RECIPIENTS PROVIDE INSIGHT ON DREAM PROJECTS
11 Students to be Helped Through OCA Advancement Foundation
With the range of backgrounds making up the 2023-2024 Class of OCA Hall of Fame Scholarship recipients, it is no surprise the variety of projects they selected when asked: Given the chance to be a part of any construction project in the world, what would be one you wish to have worked on?
The college students’ choices varied from a Wonder of the World – the Great Pyramids, to an engineering wonder – Hoover Dam, to a universal symbol – The Statue of Liberty, to projects with special meaning and more.
The 2023-2024 academic year is the 27th year the OCA Hall of Fame Scholarship program has made awards to promising students. This year the program is supporting 11 college students majoring in civil engineering, construction management or construction technology. The Hall of Fame Scholarships are funded through the OCA Advancement Foundation, thanks to an endowment fund established through generous donations from association members who support the education and workforce initiatives of OCA. The OCA Hall of Fame Scholarship program receives additional funding through the Heffner Fund.
“Awards this year were granted to students from all corners of the state and from varying backgrounds: from rural and metro upbringings; from first generation and multi-generation exposure to our industry; from those with very little practical experience to those actively working in the industry,” said OCA’s Lynda Pomeroy, Director – Membership/Advancement Foundation Administrator.
This year’s recipients represent eight Ohio universities – Akron (UA), Case Western Reserve (CWRU), Cincinnati (UC), Columbus State Community College (CSCC), Kent State, Mount Union, Ohio Northern (ONU) and Youngstown State (YSU) – and includes two repeat OCA Hall of Fame scholarship winners – UA’s Brad Dieterich and UC’s Ethan Lauder.
What is a construction project you wished you could have worked on?
It’s a question even the most experienced industry professional has pondered. From the Great Pyramid of Giza, built in the 26th century BC, to the more-recent development of the Habitat for Humanity program in 1976 and construction of the Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys that opened to traffic in 1982, this year’s OCA Hall of Fame Scholarship recipients provided a range of responses to what construction projects they would have liked to have had a role.
The construction project wished to have been worked on the most by this year’s scholarship recipients is the Hoover Dam. The Nevada dam, which has a base more than 200 yards thick, was the tallest in the world when constructed in 1935.
“I would have wanted to work on the Hoover Dam project to see how they sequenced the pours, the scale of the workforce and especially how they finished two years ahead of schedule,” said UC’s Colby Sipos.
The Hoover Dam project would have provided the chance to work and learn with the best. “Not only would one get to learn and work beside some of the best engineers and project managers at that time, but one would be able to see how any problems that came up were solved efficiently and in a timely manner,” said University of Mount Union’s Matthew Weaver.
UC’s Lauder said of the Hoover Dam project, “With all the different factors at the time of construction, and how large it is, made for a real challenge of a project … Being a part in one of the most important infrastructure projects in the world would have been a nice resumé builder.”
Another project Hall of Fame Scholarship recipients wished to have engineered – perhaps rather than manually build – was the Great Pyramid of Giza.
“I’m curious how they cut, lifted and assembled stones that would be a monumental achievement even by today’s standards,” said YSU’s Tyler Mann. “The scale and precision of the project using nothing but rudimentary hand tools and material handling practices baffles experts to this day.”
UA’s Dieterich agrees about the original more than 480-foot-tall pyramid that remained the tallest structure in the world for more than 4,000 years. “… Even in today’s world, with our technology and capabilities, this would still be one of the largest construction feats to accomplish,” he said.
Other U.S. projects fitting in the category of large construction feats are in the Florida Keys and Boston.
The top choice of projects UC’s Zachary Morgan wishes he could have worked on is the Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys. “I was lucky enough to travel on it a few years ago and it is a very cool experience,” he said of the structure that is actually 6.79 miles in length that moved vehicular traffic from the original bridge completed in1912 as a railroad structure.
Though Boston’s more than 25-year Big Dig project was plagued by cost overruns, design flaws, delays and other issues, the megaproject is still notable for Kent State’s Alison Ritvo. “I think this project is so fascinating that they were able to build beneath a city already in place,” she said. “Tunnels have always intrigued me, and I would have loved to be a part of this massive project.”
Notable construction projects can also have personal ties due to the proximity to where people live. This is the case for Cincinnati’s original Brent Spence Bridge and the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve.
ONU’s Bryce Havenar has undoubtedly been following the Brent Spence Bridge replacement project set for construction in November. However, it’s the original structure, built from 1960- 1963, he wishes he could have helped construct. “The bridge is unique in many aspects, such as being a double-deck bridge, as well as being a cantilever truss bridge.” He said the unique components, design and size of the structure “would have been an amazing project to be a part of.”
