Illinois State University’s construction management program is celebrating another standout year after securing top-three national placements in two major Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) competitions. The achievements highlight both the academic strength of ISU’s curriculum and the commitment of students who prepared for months to compete against top programs across the country.
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The ASC is an international organization recognized for bridging the gap between construction academia and industry. Region 3—where ISU competes—includes 26 universities. Registration for the event opens about two months ahead of competition day, and participating teams typically include up to six full-time undergraduate students coached by a faculty member. In the lead-up to the event, ISU students dedicate significant time outside regular coursework to refine their proposals, technical analyses, and presentations.
This year, ISU competed in two categories. In the Commercial Competition, sponsored by the Walsh Group, students were tasked with developing a full bid for a 29-story high-rise project in Chicago. In the Preconstruction Competition, sponsored by Power Construction, they evaluated two different construction strategies for a 12-story mid-rise building. Both assignments required students to rely on project scheduling, budgeting, risk analysis, constructability review, and presentation skills developed through ISU’s construction management program.
Associate professor and team mentor Dr. Sundeep Inti said he was particularly inspired by the evolution of the students’ collaboration over the months of preparation.
“I observed how they grew into strong collaborators, working selflessly for team success, presenting confidently to industry representatives, and serving as proud ambassadors of ISU,” Inti said.
He added that the rigor of ISU’s curriculum, paired with hands-on internship requirements, positioned students to excel in highly competitive scenarios. “I believe our robust construction management curriculum, combined with the two mandatory internships that students complete during their time at ISU, provides them with well-rounded exposure and the ability to connect classroom learning with real-world applications.”
The competitions also give ISU a valuable platform to strengthen its reputation in construction education, Inti noted. Looking ahead, he said student enthusiasm remains high for future involvement.
“They provide a meaningful venue for learning, showcasing their skills, and gaining real-world experience,” Inti said. “At the same time, these competitions offer ISU an opportunity to strengthen and build its legacy in construction education.”
Institutional support also played a major role in the team’s success. Inti credited Illinois State University, the College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST), and the Department of Technology for making extended lab access, faculty mentorship, and administrative assistance readily available. These resources allowed student teams to refine proposals, run software simulations, and rehearse presentations long after regular class hours.
Reflecting on the year’s accomplishments, Inti expressed gratitude for a university community that prioritizes experiential learning and academic excellence. ISU’s mission-driven focus on student success, applied learning, and industry alignment continues to elevate the construction management program regionally and nationally.
Students interested in joining the program or learning more about construction management at Illinois State University can find additional information through the Department of Technology.
Originally reported by Sakura Ghimire in Illinois State University.
