schedule. The website gathers industry- them to technical topics. Each session
In response to the rolling shutdown related information, professional features a prerecorded 15- to 20-minute
of schools and businesses across the development guidance, self-directed video by mentors and other experts,
country, the ACE National office staff activities and tools to help students
quickly adapted to fast-track several prepare for post-secondary education.
programs that would help sponsors, Another program is the brand- “Despite these rapidly
mentors and students stay connected. new, multipart ACE@Home that was
One of these programs is ACE rolled out episodically beginning in changing times,
Student Resources Online. With late May, just two months after the ACE staff and mentors
support from national sponsors and a COVID shutdown. Developed in
kept a clear focus on
our organization’s
mission.”
— Diana Eidenshink, President,
ACE Mentor Program
together with follow-up challenges for
students to undertake on their own.
Greater Philadelphia mentors
helped develop a session on essay
IMAGE: COURTESY OF ACE MENTOR PROGRAM
writing. The Washington, D.C., Metro
Area affiliate created a virtual construc-
tion project walkthrough together with
a crossword puzzle. A Charlotte mentor
demonstrated some of the programs
(Revit and Enscape) that architects use
Many students and mentors moved in-person group project meetings to virtual environ- to develop drawings and renderings to
ments to complete design and development and eventually give presentations. show clients. Central Florida mentors
enr.com/SpecialAd August 17/24, 2020 | 5
ACE Mentor Yearbook 2020 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
produced a virtual overview of various
technologies used in the design and
construction industry to communicate
and document projects, including BIM
modeling, laser scanning, use of drones
and programs such as Navisworks,
while the San Francisco affiliate
created a session titled Becoming an
Architect. Almost 2,500 unique users
have logged into the ACE@Home
offering since its launch.
The brand-new,
multipart ACE@Home
was rolled out
beginning in late May. required materials were mailed to Other summer activities included
students. Once received, expert instruc- webinars by Autodesk introducing
tors led group discussions, presented students to future construction industry
As well, since ACE’s usual in-person challenging, independent projects and technologies. Procore taught students
summer activities were cancelled, the provided individualized feedback to how to read plans and use building
National office searched out alternate help each student develop design skills. information software tools. In addi-
virtual summer programs. The Falling- Two Los Angeles affiliate mentors tion, Syracuse University in New York
water Institute offered gratis a weeklong offered another virtual summer activity and Thomas Jefferson University in
session exclusively for 12 ACE students for ACE students around the country. Pennsylvania both developed a variety
to learn about design and architecture. They created a two-part introduction of virtual programs.
Gensler also funded a second session and training about SketchUp that ran ACE National further posted
of the Fallingwater virtual camp. The twice to eager young audiences. fresh content for mentors and affiliate
Virtual ACE in Action: Charlotte Shifts
Working closely with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School enjoyed having a bit more time to review the presentations
System, the Charlotte affiliate was able to seamlessly shift and offer constructive feedback.”
five of its seven teams to virtual activities. With help from As well, board and committee members announced
ACE National’s GoToMeeting subscriptions, the affiliate the scholarships and offered personal congratulatory
enabled virtual meetings for five of the original seven teams messages to students in videos. Charlotte awarded seven
(two opted to not move forward). post-secondary scholarships for $3,000 each, as well as
With the cancellation of its annual end-of-year in-person two scholarships for underclassmen to attend the design
banquet, the affiliate adopted a hybrid virtual banquet camp at University of North Carolina at Charlotte, which
for the presentations and scholarships with prepackaged went virtual this year. Lilly adds, “We shifted expenses that
materials uploaded to YouTube Premieres, a program that we would otherwise have used for the banquet to scholar-
lets viewers experience an event as if it’s live. ship funds, allowing us to give the largest total money in the
ACE Charlotte Board Chair Matthew Lilly says, “The virtual program’s history.”
nature of our presentation competition for best design gave While Lilly hopes that the program will return to in-person
IMAGE: COURTESY OF ACE MENTOR PROGRAM
us a unique opportunity to expand our judge pool. We meetings in the fall, he is pleased with the lessons learned
had as judges a local general contractor, a professor from from the past few months. He concludes, “An important part
Clemson University and an architect from Boston whose firm of ACE is the direct interaction with mentors and students.
worked on the project, which was the basis for the end- But it is nice to know that we have a virtual plan in our back
of-year project RFP. It’s unlikely that we would have gotten pocket so that we can hit the ground running this next year
all three of them to an in-person banquet. They all really if needed.” ◆
6 | August 17/24, 2020 enr.com/SpecialAd
ACE Mentor Yearbook 2020 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
board members to help with virtual activities—including ACE program- presentations were prerecorded, while
fundraising and presentations. All ming, final presentations, scholarship others were live. Judges were able to
of these and other initiatives were awards and mentor/sponsor recogni- make comments and raise questions.
partially enabled thanks to free licenses tions—into virtual versions.
provided by GoToMeeting to support The COVID shutdown occurred
ACE virtual activities. In total, ACE when many affiliates normally organize ACE estimates
estimates that teams spent more than final presentation events showcasing
575 hours working together on the students’ projects. Virtual events by that teams spent more
virtual platform. Affiliates, mentors Milwaukee, Northeast Florida and than 575 hours
and students spent even more time on numerous other affiliates worked well.
other platforms. Parents, teachers, students and mentors working together on
could clearly view the projects and
Virtual Boots on the Ground listen to student descriptions. Many the GoToMeeting
From California to Maine, parents even reported that they were virtual platform.
