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Ƶ Foundation Awards

The Ƶ Education and Research Foundation gives two prestigious awards annually, one to an educator who exemplifies excellence in the field of construction education, and the other to a senior-level student who submits the winning essay in the James L. Allhands Essay Competition.Ƶ would like to congratulate the 2024 Outstanding EducatorDean Papajohn from the University of Arizonaas well as the James L. Allhands Essay winner, Kendall Deweyڰdz Purdue University.For more information on our award recipients, and to view the top three winning essays click here

Dean Papajohn
University of Arizona

Outstanding Educator Award

Since 1985, the Ƶ Education and Research Foundation has recognized annually an educator who makes a significant mark in the field of construction education. The Outstanding Educator award is based on a nominee’s academic contribution as well as his/her work with students outside of the classroom and involvement with colleagues in the industry.

The qualified applicant must be a full–time teaching faculty member of a university construction management or construction–related engineering program or with an institution–approved construction option. Nominees must have at least four years full–time teaching experience. Example of successful nomination.

The Outstanding Educator receives a $5,000 cash award and may name two students as recipients of $2,500 scholarships for the coming academic year. In addition, the recipient will be invited to the annual Ƶ convention as a guest of the foundation.

Nominations are being accepted and the deadline to apply is November 15, 2024. The Outstanding Educator is notified in February and the award is presented at the Ƶ Annual Convention. Apply now!

Kendall Dewey
Purdue University

James L. Allhands Student Essay Competition

The James L. Allhands Essay was established by the late James L. Allhands, one of the founding members of Ƶ and a prolific writer of construction related works. The award recognizes a student essay on a specific topic that is deemed to be beneficial to the advancement of technological, educational, or vocational expertise in the construction industry.

The competition is open to any senior–level student in a four or five–year ABET or ACCE–accredited university construction management or construction–related engineering program.

The First Place essay author receives $1,000. His/her faculty sponsor receives $500. Both the recipient and sponsor are invited as guests of the Foundation to the Ƶ Annual Convention.

The topic for the 2025 Allhands Essay Competition is:“How will AI change the construction industry in the next 5 years. What will the role of artificial intelligence be in the construction industry (its future, applications, effects on the industry and those who work in the industry, pros, and cons).”

The application for 2025 has openedand deadline to apply is November 15, 2024. The winner is notified in February and the award is presented at the Ƶ Annual Convention.