The College of Engineering and Computer Science opened the doors to a new construction engineering lab at a recent dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Chancellor Kent Syverud, Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science Teresa A. Dahlberg, and other dignitaries cut the ribbon to open the new Construction Engineering Lab.
The facility will provide faculty and students with a dedicated space to replicate construction quality control tests, infrastructure health monitoring and inspection activities that take place at construction sites. It is envisioned that the lab will be used to conduct research into leading-edge construction techniques. In addition, its spacious, open design provides flexibility to accommodate a variety of hands-on educational and research initiatives at once.
Joanna Ding, a senior in the civil engineering program, was one of many students on hand at the dedication event. She said, “Having a space like this will take construction engineering courses to a whole new level. Hands-on experiences are so important in engineering education. This lab is going to help civil engineering students grasp constructability. We’ll be able to see what goes into building structures and gain experience in how it really works.”
The lab was made possible through the investment of many generous alumni and friends of the college, including Abdallah Yabroudi ’78, G ’79, Michael Venutolo ’77, William Kopka ’48, G’54, Raymond International, O’Brien & Gere and Hueber-Breuer Construction.
Yabroudi and Venutolo are the hosts of two internship programs in Dubai available to Syracuse University civil engineering students. Graduates of these programs have gone on to work at leading engineering consulting firms, FEMA and with agencies like the Department of Transportation.
“Our students stand out because we have invested in their ability to translate what they learn in the classroom to real-world issues. And this translation doesn’t come just by discussing the issues but by immersing them in the environments where their skills will be needed the most,” said Dean Teresa Dahlberg, “The Construction Engineering Lab is the next step in providing students with access to experiences that mirror those they are likely to encounter when they leave the hill that is Syracuse University. And for that gift, we, and future alumni, will always be grateful.”
Many distinguished guests were on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including Andrew Cabal, representing his uncle William Kopka; Jim Fox, CEO of O’Brien and Gere; James Breuer, president, Hueber-Breuer Construction; University Trustee Abdallah Yabroudi, CEO of the Dubai Contracting Co.; Mike Venutolo, managing director, Raymond International Group; Walter Rogers, director, Myers Power Products Inc., Raymond International Group; and Chancellor Kent Syverud.
Visit our Facebook page to see a gallery of photos from the event and a gallery of construction engineering tools that students will have at their disposal.