Washington to Florida, mentors able to join these events for the first
adroitly transformed normal in-person time because they were virtual. Some Affiliates, mentors and
students spent even
more time on
Virtual ACE in Action: Agile in Austin
other platforms.
Completing just its fourth year, the The affiliate opted for a more
Austin affiliate has fast become a personal approach to distribute
strong and versatile ACE program, a $25,000 in scholarships. Adrianna As part of the regular mentoring
skillset much-needed to cope with this Hong, associate with Gensler and sessions, two Seattle mentors, one with
year’s challenges. Austin area schools incoming Austin affiliate vice chair, Skanska and the other with LMN
moved to virtual education during says, “Much like Publisher’s Clearing- Architecture, created virtual tours,
spring break in March. house, we printed out large checks with commentary, of three Skanska
Christine Sheng, Austin affiliate jobsites, including a school and 40-story
chair and client director for Rogers- high-rise. As well, the Portland, Ore.,
O’Brien Construction Co.’s Austin/ “Over the course of affiliate added “office hour” sessions
San Antonio region, says, “Over the to its virtual mentoring experience.
that one week, all 12
course of that one week, all 12 of our During these optional sessions, mentors
ACE teams were up and running with of our ACE teams were explained their career paths and
GoToMeeting accounts to facilitate requirements for their professions, and
up and running with
meetings between students and answered questions from students.
mentors.” GoToMeeting accounts
To make sure all ACE students
to facilitate meetings
had access to a computer and Wi-Fi,
the affiliate worked closely with the between students
school district, which had turned
school buses into Wi-Fi hotspots, to
and mentors.”
ensure that ACE student neighbor- —Christine Sheng, Chair,
hoods received coverage. Austin Affiliate
With help from a videographer, all
final presentation videos, which were
individually recorded by students and visited each student’s home to
IMAGE: COURTESY OF ACE MENTOR PROGRAM
and mentors, were compiled and deliver them in person. For our named
uploaded to YouTube. Enthusiastic scholarships, we also invited a C-level
students, family and friends—totaling executive to join us at the presenta-
more than 400—participated in the tion. This was a great way for our
final presentation, which included sponsors to experience first-hand the
interactive games and polls with gift significance of their contribution to
card prizes for winning answers. the ACE Mentor Program.” ◆ Traditional in-person events to recognize
mentors moved to virtual get-togethers.
8 | August 17/24, 2020 enr.com/SpecialAd
ACE Mentor Yearbook 2020 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
One North Carolina student noted:
“I was surprised yet also pleased by
how well my team was able to continue
collaborating and working on our
project. We were able to meet in big
groups with the whole team and also
break into smaller groups to work on
specific areas of the project.”
Some affiliates, including Char-
lotte and Central Florida, also devised
virtual banquets to honor sponsors, host
student presentations and recognize
outstanding mentors.
Baltimore organized a social media
campaign over an entire day to celebrate
the affiliate’s 2020 accomplishments,
showcase team presentations and
highlight sponsors. During this virtual
ACE Day, mentors, students, industry
partners and even alumni participated. The ACE@Home series included virtual technology demonstrations, such as BIM modeling,
One ACE alum wrote on the affili- laser scanning and the use of drones.
ate’s Facebook page: “ACE Baltimore
equipped me with the connections, in the program encouraged me to Creative Campaigning
knowledge and tools to continue my collaborate with my peers, think criti- The pandemic further forced the
STEM pursuits. My time participating cally and be creative.” cancellation of many fundraising
By the Numbers: ACE and Virtual Reality
As part of its annual student survey, environment for them. virtual sessions allowed them to access
ACE National asked students to • 69% agreed that virtual sessions programs and information in a way not
evaluate their virtual ACE experiences. were an effective way to collabo- easily possible during in-person sessions.
Overall, almost 40% of students (about rate with their team members. Other students missed the dynamics of
3,500) across the country participated • A slim majority (56%) said that in-person meetings and the opportunity
in some type of virtual activity. Roughly ACE should consider incorpo- to make actual models.
90% of these students joined online rating virtual sessions and learning The following comments reflect the
mentoring sessions, and slightly more tools into the regular program. largely positive observations of students:
than 50% took part in final presentation • A slim minority (42%) felt that
and scholarship award events. Another virtual sessions allowed them or “Virtual tools allowed me to collabo-
10% of students benefitted from other their team to do things that they rate with team members during times
special activities organized by their couldn’t do during in-person that I wouldn’t otherwise be able to.”
mentors or affiliates; for example, meetings. —Greater New York Affiliate student
SketchUp lessons and special presenta- *Note: More than one-fifth (21%)
tions by mentors about their careers of students had already completed “Once each group knows what works
and professions. Of all the students in the regular ACE program before the for their participants and adapts from
ACE who were given an opportunity COVID-19 shutdown. that information, virtual sessions are
to participate in the program virtually, very effective.”