Another replacement project of sorts would be CWRU’s Tyler McFarren’s pick for a project to work on. “This land was uninhabitable, and even burn occasionally,” he said of the area transformed into what is now the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve. “Around the late ’90s and early 2000s, the city developed a plan to turn this area of trash into a natural flourishing park … I think it would be awesome to be a part of this terraforming-restoring-lake project.”
From awesome to inspiring, the projects UC’s Nicholas Davis and CSCC’s Aaron Williams would have enjoyed creating are the Statue of Liberty and the Habitat for Humanity program.
Calling it an “absolute landmark,” the 305-foot-tall Statue of Liberty was a gift from France celebrating the United States’ success of becoming a viable democracy. Davis said, “The Statue of Liberty is a final product recognized by all around the world, and many ever since its construction have dreamed to come to our shores for the freedoms and opportunities us Americans are blessed to have today.”
“Being able to give back to the community warms my soul and should be the focus of everyone in the community,” said Williams of his admiration of Habitat for Humanity’s ideals. “… Homelessness and affordable housing are two of the biggest problems facing our community today, and Habitat for Humanity directly attacks this problem …” Williams, an avid Detroit Pistons fan, smilingly added that the NBA team’s Little Caesars Arena, which opened in 2017, would be another project he would have liked to have helped build.
“It is always heartening to welcome these new open minds to our industry,” said OCA Advancement Foundation Chair Parr Peterson (The Paul Peterson Company – retired). “The talent, energy, and creativity of our industry’s future leaders will be critical in order to meet the challenges that lie ahead for our increasingly complex, and ever-essential industry.”
OCA Hall of Fame Scholarships are awarded to students in their second year of obtaining an associate degree, or in their third, fourth or fifth year of study for a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Eligibility is based on U.S. citizenship, and ideal candidates demonstrate interest in the Ohio heavy/highway or utility construction fields. Student recipients have been recommended for the scholarship by academic professors/instructors and industry representatives and are based on scholastic ability and financial assistance need.
With the inclusion of this year’s 11 recipients being awarded a total of $30,500, the OCA Hall of Fame Scholarship Program has awarded nearly $400,000 in endowments since 1996.
“The work performed by our industry touches the lives of almost every person from every region in the nation,” Pomeroy said. “Continuing to serve the needs of that population in such diverse climates and geographies requires exceptional talent. The OCA Advancement Foundation was established with an eye to the future and exists to bridge the gap between the industry and the existing and emerging workforce, to power the heavy/highway industry in Ohio into the future. Clearly, the OCA Hall of Fame Scholarship program does just that.”
Let’s learn more about each of the OCA Hall of Fame
Scholarship recipients for the 2023-2024:
NICHOLAS DAVIS
University of Cincinnati
Construction Management
Learning about OCA and inevitably its Hall of Fame Scholarship program through his co-op experience with The Great Lakes Construction Company, Nicholas Davis believes there is no time better than the present to become involved in the industry.
“Today is a great time to become involved in the heavy/highway construction industry because of the massive need for more overall improvements … as well as the critical need for employees with expertise in the construction industry as a whole,” said Davis, who is working toward graduating in 2025 with a construction management degree from the University of Cincinnati.
A Wellston High School graduate, Davis was attracted to the heavy/highway construction industry for its range of available opportunities. “By applying my career in civil construction, I will forever have a variety of opportunities to implement my set of skills to improve jobsite production while at the same time complete projects that will overall improve roadway and bridge conditions for society.”
Trained in the martial arts, Davis said, “My strongest trait as a person is that no matter the situation or task at hand, I give my best efforts to achieve the highest performance that I possibly can achieve while at the same time understanding there will always be room for improvement.”
Davis, who is continuing his co-op with Great Lakes Construction this fall, has the goal following graduation of joining the Hinckley-based company and working toward becoming a project manager. “I am incredibly honored to have been selected as a recipient for the OCA Hall of Fame Scholarship,” Davis said. “Any person or any organization that is willing to help me financially to further my education has an absolute special place in my heart and I will forever be grateful for this incredible encouragement.”
BRAD DIETERICH
University of Akron
Construction Engineering Technology
In the relatively short time Brad Dieterich has known about OCA he has made the most of it in what the spring 2023 University of Akron graduate hopes to be a long-term relationship.
