Construction Management students received “Spirit of Construction” awards & joined “Bid Day” exercise with professionals
Students in Cincinnati State’s Civil Engineering Technology (CET) – Construction Management program were part of two special events in October 2025.
Two CET students received scholarship awards from the Spirit of Construction Foundation at the organization’s annual Gala on October 25, 2025.
Cincinnati State President Monica Posey spoke at the ceremony, and presented scholarships to second-year CET students Levi Holden and Grace Kamphaus.
Both Levi and Grace are “double-majors” who will complete the CET Construction Management major along with the CET Architectural major.
Lois Mata, a Cincinnati State CET graduate, received a scholarship at the Gala to support her current studies at Northern Kentucky University.
Another CET graduate and past award winner, Alex Wickman, also attended the Gala.
The nonprofit Spirit of Construction Foundation fosters awareness of the importance of our region’s construction industry and creates opportunities for young people to thrive through careers in the field. The organization’s mission includes “celebrating the impact of the construction industry and creating career opportunities through charitable giving, education programs, advocacy, and professional guidance.”
Spirit of Construction Scholarships recognize students for their hard work and commitment to education in the Construction Management field.
“Bid Day” simulation provided hands-on learning with support from professionals
Cincinnati State’s Civil Engineering Technology – Construction Management program hosted a meeting of the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE Southwest Ohio Chapter 38) on October 22, 2025, where professionals facilitated a hands-on learning experience for about 50 participating students.
Students in Cincinnati State courses CET 135 (Construction Estimating) and CET 240 (Cost Engineering) were joined by students from a Construction Estimating class at the University of Cincinnati.
Construction Management faculty member Greg Kelly said the simulation activity provided a real-world example of the pressures of bid day in the construction industry. Two ASPE emcees kept the program organized and engaging, and Greg said feedback from students and industry participants was overwhelmingly positive, praising the event’s realism, educational value, and lively atmosphere.
Students were divided into teams representing construction companies and worked to prepare a lump-sum bid for a small project, simulating the fast-paced, real-world environment of bid day. Representatives from 15 different industry organizations, including software providers, specialty contractors, and large general contractors, sponsored the event and volunteered their time to mentor and assist the teams.
Tasks for the student teams included compiling subcontractor bids, performing “takeoff” (quantifying components of work on the project) and completing other calculations needed to produce a complete and accurate bid for their project.
After the simulation, students enjoyed well-earned pizza while networking with industry professionals.
Summing up the event, Greg said “The Bid Day Simulation Event was a resounding success. The students were inspired and now are better prepared for their future careers in construction management.”
(Photos provided by George Armstrong & Greg Kelly)