IMAGE: COURTESY OF ACE MENTOR PROGRAM
only 6% opted out. Student Comments —Seattle student
Students expressed a range of
According to ACE’s end-of-year views about their virtual experience “We had more access to our
student survey: and ways to improve the sessions. computers and could all work on
• 70% agreed that virtual sessions Many students reported that working projects at the same time.”
were an effective learning on their computers at home during —Austin, Texas, student
10 | August 17/24, 2020 enr.com/SpecialAdSAFETY. QUALITY. PRODUCTIVITY.
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events usually organized at the end of
Virtual ACE in Action: Savvy in Seattle the program year. A few affiliates did
substitute virtual activities to raise
All 11 teams in the Washington altogether, and the disciplines met scholarship dollars. For example,
state affiliate transitioned to virtual at a day and time convenient for all. the Austin affiliate benefited from
programming and presentations for Other teams abandoned the 2-hour,
the final weeks of ACE. biweekly meeting and instead met for
Affiliate Executive Director Angela 1 hour every week. “My time participating
Gottula Twining says, “The most Regardless of the method, the
successful teams knew how to use the sessions worked. Twining points to in the program
technology to their advantage. These one parent’s email: “Thank you so
mentors were technology savvy and much for keeping this going despite
encouraged me to
upbeat, finding ways to make their the hurdles and work involved. My collaborate with my
online meetings fun and engaging— son naturally lost all of his afterschool
and it showed in student and parent sports and activities, and it makes me peers, think critically
responses.” so happy that he actually has some-
While most mentor teams thing! We are so grateful to you and
and be creative.”
used Zoom, meeting types varied the team for making it happen. Truly.” — Baltimore Alum
depending on the mentor. Some Final presentations were broad-
teams dove into more specialized cast over a week thanks largely to
discussions for an hour, then broke Mortenson, which acquired a Zoom a Gensler-organized virtual trivial
out into disciplines so students could license to host all presentations plus pursuit competition that raised $1,000.
work on design projects. Some teams the scholarship event. The affiliate The Boston affiliate set up a text-
eliminated whole-team meetings awarded $100,000 to 14 students. ◆ to-donate and peer-to-peer donation
campaign through Give Lively. As
DEVELOPING FUTURE INDUSTRY LEADERS
Gilbane is committed to actively participating with ACE to build a diverse,
inclusive and unified workforce for the design and construction industry.
Join us in helping change the face of our industry.
SUPPORTING ACE SINCE 2000.
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12 | August 17/24, 2020 enr.com/SpecialAd“Leading by example, delivers increased participation by ACE Mentor students.”
– Kevin Brown, E.I.T., Construction Manager, Urban Engineers
Bentley Systems is driven by its desire to help inspire young people to study science,
technology, engineering and math (STEM) in order to explore and pursue architectural,
construction and engineering related career paths.
For more information please visit:
www.bentley.com/en-US/Products/Construction
© 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated. Bentley and the Bentley logo are either registered or unregistered trademarks or service marks of Bentley Systems, Incorporated or one of its
direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries. Other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.ACE Mentor Yearbook 2020 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
well, the affiliate ran a 20 Days of ACE thank you and recruitment events the Houston and Cleveland affiliates
campaign to encourage sponsors to online for students and parents. developed special virtual presenta-
give virtually. It culminated in sponsor To celebrate scholarship winners, tions. Many affiliates also highlighted
Virtual ACE in Action: Nimble in
New York
All teams from the Greater New York affiliate began meeting
virtually effective March 16 through April 15.
Affiliate leaders reached out to GoToMeeting for help.
In response, the web-hosting service company provided 53
free accounts—51 for teams and two for staff.
Affiliate Executive Director Sue Veres Royal adds, “We are currently enrolled in university architecture, engineering
worked with our teachers at our schools to recommend and construction management programs.
virtual teaching techniques and tips for our mentors to When asked about online mentoring, one Greater New
IMAGE: COURTESY OF ACE MENTOR PROGRAM
follow as they conducted the ACE program.” York student liked the idea, commenting, “It seemed like
Throughout the summer of 2020, the Greater New York the group was more connected to each other in the virtual
affiliate also developed six higher-education webinars. For meeting than in real life.”
instance, representatives from several New York City universi- Throughout May 2020, Greater New York students
ties offered guidance to graduating high school seniors and presented their final project designs virtually. The affiliate
introduced the AEC programs at their schools. Especially also turned its annual ACE Mentor Appreciation Ball into a
popular were the webinars by Greater New York alumni who virtual event. ◆
San Francisco | Silicon Valley | Seattle | Los Angeles
Inspiring Possibilities, Enriching Lives.
Proud Supporter of ACE Mentor Program
Come. Learn. Grow.
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14 | August 17/24, 2020 enr.com/SpecialAdACE Mentor Yearbook 2020 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
scholarship winners on social media.
Mentors from the Twin Cities and
Austin affiliates visited scholarship
winners’ homes and presented giant
checks to the surprised recipients.
Virtual Future?