The Wickliffe native, who recently accepted a full-time position with Kokosing Construction Co. Inc.’s Industrial Division as an estimator, learned of OCA from participating in OCA Cleveland Chapter’s Constructor For A Day and his professors and industry professionals. In spring 2022, Dieterich received his first of two OCA Hall of Fame Scholarships. “Being a recipient of an award this profound has not only assisted me financially but has provided myself with more assurance to how hard I worked this past year and throughout all my studies,” Dieterich said.
Dieterich said being a Hall of Fame Scholarship recipient his junior year helped provide him confidence to expand his industry-related experience his senior year – which perhaps led him to earning a 2023-2024 scholarship. “I believe my skill of balancing this past year’s course work, co-ops, student organizations and competition teams have been a cluster of why I was deserving of this award,” he said. “This past year, I was determined to get out of my comfort zone and experience as many opportunities relating to the industry as possible, and I can say I lived up to my goal.”
Counting his reliability among his strongest traits, Dieterich said, “I know it is a great time to be involved in the industry because of all the opportunities coming available. There are endless number of experiences to be gained and opportunities to travel, build career portfolios, create wealth and enjoy a very rewarding career.”
BRYCE HAVENAR
Ohio Northern University
Civil Engineering
Adaptability and versatility are traits Bryce Havenar possesses, and ones he believes will come in quite handy once he graduates from Ohio Northern University in 2024.
“… I really enjoy trying and learning new things,” said the Anna H.S. alumnus. “I believe my strongest traits as a prospective candidate for a company are that I am reliable and have a problem-solving mindset. I enjoy getting tasked with new jobs and trying to figure out the best way to complete them correctly and efficiently.”
Currently interning with ODOT District 7, and will be continuing his internship with the department in the winter and next spring, Havenar would like to be involved in the industry as both an engineer and surveyor. “The engineering/construction industry is made up of both civil engineers and surveyors, which is why I am attracted … I am also attracted to the industry because of the type of work environment. I enjoy being out on projects and getting to see new places through my work.” Upon graduating, Havenar hopes to pursue work with a OCA Hall of Fame Scholarships 2023 July/August 25 heavy/highway construction company where he can continue to gain experience toward his professional engineering and professional surveying licenses.
If it sounds like Havener has his “sights” targeted on a successful future – it’s not the first time. Havenar has earned selections to the Ohio State Trapshooting Association’s All-Ohio Junior Gold Team in 2022 and 2023 and All-Ohio Junior Team in 2020.
Havener said being an OCA Hall of Fame Scholarship recipient is also an honor. “This scholarship is a very prestigious scholarship, and it will help me pay for my final year of school. I believe receiving the scholarship will also be a very valuable marketing and networking tool in the future.”
ETHAN LAUDER
University of Cincinnati
Construction Management
Just as he fills out the starting rosters for the youth baseball team he helps coach, Ethan Lauder is striving to make a company roster upon graduating from the University of Cincinnati in 2024.
“I believe my strongest trait as a future employee is having the ability to work with people,” said the two-time OCA Hall of Fame Scholarship recipient. “I find that I have always had a great ability to bring people together to accomplish a goal. This has served me well all the way through school and internships.”
The Minford H.S. alumnus, along with receiving a 2022-2023 Hall of Fame Scholarship, is also a recipient of an OCA Dayton Chapter Scholarship and other industry honors. But the scholarships haven’t been Lauder’s only connection with OCA. “This past year, I competed in the OCA Estimating Competition in Columbus with my team from U.C.” He also learned about the association through a co-op with John R. Jurgensen Company.
“Being a recipient of the OCA Hall of Fame Scholarship means a great deal to me,” said Lauder, who enjoys bowhunting. “To see the great companies and people who are a part of OCA and knowing they selected me to receive this award makes me realize my hard work has paid off and I am in the right industry.”
As mentioned, Lauder is working on making a company roster. “My goals after graduation are to surround myself with exceptional leadership and mentors to be able to learn as much as possible, (and) as quickly as possible to be able to run my own projects. I look forward to learning from some of the industry’s best and brightest.”
TYLER MCFARREN
Case Western Reserve University
Civil Engineering
At a young age, Tyler McFarren dreamed of designing routes negotiating twists, turns and ups and downs. Designing and helping build safe routes is still a driving force as he completes his civil engineering degree from Case Western Reserve University in 2024.
“… In middle school, I wanted to design theme parks and rollercoasters for a place like Disney World,” said the Orrville H.S. graduate. “This introduced me to the world of civil engineering, and from there I became increasingly interested in the discipline as it is at the core of our societal needs. Civil engineers design and build the communities and world we live in today, and I wanted to be a part of that.”
