Albuquerque – The University of New Mexico's School of Engineering hosted an official dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony in September for the New Centennial Engineering Center.
The four-story, 147,500-square-foot building is a critical component in the School of Engineering's ability to continue providing excellence in education and innovative research in a variety of disciplines. It also will help the school build new and stronger partnerships, advance programs in research and teaching, and most importantly, attract and retain high quality students and faculty.
While the dean and other senior UNM administrators had been working for several years in securing the funding for a new facility, the Engineering Regional Leadership Committee was formed to help raise an additional $2 million. Associated General Contractors members Howard Mock, Bob Stamm and Victor Chavez, along with Vicki Mora, the CEO of AGC, served on this committee and were not only able to help in reaching the goal, but AGC also dedicated $50,000 to name a conference room in the building honoring The Legends – AGC presidents over the past 60 years.
The AGC Endowed Chair, which is unique in the country, was established in 1984 in the Department of Civil Engineering at UNM. It helps influence the educational preparation of men and women entering the construction industry in New Mexico. Because of the endowment, AGC has a voice in suggesting features which should be added to the educational program to help better prepare students for work in the construction profession in New Mexico.
“One of the most important benefits gained from the Endowed Chair is simply its existence and visibility,” said Dr. Jerald Rounds, current AGC Endowed Chair Professor. “This gives the construction program a permanent foundation even when enrollments are down and university resources are scarce. It also demonstrates a strong commitment of the construction profession.”