Will virtual sessions become part
of future ACE programming? Some
students and mentors like the idea.
One Seattle student says, “I would
definitely recommend substituting some
of the in-person, year-round regular
meetings for virtual meetings since
this allows for accessibility. A lot of my
friends are unable to participate in ACE
due to transportation difficulties and
at-home responsibilities. Having meet-
ings online works with these students
and allows them to participate without During virtual mentoring sessions, students were introduced to software tools such as
having to worry about high parking AutoCAD that are commonly used in the industry.
costs or inaccessible bus routes.”
Eidenshink believes that the lessons inform future ACE programming. all over the country during the pandemic
learned and effectiveness of virtual Looking back at the past year, she was inspiring and creative. They really
programming this past year will likely concludes, “The response from mentors stepped up to the plate to help students
and keep the program going, adapting
“The response from
mentors all over the
country during the
pandemic was inspiring
and creative. They
really stepped up to the
plate to help students
and keep the program
going, adapting with
speed and agility
2019 Jenga Tournament -ACE Mentor Charlotte
despite adversity.”
IMAGE: COURTESY OF ACE MENTOR PROGRAM
— Diana Eidenshink, President,
BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER ACE Mentor Program
Rodgers is proud to provide mentorship and
support to the ACE Mentor program. with speed and agility despite adversity.
This is a tribute to them, the students;
our sponsors for providing the necessary
www.rodgersbuilders.com support; and our industry.” ◆
16 | August 17/24, 2020 enr.com/SpecialAdACE MENTOR PROGRAM
ARCHITECTURE CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING
■ ■
Tomorrow’s bold achievements live
in the imagination of today’s youth.
Every year ACE inspires more than 10,000 students to dream
about a future in Architecture, Construction and Engineering.
We are proud supporters of the ACE Mentor Program.
allanmyers.comACE Mentor Yearbook 2020 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
ACE ALUMNI MENTOR SPOTLIGHT
JuanRaymon Rubio With an ACE scholarship in hand, JuanRaymon
Architectural Intern attended Texas Tech University from 2011–2016, earning his
Architexas bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture. Along
the way, he was further helped with alumni scholarships
The son of an electrical technician, JuanRaymon knew a
little bit about construction from his father, and he enjoyed
his drafting class in his junior year—but he was leaning “One of the biggest impacts of
toward a career in fine arts, until his advisor recommended ACE is for minority students to see
that he participate in the ACE Mentor Program.
JuanRaymon says, “She wanted me to learn more themselves represented in these
about the industry and the profession. Prior to that, I’d fields. That builds belief.”
never been to an architect’s office or understood the
profession’s role in the industry.”
That all changed after he joined the ACE Chicago from the Chicago affiliate. He went to work for Architexas
affiliate, which happened to meet in an architect’s office. in Texas immediately after graduation and joined the
“I realized that it’s not a solo job of just drawing up ideas,” ACE Austin affiliate as a mentor. By the second year in the
JuanRaymon recalls. “Architects are key members of a program, JuanRaymon was a lead mentor.
team that includes structural engineers, construction He concludes, “One of the biggest impacts of ACE is for
managers and analysts all working together to find a minority students to see themselves represented in these
feasible solution.” fields. That builds belief.” ◆
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Affiliates Celebrating 20-Year Anniversaries
Demonstrate Flexibility in Longevity
Among three of ACE Mentor Global Terminal Design Competition ability to reach and retain students from
Program’s oldest affiliates, the donated its $50,000 competition stipend 69 school partners that include public,
Chicago, Greater Philadelphia and to the affiliate. The joint venture charter, magnet, private, catholic and
Greater Washington Metropolitan selected two students for $10,000 and home schools. The affiliate’s territory
Area affiliates have gone through $20,000 scholarships, and reserved the covers two states—Pennsylvania (Phila-
considerable evolution over two decades. remaining funds for scholarships in 2021. delphia plus Montgomery, Delaware
They’ve grown in terms of students, The affiliate’s fundraising luncheon and Chester counties) and southern
mentors, support and, most especially, is one of the most well-attended New Jersey (Camden and Cumberland
in the way they engage and excite young industry-related events in Chicago. More counties).
people about the construction industry. than 800 individuals joined this year’s Tiffany Millner, affiliate execu-
The following highlights some of the luncheon, held March 6, to help raise tive director, believes that part of the
creative ways these 20-year affiliates are more than $360,000 for the program. reason for the commitment by students
expanding the reach of ACE. Last year, the affiliate piloted is the fun and interactive activities that
an alumni scholarship program and the affiliate has created over the years.
Chicago Longevity committed to giving $50,000 annually to One of the most popular is the annual
The ACE Chicago affiliate currently these students. During the past 15 years, Giant Jenga Tournament. Attended by
sustains more than 200 students from Chicago has also developed a robust more than 350 people at the Simeone
36 Chicago public schools, 200 mentors summer internship program. Already Foundation Automotive Museum, this
and 73 dedicated host firms. Through more than 250 paid internships have year’s round-robin tournament attracted
the generous support of its industry been facilitated since the program’s start. 64 four-person teams that competed
partners, the affiliate has annually in a supersized version of the tabletop
provided around $190,000 in college Greater Philadelphia wooden block game, Jenga. The event
scholarships in recent years. (Formerly Eastern netted more than $30,000 for the
This milestone year was made even Pennsylvania) affiliate and its scholarship program for
more special when the Foster Epstein The ACE Greater Philadelphia current high school seniors and alumni.