This summer, McFarren is taking part in a range of infrastructure projects through an internship with Engineering Associates. “They are a consulting firm that does mainly ODOT and municipal projects. From short county bridges to wastewater systems to sections of U.S. Route 30 that are several miles long … I enjoy seeing how the work performed at EA helps build the surrounding infrastructure at home.”
Building and improving infrastructure close to home has special meaning for McFarren, who counts among his current hobbies an enjoyment for sketching cartoon characters. “I have been fairly open-minded about the field I work in after graduation and could see myself performing civil engineering jobs in a variety of applications. Nonetheless, I do have a goal to work on projects that improve my community, invite others in, and develop the standard of living. To me, that community is my home of Northeast Ohio: from the rural areas like Orrville to the urban parts like Cleveland. I think the Great Lakes region is special …”
TYLER MANN
Youngstown State University
Civil & Construction Engineering Technology
Think of the phrase “an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay” and you have gained insight on Youngstown State University’s Tyler Mann.
Mann, a non-traditional student who is working toward graduating in the fall of 2024 with a degree in civil & construction engineering technology, has a vast background in construction field work. Touting his work ethic and perseverance, the North Canton Hoover H.S. alumnus said, “I’ve done everything from welding, heavy equipment operating, high burning, rigging and a myriad of other skills. I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and the sense of accomplishment when you plan and build something with your own two hands is unparalleled.
“Having had experience in the field of heavy construction gives you an advantage over someone who’s never been humbled by using a 90-pound hammer for a day,” he added.”
Mann, who balances academics and occupational experience by working with Marucci & Gaffney Excavating Co., said receiving the OCA Hall of Fame Scholarship is meaningful. “It’s an honor to have been selected,” he said. “Being a non-traditional student and having additional financial burdens that most students don’t have, it goes a long way to have an organization help ease that burden so I can focus more on what matters and less on constantly worrying about finances during the semester.”
A proclaimed anime and unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) fan, Mann, upon graduation, would like to be a part of a project that stands the test of time. “I just want the chance to bid and work on that one state-of-the-art project that’s unlike anything anyone else has ever done.”
ZACHARY MORGAN
University of Cincinnati
Construction Management/Master of Business Administration
The opportunity to see the moving parts of a project come together through his touring of OCA members’ jobsites the past four years and his first-hand experience working with the Cleveland Metroparks Planning & Design Department, Zachary Morgan believes he will be prepared once he graduates from the University of Cincinnati next spring.
“Over the course of my last year at the University of Cincinnati, I would like to learn as much as possible about the heavy-construction industry. I also intend on taking advantage of site tours offered by OCA and others, which are invaluable in terms of on-site exposure and understanding what goes into a project,” said the construction management major. “These things will help me enter the construction industry full-time with the necessary tools to excel and move into a leadership role with increased responsibility.”
With the eventual goal of a senior leadership position, where he can “make a lasting impact and improve infrastructure right here in Ohio,” the Cleveland St. Ignatius H.S. graduate believes this is one of the best times to pursue a career in his field. “The heavy/ highway construction industry is as hot as it has ever been,” Morgan said. “Existing infrastructure will need to be maintained and renovated, and the need for new innovative corridors will be in high demand as well …”
Morgan, a former powerlifting competitor who still holds two national age-group records, believes his ability to listen and connect with people is one of his stronger traits. “As a project manager, subcontractor, or even company executive, it is extremely necessary to understand your audience beyond the surface-level,” he said. “Construction is a people-driven industry, where without motivated employees collective success is very hard to reach …”
ALISON RITVO
Kent State University
Construction Management
Constant change and growth have not only attracted Alison Ritvo to the heavy/highway construction industry, it has also helped develop a trait she’s sure will come in handy when she graduates from Kent State University.
An alumna of Rocky River H.S., Ritvo is on-schedule to graduate in construction management in December 2024. “I believe I will fit in well with this industry due to my adaptability. In construction, we have to adapt to new situations, people and perspectives,” she said. “I am always up for a challenge and can adapt to many situations and surroundings very well.”
Internships and summer jobs with construction companies have reinforced what initially attracted Ritvo to the industry. “I decided to study construction management because I love how the construction industry is constantly changing and growing. Each day is different and will allow me to continue to learn throughout my career,” she said. “After graduation, I hope to work for a company that is passionate about the work they perform and do it with quality. I want to start as a field engineer or project engineer and learn the ins and outs of heavy construction …”
While the Hall of Fame Scholarship program is an introduction to the association for Ritvo, who enjoys rollerblading and hammocking, she’s honored to receive the award. “I feel so honored to be a recipient of this scholarship because it allows me to pursue my passion of studying construction while relieving the financial burden college can bring. I feel that OCA is investing in me as a student and future member of the construction industry,” adding that perhaps she can be a mentor to an OCA student team in the future.
