J.R. Filanc Construction Engineering and Management Impact Report FY24-25

Fiscal Year 2024-2025

Dear Donor,

The end of the fscal year inspires gratitude, refection, and the chance to celebrate accomplishments. These three elements walk hand-in-hand as our SDSU family celebrates our students' accomplishments.

It takes a village to educate our students and change their lives for the better. Gratitude for our faculty, staf, and donors who support our J.R. Filanc Construction Engineering and Management (JRFCEM) Program cannot be overstated.

Our Program is growing, but it still feels like a family. Students quickly realize why our JRFCEM Program is so special: our village ofers unparalleled support for those who apply themselves and wish to participate in the many opportunities ofered by local industry. Gratitude grows along the way as students recognize the uniqueness of the Program.

Looking at all we have accomplished this year, we thank you for your commitment and contributions to the JRFCEM Program, which have helped SDSU provide the best education to future leaders of the construction industry.

Thais da C. L. Alves, Ph.D.

AGC Paul S. Roel Chair in Construction Engineering and Management

Propelling the SDSU Community Forward

Beavers Lecturer in Heavy Construction Endowment

The J.R. Filanc Construction Engineering & Management Program (JRFCEM) continues to grow rapidly in response to increasing student interest and demand in the feld. As part of this momentum, the Program has deepened its collaborations with industry partners, professional organizations like AGC San Diego, and local companies to enhance student experiences and raise the visibility of SDSU’s work in construction and engineering.

Faculty and advisory board members from across the industry have been instrumental in supporting this development. In addition to teaching in the Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering (CCEE) Department and serving on advisory boards, several individuals have taken active roles in strategic planning to expand physical infrastructure within the College of Engineering. These eforts aim to meet the needs of the College’s growing student and faculty populations and to identify new opportunities for community and industry engagement.

In 2024, the JRFCEM Advisory Board launched a campaign to fully endow the Beavers Lectureship in Heavy Construction, with the goal of reaching a $500K fundraising target. A $100K matching initiative was introduced to accelerate progress. As of the writing of this report, approximately $25K remains to complete the campaign. The Lectureship was awarded to Nensi Lakrori in recognition of her excellence in teaching heavy construction coursework and mentoring students in Construction Management, Construction Engineering, and Civil Engineering.

The Program values the continued involvement of industry professionals who contribute through mentorship, internships, full-time hiring, site visits, and classroom engagement. These partnerships are central to preparing students for impactful careers in construction and engineering.

Thriving in the Aztec Experience

Mason McDonough, Class of 2026

Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: College of Engineering

Major: Construction Management

Just two short years after transferring, and now stepping into my senior year, my time at San Diego State University in the College of Engineering has been nothing short of special.

I have had the privilege of being a part of diferent construction competitions and student chapters that allowed me to learn from not only the intelligent professors at SDSU but also the construction professionals we aspire to be. Participating in the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Reno Competition—one year as a participant and the next as captain—provided me with leadership, technical, and real-life experience that enhanced my understanding of the preconstruction process. The San Diego State Associated General Contrators (AGC)/Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) Student Chapter has led me to an amazing group of young professionals, but more importantly, friends with whom I can collaborate in our studies and in the feld.

My journey here at SDSU has instilled an experience that will last a lifetime. The College of Engineering has provided me with the tools to succeed in the industry as a future professional construction manager, and I couldn’t be more thankful.

The College of Engineering has provided me with the tools to succeed in the industry as a future professional construction manager, and I couldn’t be more thankful.

Andrea Alaniz, Class of 2026 Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: College of Engineering

Major: Construction Engineering

From the very frst class I attended at the College of Engineering, I felt I was in the right place.

It did not take long to realize that while assignments and teaching shaped the courses, it was the conversations about local projects, work, research, and lessons learned that made classes that much more valuable. The openness to exchange ideas and brainstorm means and methods, among professors and peers alike, brought me closer to understanding the breadth of my major.

On a road less traveled, it was those closest to me who urged me forward, with professors and peers among the strongest voices.

Most notably, Dr. Alves and Professor Lakrori took strides to help me envision the career I had been searching for. I joined Associated General Contrators (AGC)/Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) and Women in Construction (WIC) student chapters and the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Competition to explore what the college had to ofer. Thanks to scholarships and fnancial support from SDSU and College of Engineering programs, I eased my fnancial burden and maintained focus on my studies rather than searching for a job. That support fueled my growth into leadership roles, where I worked to advance eforts I had seen modeled by others.

I found direction here, and I am excited to keep building on it.

“

Thanks to scholarships and fnancial support from SDSU and College of Engineering programs, I eased my fnancial burden and maintained focus on my studies rather than searching for a job.

Celebrating Shared Success

Statistics of Interest

80% of our undergraduates secured full-time industry jobs, mostly staying in Southern California, especially San Diego. Some received ofers after last summer’s internships.

In May, 27 construction management, 11 construction engineering, and 2 construction-focused graduate students graduated. The construction management class nearly doubled from last year. The program is nearing 200 students, mainly due to growth in construction management.

Recent Highlights

Nensi Lakrori received the top award from the College of Engineering Student Council (CESC) in May 2025: Most Outstanding Advisor, for exemplary teaching and unwavering mentorship that challenge, engage, and elevate engineering students toward professional success.

Thais Alves had a standout year at SDSU, receiving multiple honors. In May, she won the CMAA San Diego Presidential Award for leading the J.R. Filanc Construction Engineering and Management Program. In April, she earned the ASC Region 7 Outstanding Educator Award in Calgary. Recently, she received SDSU’s 2025 Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award, nominated by Assistant Dean Theresa Garcia.

This spring, the College of Engineering hosted its frst event promoting electrical contracting careers. NECA San Diego members Baker Electric, Dynaelectric, HMT, and Morrow Meadows attended and shared opportunities for students from various majors.

The Construction Management Program continues to work toward building a strong case for accreditation. A readiness report will be submitted to ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) this coming fall as part of the preparation for undergoing its frst full accreditation review in 2027, along with all the other majors in the College of Engineering.

During the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Reno Competition this year, our electrical team, sponsored by Helix Electric, placed third among 14 teams from all around the country. 31 students and fve faculty members of the program joined the ASC Reno Competition. With the support of the AGC San Diego Construction Leadership Council and the team sponsors, the teams prepared for the competitions for months and had a strong showing this year with competitive proposals and presentations.

Excellence

Celebrating a year of excellence: SDSU Engineering faculty earned top honors, and students advanced with career insights and recognition, and the program continues to grow.