Moreno Joint Venture for the O’Hare affiliate is particularly proud of its With the help of Greater Philadelphia’s
how-to manual, several other ACE
affiliates have since begun their own
New and Emerging Affiliates tournaments.
For its milestone anniversary, the
In fall 2020, the ACE Mentor Program In the Central region, the West group awarded more than $40,000 in
will start two new affiliates. Michigan affiliate in Grand Rapids
Established under the leadership completed its second year with
of CMiC, the Toronto affiliate—the 22 students led by 26 mentors. The
first outside the United States—will affiliate awarded three scholarships
conduct a virtual pilot program totaling $6,500.
focusing on a Toronto infrastructure The Southern Minnesota affiliate
project. As well, an Atlanta affiliate in Mankato and Northwest Iowa
mentor has taken ACE to her home- affiliate in Spencer both finished solid
town of Savannah. second years, expanding the number
Elsewhere in the South, the Greater of students engaged. Over the two
Knoxville, Tenn., affiliate completed its years, Southern Minnesota reached 22
first year. The University of Tennessee students, and Northwest Iowa served
PHOTO: COURTESY OF ACE MENTOR PROGRAM
architecture school dean, who chairs 28 students.
the affiliate board, started the affiliate The Western New York affiliate in
after he realized that many of his top Buffalo designed and built a perma-
students were ACE graduates. nent pergola structure at its school to
The Richmond, Va., affiliate was an complement the large picnic tables
in-school program its first year but will built by students during the program’s
The Greater Philadelphia’s annual Giant
be an afterschool program this fall. first year. ◆ Jenga Tournament is an affiliate-wide
favorite event.
20 | August 17/24, 2020 enr.com/SpecialAdSPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION ACE Mentor Yearbook 2020
scholarships to senior students currently many ways it has maintained an active
studying AEC degree majors. Since program over the past two decades. Milestone Moments
its inception, Greater Philadelphia The Gingerbread House Compe-
has awarded more than $681,500 in tition was particularly popular and The following ACE affiliates also
scholarships. included sustainable features, such as celebrated milestone anniversa-
As well, the affiliate continues to chocolate solar panels and a broccoli ries in 2020.
expand its curriculum to include the green roof for houses in a Grinch-
trades. For example, this year Norr themed neighborhood. 15 Years
Group, Pullman Services and the Created because of the pandemic, Birmingham, Ala.
Central Iowa
International Masonry Institute orga- the affiliate’s Digital Design Showcase
Eastern Shore, Md.
nized a hands-on bricklaying workshop. provided a unique opportunity for all Frederick, Md.
of the teams to submit their projects in
Greater Washington, D.C., PDF form. They were then compiled 10 Years
Metropolitan Area into a video for viewing on the website Annapolis, Md.
The ACE Mentor Program of the and social media. These professional- Columbus, Ohio
Greater Washington, D.C., Metro- looking presentations were reviewed by Delaware
New Orleans
politan Area (ACE DC) supports more the mentors who provided feedback.
Rochester, N.Y.
than 220 students from the District of Besides its annual scholarships Tampa
Columbia, five surrounding Maryland for high school students—a total of Twin Cities
and Virginia counties, and the city of $740,000 to 230 students to date—
Alexandria. ACE DC several years ago started to 5 Years
From its first annual ACE DC award scholarships to alumni. This Omaha
Southern Nevada
Gingerbread House Competition to year, the program awarded $64,000 in
St. Louis
this year’s Digital Design Showcase, scholarships to 13 high school seniors
the affiliate has demonstrated the and two alumni in college. ◆
LA Metro Expo Light Rail Phase II, Los Angeles, CA
Bank of America Tower,
LaGuardia Airport, Queens, NY Golisano Children’s Hospital, Ft. Myers, FL Houston, TX
Building What Matters
With 10,000 employees and on more than 650 ongoing projects across the country we
provide innovative and sustainable development and construction solutions for our
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enr.com/SpecialAd August 17/24, 2020 | 21ACE Mentor Yearbook 2020 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
ACE ALUMNAE MENTOR SPOTLIGHT
Holly Horton Almost immediately, Holly looked to give back to
Architectural Associate ACE San Diego. She says, “Our high school lost funding
Davy Architecture for the design class during my senior year, and so many
students lost an opportunity to learn about the industry. I
As a student at Santana High School in Santee, Calif., decided then that I would come back to my high school
Holly was involved in an architectural design class. When and give students the advantages that I had through the
her instructor and counselor introduced the ACE Mentor ACE Mentor Program and my instructors. I feel like I can
Program in her sophomore year, she signed up.
Beyond helping define the role that the architect plays
in the construction process, Holly says, “ACE affirmed my
“ACE affirmed my career choice in
career choice in design and project leadership.” design and project leadership.”