COLBY SIPOS
University of Cincinnati
Construction Management
University of Cincinnati’s Colby Sipos is an example of what a strong co-op can provide.
The construction management major, who is working to graduate in 2025, has completed three co-op rotations thus far as well as worked part time both this summer and another semester with John R. Jurgensen Company. Because of his nearly two years of experience with the heavy/highway construction company, Sipos said, “… I have begun to take pride in road construction with all the unique aspects of the industry and all the different scopes of work OCA Hall of Fame Scholarships 28 Ohio Contractor that can be experienced. I’ve also found myself enjoying the kinds of people that I work with. Everyone has been able to make work fun while still having a very productive and motivating attitude.”
The Licking Valley H.S. alumnus, who has also participated in the OCA Estimating Competition, said the experience gained through his co-ops has cemented his appreciation and desire to make heavy/ highway construction his career choice. “I have enjoyed working around all the different kinds of heavy equipment and the specific scopes of work that come with the heavy civil/heavy highway industry. Most importantly, the projects I have been a part of will greatly improve the lives of others and even myself in our day-to-day transportation needs.”
Sipos has recently become a collector of vinyl records and has amassed around 400 albums of all music genres. He has also gone on record to state his goal upon graduating from UC: “I see myself finding a role as an assistant project manager then moving up to a position as high as senior project manager or even an operations manager with time and hard work.”
MATTHEW WEAVER
University of Mount Union
Civil Engineering
University of Mount Union’s Matthew Weaver owes a lot of his success to his parents, and it’s not just because he has grown up around and worked in his father’s remodeling business.
“Growing up, my parents taught me the importance of working hard and would give us ‘jobs’ to do around the house,” said the civil engineering major who is on target to graduate in 2024. “At our young age they were able to instill the need for dedication and teach us to not give up. This initial teaching along with the fact that I started working small jobs outside of my own home at the age of about 12 was what molded me into the person that I am today. When I am put on a project and given a task, I will dedicate myself to the project and work diligently until the completion of the project.”
A graduate of Waynedale H.S. in Apple Creek, Weaver said the experience of working with his father, coupled with his academic achievements, led him toward his course of study. “I feel like the skills and experience I gained from that time paired with my success in school, especially math and science, made me gravitate towards engineering. After looking into it, I feel that the exponential growth of the industry and the abundance of widespread opportunity really sealed the deal and made me want to make it my career.” This summer he is working on a school facility project with a Canton-area construction company.
After graduation, Weaver, who has a twin sister, is looking to earn his professional engineering license with the goal of someday having his own engineering/project management team.
AARON WILLIAMS
Columbus State Community College
Construction Management
If there ever was an example of the effects the OCA Hall of Fame Scholarship program has on people’s lives, it would be Columbus State Community College’s Aaron Williams.
A former U.S. Marine, Williams said his goal after graduating with his construction management degree is to become an example for not only the industry and others, but especially his family.
“My goal after graduation is to become a successful, thorough, and knowledgeable construction manager while also making a lasting impression on the construction industry through my leadership, commitment to excellence and leading by example,” said the Flint, Mich. native and avid Detroit Pistons fan.
“I would like to also be an example of what hard work and determination can do for a young man or woman who comes from a challenging background or neighborhood like the one that I come from. This is arguably the most important of all my goals,” said the grandfather of eight. “… Three out of those four (boys) are growing up without a father due to the senseless gun violence that is plaguing our community. It is important to me to be that example of how to be a productive part of the community and break the cycle of going to the streets instead of pursuing an education that will lead to a career that will take care of their families and allow them to change the trajectory of their lives forever, in a good way. These are my goals.”
Williams, who at an early age learned the satisfaction of completing a job correctly in his father’s fencing business, is currently interning with a Columbus construction company.
OCA appreciates the association members who have helped fund the OCA Advancement Foundation, with special thanks to the OCA Hall of Fame Scholarship Taskforce members who oversee the program and help select the scholarship recipients. These taskforce members include Parr Peterson (Paul Peterson Co., retired), Mike Dinneen (AGG Rok Materials), Jackie Guttman (The Ruhlin Co.) and Chris Szabo (The Ruhlin Co.).
If you know someone who may be interested in applying for an OCA Hall of Fame Scholarship or serving on the OCA Scholarship Selection Task Force, contact OCA Membership Director and Staff Administrator for the Advancement Foundation Lynda Pomeroy at lpomeroy@ohiocontractors.org.
