NC State student chapter designated as “Outstanding University” by American Concrete Institute

By Cailyn Kennedy

The NC State American Concrete Institute (ACI) student chapter was given “Outstanding University” status by ACI, which identifies universities based on their participation in select ACI-related activities and programs through a points system. This year, 86 universities received recognition as part of the ACI Excellent or Outstanding Universities Award Program. 

The awards program, which was instituted around 2010, has two designation levels: Universities that earned 12 or more points will be recognized with the Excellent University Award, and universities that earned 6 to 11 points will be recognized with the Outstanding University Award. Since 2010, the NC State chapter has earned seven Excellent awards and three Outstanding awards. 

“The award recognizes the overall university-wide involvement with the mission of the American Concrete Institute,” said faculty liaison Roberto Nunez, who serves as a CCEE lecturer and senior construction extension specialist. “Specifically, the award criteria measure leadership activities of faculty, students, and student chapters of universities around the world in support of advancing knowledge and technology of concrete. This year’s award is of special significance because NC State faculty and students were significantly involved in ACI activities despite COVID limitations.”

Over the past year, students who are a part of the NC State ACI chapter, founded in 2000, participated in concrete construction and concrete materials competitions involving cost, schedules, durability, construction safety and efficiency. Students also became certified by ACI as Concrete Technicians Grade 1 and act as supplemental examiners once a month to help construction technicians also gain ACI credentials. The faculty members involved participate in committee and research work that develops building codes and guidelines. 

Recipients of the ACI University Award will be recognized during the Spring ACI Concrete Convention in Orlando, Florida, on March 27-31 and will also be featured in Concrete International magazine. The NC State chapter, which has 15 members, will send four students and Nunez to the convention, where they will participate and learn about the work of ACI committees. The conference also includes various technical sessions and a student award ceremony. The NC State chapter will also meet with university alumni at a traditional Wolfpack Dinner.

“I am proud of NC State, our CCEE Department, and our ACI student chapter,” Nunez said. “I’m happy to see our students and faculty being recognized for contributing to the progress and enhancement of concrete infrastructure knowledge and technology.”