Holly was awarded a $25,000 ACE scholarship to attend
the NewSchool of Architecture + Design in San Diego. This,
along with merit scholarships and grants, helped pay most introduce these students—especially young women—to
of her tuition. She graduated with a Bachelor of Architec- design and construction. My female role models were
ture and minor in construction management in June 2020. my design teacher Sarah Hatinen and my ACE mentor
Upon graduation, Holly went to work for one of her Heather Schopplein. I hope to fill their shoes in the lives of
mentors, Ric Davy, senior principle at Davy Architecture other young women at Santana High School, and provide
and strong ACE San Diego supporter. Several of the firm’s mentorship to students who feel a calling in design and
architects are also mentors for ACE. construction.” ◆
22 | August 17/24, 2020 enr.com/SpecialAdSPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION ACE Mentor Yearbook 2020
ACE ENR Outstanding Mentors 2020
The Outstanding Mentor Program Kate Dunfee, trips promoting skilled trades careers.
recognizes the contributions of ACE’s AIA, RID, Fort She also created two MEP activities
lifeblood: its mentors. Since it was Worth, Texas, for ACE students that are now used by
established in 2011, the program has Project Architect, several affiliate teams to teach related
recognized more than 50 mentors from Huckabee concepts. Amanda serves on the affili-
across the county. The program is spon- Kate is largely ate’s board of directors and co-chaired
sored by Engineering News-Record responsible for its 2020 sold-out fundraiser, which
and its parent company BNP Media. reviving the Fort Worth program generated more than $200,000.
Following are the 2020 winners. of the Dallas/Fort Worth affiliate.
Near collapse in 2017 when Kate took Holly Snow,
Daniel Blaise, it over, the 20-session program now LEED Green
PMP, LEED AP, attracts more than 30 students and Associate,
Washington, D.C., awards $30,000 in scholarships. The Portland, Ore.,
Metro Area, final design projects developed by her Estimating
Senior Project students have attracted the interest and Manager, JE Dunn
Manager, Smoot involvement of the City Council and a Construction
Construction local economic development group. A mentor for the Portland, Ore.,
Since 2014, Daniel has been the affiliate beginning in 2015, Holly
Washington, D.C., Metro Area affili- Jeffrey became a team leader in 2017. At the
ate’s “go-to” mentor to start a new team Messinger, request of several students, she orga-
or help a struggling site. In 2019, he was PE, LEED AP nized and led the affiliate’s first team
tapped to lead a new team at a nontra- BD+C, New York, to enter the CIRT National Design
ditional public charter school that seeks Vice President, and Construction Competition in 2019.
to reengage high school students ages STV Group As a member of affiliate’s board and
16–24. Through the program, students During his 17 scholarship committee, Holly advocates
earn a GED, train in various trades and years as mentor and team leader for for underserved and minority students.
acquire various certifications. Daniel the Greater New York affiliate, Jeffrey At her firm, she recruits mentors for
successfully adapted the regular ACE has impacted 400–500 students. Two ACE, especially women, and she also
program to suit student interests and of his former students have joined his supervises ACE student interns. ◆
needs. He credits ACE with helping to team as mentors, including one alumna
secure full-time employment for several who co-leads the team with him. His
students. students and fellow mentors appreciate Stay in Touch
his broad knowledge of the design
Alex Busche, and construction industry and ability With ACE
EIT, Houston, to explain complex concepts. Many
Senior Project students ask Jeffrey to write recom- Follow Us: @acementor
Engineer, DPR mendations, and then stay in touch for
Construction advice and assistance with internships
An alumnus and jobs.
of the Central
Iowa affiliate, Alex now mentors for Amanda Shade,
the Houston affiliate and this year CEM, Los Angeles,
stepped up to lead its largest team. As Senior Project
a founding member of Houston’s ACE Manager, ACCO Sign Up for Our News Blog:
Associates Board, he helped over- Engineered acementortools.org/news
haul the affiliate’s curriculum. After Systems
mastering Procore’s Brick by Brick Amanda has
construction management game, Alex mentored for 13 years, first with the
now trains other teams on how to use San Diego affiliate and since 2010
the game as part of their curriculums. with the Los Angeles/Orange County
To deepen students’ interest in the affiliate. In addition to inspiring
industry, he has helped them obtain students to pursue industry-related
internships, particularly at his firm. majors in college, she organizes field
enr.com/SpecialAd August 17/24, 2020 | 23ACE Mentor Yearbook 2020 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Virtual CIRT National Design & Construction
Competition Spotlights Next-Generation Talent
The 14th Annual CIRT National The winners were: (Washington Liberty H.S. Team)
Design & Construction Competition • 1st Place ($5,000 Prize): ACE for National Pavilion entry: “The
may have felt different this year, but Mentor Program of Greater New National Star”
the talent of young people from across York (Team 30) for Water Resource
