AGC Maine Education Foundation Honors Students in Bangor

 Photo Above: UMaine Provost Susan Hunter Addresses AGC Maine at the Scholarship Event in Bangor.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012, Bangor, Maine-In 1989 construction industry leaders realized the next generation of constructors were leaving the state or choosing another profession. The members of AGC Maine formed the Education Foundation. Today the industry is battling a very tough 24% unemployment and while the current state of the economy might spur a second look at funding future investment the priority remains a focus. “We cannot afford to stop investing in Maine students who have a desire to work in the construction industry. The fact is simple, we are an aging workforce and when full employment returns we will need a strong, educated base for the future,” stated AGC Maine President Dave Nazaroff.

In Bangor thirteen students were awarded a scholarship in the name of AGC Maine Members past and present. AGC America Past President Jack Kelley awarded each student with a framed certificate. “This event connects industry and the students for the first time. Many will be on the other end of the stage in future years handing out scholarships. We see that tonight as AGC Maine Past President Mark Bancroft, a former recipient, hands out an award in the name of his parents, it works and that is good for Maine,” said Nazaroff.

Before awarding the scholarships UMaine Provost Susan Hunter delivered an address following dinner outlining the recent adoption of the Blue Sky Strategic Plan for the University. She described the achievements of the University and future plans to invest in Maine’s students. “The members of AGC Maine are focused on future development. Today we have the grim reality of the economics. At peak we had over 32,000 people building our state’s infrastructure, today we just pass the 22,000 mark. However, the bridges, roads, schools, airports, and utilities will still need to be repaired, built and expanded. This generation of constructions will be involved in those projects and having them choose Maine to live and work is vital to our state’s success. Just last week a major water main break of a pipe installed in the 1900’s caused a major transportation artery to shutdown. These kinds of problems are just the beginning,” said AGC Maine CEO Matthew Marks.

The following named scholarships were awarded:

CPM Constructors Scholarship: Carlene Fassett, University of Southern Maine

Carlene Fassett Graduated from Mascoma Valley Regional High School in Canaan New Hampshire.  She is currently attending the University of Southern Maine pursuing her Bachelors Degree in Industrial Technology-Construction Management.  She is employed at Wright-Ryan Construction as a Site Assistant.   She knew at an early age this was the career path for her.  Her ultimate goal is to become Superintendent and to be a leader for women in construction.  Please welcome this year’s CPM Constructors Scholarship Award winner Carlene Fassett

Carl Cianchette Scholarship: Greg Dexter, University of Maine

Greg Dexter graduated fro Mt. Abram in 2009.  He currently attends the University of Maine as a Construction Management Major.  He began his construction career at an early age while working with his dad. For Greg the enjoyment comes from being able to build something step by step starting with nothing and turning into something significant.  With the help of this scholarship he will better be able to focus on school.  Please welcome this year’s Carl Cianchette Scholarship award winner Greg Dexter.

HE Sargent Scholarship: Gregory Fournier Roy, University of Southern Maine

Gregory Fournier Roy currently attends the University of Southern Maine majoring in Construction Management.  He is also a Veteran, having served 8 years in the United States Navy.  His work in construction began at the age of 15.  He earned his Associated Degree in Architectural & Engineering Design and has been working as a designer, drafter, and project manager.  His goal is to return to the sites, smells, and sounds of the jobsite as a project Superintendent.

Cianchette Brothers Scholarship: Billy Roy, University of Maine

Billy Roy is from Milford and graduated from Madawaska High School.  He currently attends the University of Maine pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering Technology.  Six years ago he began working summers as a laborer for Ed Pelletier & Sons.  For Billy the technical demands of construction are both a challenging and rewarding.  His motivation comes from the rewarding feeling of a job well done.  No matter what direction his degree will take him whether highway, bridge, utility, or vertical construction he will play a part in preserving our current way of life.