the country was no less evident. Management & Preservation entry: The following teams were also
For 2020, 52 entries from 24 ACE “The Belt” recognized for their solutions to focused
affiliates competed for top honors. design challenges:
More than 400 students from 170 high
schools and 238 mentors were involved. “The winning entry National Pavilion Challenge
In an unprecedented virtual final round, • 1st Runner-Up: ACE Mentor of
exhibited extraordinary
the three finalist teams presented their Illinois/Chicago Team 9
projects to a national remote audience of versatility and • 2nd Runner-Up: ACE Mentor
more than 130 and five judges. Program of Greater Phoenix
responsiveness to the
CIRT President Mark A. Casso Area/Team P3
says, “The dedication and quality of the criteria of the water
competition teams are always inspira- Water Resource Management &
management challenge,
tional, and this year is no exception. Preservation Challenge
If this is the example of the type of including a tidal-flow • 1st Runner-Up: ACE Mentor of
students that we’re attracting to our Greater Philadelphia/Team 10
industry, our industry is in good hands. energy-generation system.” • 2nd Runner-Up: ACE Mentor of
These students are just outstanding.” —CIRT National Design &
Washington/Seattle Technology
Construction Competition Team
Judges Panel
Gastronomic Center Challenge
• 1st Runner-Up: ACE Mentor of
CONGRATULATIONS • 2nd Place ($3,000 Prize): ACE Illinois/Chicago Team 1
to the 2020 CIRT Design & Mentor Program of Illinois • 2nd Runner-Up: ACE Mentor
Construction Competition (Chicago Team 5) for Gastronomic Program of Illinois/Chicago Team 6
Center entry: “Food Bank”
National Winners! • 3rd Place ($2,000 Prize): ACE The CIRT National Design &
National Champion & 1st Place, $5k Mentor Program of Greater Construction Competition is a collab-
Winner: ACE Mentor Program of Washington, D.C., Metro Area orative effort with ACE and the
Greater New York (Team 30) for their
Water Resource Management &
Preservation entry: “the belt;”
2nd Place, $3k Winner: ACE Mentor
Program of Illinois (Chicago Team 5)
for their Gastronomic Center entry:
“Food Bank;” and
3rd Place, $2k Winner: ACE Mentor
Program of Greater Washington, DC
Metro Area (Washington Liberty H.S.
Team) for their National Pavilion
IMAGE: COURTESY OF ACE MENTOR PROGRAM
entry: “The National Star.”
a force for positive change in the The ACE Mentor Program of Greater New York (Team 30) won the top award for “The Belt,”
a structure designed to resist sea level rise, maintain water quality and protect Manhattan
design / construction industry
from the effects of climate change.
24 | August 17/24, 2020 enr.com/SpecialAdSPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Chicago Architecture Center. The
panel of judges included Thomas F.
Gilbane Jr. of Gilbane Building Co.,
Tom Reilly of Turner Construc-
tion Co., Lisa Chong of Thornton-
Tomasetti, Scott Seltz of Engineering
News-Record and Jenni Mushynski of
Chicago Architecture Center. ◆
Winning the CIRT
Competition Runs Mentoring future talent
In the Family
is our best investment.
Erikson Calungsod, the presenter
for Greater New York’s Team 30
that took the top prize in this year’s
H2M is proud to be an active member of the ACE Mentor Program.
competition, hails from a family of
We believe in the value of sharing knowledge, skills, and
competition winners.
perspective to foster the personal and professional growth of
His eldest sister Kristy, now an
tomorrow’s workforce.
environmental engineer, joined
ACE Mentor Program in 2011.
Although she did not participate
866.970.6535 h2m.com
on a CIRT team, she inspired her
three younger siblings to join ACE.
Denise and Raphael,
numbers two and three in the
family pecking order, were both
members of Team 30, which was
created in 2013 as a competition
team. In 2014, Raphael joined
As the largest employee-owned
ACE, which in the following year
electrical contractor in the nation,
placed second runner-up in the our heritage is built on a culture
transportation/road systems chal- of diversity and inclusion We
lenge category. inspire our people to be their
In 2016, when Erickson joined best. We work to build our
Team 30, Denise was the presenter communities and we
for the first-place national winner. stand for mutual
respect, equality,
In 2017, Erickson picked up her
and acceptance.
mantle, presenting for Team 30’s
Get inspired at
entry, which placed second
rosendin.com.
overall. Older brother Raphael
was a member of this team.
During the 2019–2020 program
year, Denise helped mentor the
first-place Team 30 while she
interned at AECOM. She had just
earned a construction manage-
ment and civil engineering
degree from New York College of
Technology. Her brother Erikson
heads to Brooklyn College this fall
to study pre-med. ◆ LEAD. INSPIRE. BUILD.AZ - ROC034937R-11 | ROC105241C-11 | ROC111444A-17 | ROC158637B-1 | ROC158638A, CA - 142881, NV - 011435, OR - CCB #103939, TX - 2080
enr.com/SpecialAd August 17/24, 2020 | 25ACE Mentor Yearbook 2020 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
ACE ALUMNI MENTOR SPOTLIGHT
Kenuel Lopez Rivera Today, Kenuel is a civil engineer with Turner Construction
Cost Engineer Co. and lead mentor for the Boston Society of Architects
Turner Construction Co. team within the Greater Boston affiliate.
He has also opened windows of opportunity for his
An interest in sciences and math doesn’t always translate five siblings and a number of other minority high school
to a career in the design and construction industry. But students. In fact, thanks in part to shared conversa-
with help from ACE mentors and a favorite teacher, Kenuel tions about ACE, Kenuel’s 18-year-old brother is currently
found his passion as a construction manager. attending Tufts University in Massachusetts and studying
He joined the Providence, R.I., affiliate during his senior civil engineering.
year at Central Falls High School. Those mentors plus a tour Kenuel says, “The best thing about ACE is its ability
of nearby Worcester Polytechnic University (WPI), where he to introduce young people from all walks of life to the
learned about all of the varied engineering degrees and many disciplines that they may not have otherwise known
programs offered there, helped guide Kenuel to civil engi- existed. This year, two of his mentees picked construction
neering and ultimately to a career focusing on construc- management because we introduced them to the career
tion management. He then went on to graduate with a civil opportunities. That’s tremendously rewarding.”
engineering degree from WPI in 2017. Even better, Kenuel says that earlier this year, he
“It’s not always easy for low-income minorities to see received an email from one of his first mentees who has
themselves in a professional environment,” Kenuel explains. been accepted into the engineering program at North-
“But with ACE and the support of that teacher, I did.” eastern University in Boston. ◆
26 | August 17/24, 2020 enr.com/SpecialAdSPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION ACE Mentor Yearbook 2020
ACE Awards Another $400K in Scholarships in Memory
Of CMiC Founder Allen Berg
In the second year of the CMiC Allen interest and aptitude in the construction and the scholarship committee—believe
Berg Memorial Scholarship program, industry, as well as a need. Second, a in them, they’ll believe in themselves.”
the ACE Mentor Program scholarship mentor, team leader or affiliate leader Scholarship recipients were individu-
committee awarded scholarships to 23 with direct knowledge of the applicant ally notified via a Zoom announcement
students from 23 affiliates across 18 writes the recommendation. meeting, which included the ACE
states. The total value of the postsec- Ross Myers, chairman and CEO of National staff, the student’s affiliate
ondary education scholarships, worth Allan Myers and member of the Exec- leader and mentor. Surprised recipients
between $5,000 and $40,000, was utive Committee of the National Board didn’t know in advance the reason for
$400,000. The two top scholarship the Zoom call.
winners hailed from the Cleveland and The scholarships are named in honor
Portland, Ore., affiliates. Scholarship recipients of Allen Berg, the late founder of the
Selected first on the basis of merit were individually construction management software
and then on financial need, the scholar- company CMiC.
ship winners include students who are notified via Zoom. “Allen was a lifelong learner devoted
entering accredited college programs to educational and community causes,”
in areas such as architecture, interior of the ACE Mentor Program, says, says Judith Berg, chairwoman of the
design and engineering, as well as, for “Because ACE mentors have worked CMiC Board of Directors. “This
the first time, skilled craft programs. alongside the students, the students will scholarship in his memory will carry
This scholarship program is realize long-term benefits. The scholar- on his legacy as an advocate for equal
distinctive in several ways. First, every ships reinforce student confidence and opportunities to drive positive change
applicant has demonstrated a sincere build self-esteem. If we—their mentors in the world.” ◆
WSP is proud to support the
ACE Mentor Program in developing
our industry’s next generation of
talent and opportunity.
Congratulations to the 2020 mentees.
Find out what we can do for you.
wsp.com/usa Join our team!
enr.com/SpecialAd August 17/24, 2020 | 27ACE Mentor Yearbook 2020 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
ACE ALUMNI MENTOR SPOTLIGHT
Cody Whitelock tion management. He graduated in 2015 and was hired
Virtual Construction Manager by Barnhill Contracting Co., where a colleague at the
Barnhill Contracting Co. company reconnected Cody with ACE.
“I wanted to reconnect with an organization that gave
Cody already had an interest in the design and construc- so much to me during my high school years,” Cody says,
tion industry thanks largely to his father’s experience “And I wanted to give that same experience back to a new
working for a steel subcontractor. generation of students, just as the program had inspired
“I thought construction would be interesting—but wasn’t me to do.”
quite sure in what capacity,” Cody says. “My high school He joined the Raleigh/Durham affiliate as a mentor, and
guidance counselor put me in touch with the drafting and soon after took on bigger roles as a lead mentor, associate
CTE teachers at my school in my freshman year.” board member, webmaster and, this past year, associate
The ACE Maryland Eastern Shore program was cham- board president. In the past six years, Cody has been
pioned by the drafting instructors and hosted in their fortunate enough to see students go through ACE, then
classroom after school. Recalls Cody, “The mentors in ACE college, internships and start careers.
helped me refine my career choice by spotlighting the When asked to summarize the value of ACE, Cody says,
different roles. I liked to work on the ACE projects and solve “The greatest benefits of ACE are the practical education
problems, so engineering seemed a perfect career path.” and networking that allow students to grow outside of their
Cody attended Clemson University in South Carolina studies in high school, go to college, pursue internships and
to study civil engineering with an emphasis in construc- co-ops, and prepare for an ACE profession after school.” ◆
BUILDING
GREAT LEADERS
¨
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