Don & Joyce Starr Scholarship: Emily Morris, University of Southern Maine

Emily Morris is a familiar face having received the Carl Cianchette Scholarship last year.  Emily currently attends the University of Southern Maine pursuing a degree in construction management.  With only five classes left for her bachelor’s degree, she plans to continue her education and pursue a Master Degree in Project Management.  She chose a career in construction to utilize all the things she is most passionate about.

William Langford Scholarship: Alec Young, University of Maine

Alec Young graduated from Georges Valley in 2010 and is a civil engineering student at the University of Maine.  Alec realized civil engineering was the right career path for him after a professor gave his class a project to design a parking lot during a break.  He realized then how much he enjoyed civil engineering and that he wanted to become the best.

Ken Burrill Scholarship: University of Maine

Yi Peng is a graduate of Lawrence and is currently attending the University of Maine pursuing a Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering.  Her love of math and problem solving led her to a career path in construction.  Her hope is to make a positive difference in Civil Engineering by bringing a different perspective.

Ray Labbe Scholarship: Justin Cleaves, University of Maine

Justin Cleaves is from Sangerville and grew up on a potato farm.  His love for construction started at an early age when he would spend time building things with his brothers including road and gravel pits in the sand box to tractor implements.  He enjoyed seeing the Blueprints his Uncle worked on for Cianbro.  He is currently a student at the University of Maine enrolled in construction Management.  He spends his summers working for Haley Construction and feels he’s learned more from Robert Haley and Stan Kitchin than most books could teach.

William Greene Scholarship: Elena Barnes, University of Maine

Elena Barnes is a 2011 graduate of Gorham High School and currently attends the University of Maine pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management.  Elena is no stranger to the construction industry; she grew up intrigued by her father’s work at Shaw Brothers.  She saw first hand the effort and people it took to run a construction company and are successful.  She is hoping her leadership roll will help other women see the opportunities available.

Reggie Parker Scholarship: Richard Johndro, Eastern Maine Community College

Richard Johndro is a 2012 graduate of Lee Academy.  He currently attends Eastern Maine Community College enrolled in the Building Construction program.  Richard has always enjoyed building, from birdhouse at a young age to ice shacks in his teens.  He currently works for JR Madden Custom Carpentry and is building houses!  His goal after he graduates is operate his own business.

Arthur Knowles Scholarship: Richard Thompson, Northeast Technical Institute

Richard Thompson is from Pittston and worked for more than a decade in Law Enforcement. Richard decided he wanted a career change and realized it was time to return to a skilled trade.  He is currently attending Northeast Technical Institute where he can gain the valuable knowledge to begin a career in a construction field.  This scholarship will help him with the long distance travel required while he still continues to support his family.

Al & Mary Alice Bancroft Scholarship: Sean Keay, University of Southern Maine

Sean Keay lives in Westbrook with his wife and newborn daughter.  He is a current student at the University of Southern Maine.  He is a construction management major, which he hopes will help him reach his goal as an overseer of craftsmen.  Once a professional chef he has traded in his apron for a tool belt and became a self employed builder.  Upon graduation he hopes to work on improving the relationships between industry partners.

Ray Labbe Scholarship: Christopher Deer, University of Maine

Christopher Derr is a graduate of Ellsworth High School and currently and engineering major at the University of Maine.  In Christopher’s opinion becoming an engineer in the best way to make the biggest contribution to our society.  As an honors student he looks forward to the challenges that lie ahead.  He knows the engineering fields will open doors to an amazing future.

AGC Maine Education Foundation Board Member Patty Moers Labbe Cormier continues with her effort to grow the fund on September 29th at the Brunswick Knights of Columbus Hall, “Patty has continued to be an advocate and fundraiser for the Foundation. This event is a great tribute to the late Ray Labbe who was president of AGC Maine in 1999. The doors open at 7:00 PM, the silent auction and dance is fun and important. You can buy tickets at the door, everyone is invited. More information about the dance is on our website at www.agcmaine.org. Come out and join us,” said Marks.

Chartered in 1951, the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Maine is the state’s largest construction industry trade association. The Association maintains an office in Augusta and has over 200 members statewide. Member companies include general contractors, sub-contractors, and service and supply providers. For more information visit www.agcmaine.org.

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