UA Civil Engineering Students Capture Statewide Estimating Title
From left to right are industry advisor Kendall Kubus, civil engineering alumna; Ben Noirot, civil engineering; Mia Fedak, civil engineering; Adam Lang, construction engineering technology; Naomi Wertz, civil engineering; Lauren LaRue, civil engineering; Steven Wolfe, construction engineering technology; industry advisor Chuck Gillombardo, construction engineering technology and surveying alumnus; and faculty advisor Paul Rawlings, assistant professor of practice.
Students from the Department of Civil Engineering at The University of Akron earned first place at the 25th Annual Ohio Contractors Association Student Estimating Competition, held in March 2026. This marks the sixth time UA’s estimating team has won the competition. The event brings together top civil engineering and construction engineering technology students from across Ohio to demonstrate their skills in construction estimating, cost analysis and project planning.
The competition challenges participants to analyze project specifications, interpret drawings and prepare accurate cost estimates within a limited timeframe. The annual event also strengthens connections between students and industry professionals while promoting excellence in construction education across the state.
Representing UA, the student team demonstrated exceptional technical knowledge, teamwork and attention to detail while developing a comprehensive project estimate under real-world conditions. Their winning performance reflects the strength of UA’s rigorous curriculum and its emphasis on practical, industry-relevant experience.
“Akron’s first-place finish highlights our students’ ability to apply classroom learning to complex, real-world scenarios. Those skills are essential for success in the construction and civil engineering industries,” said Dr. David Roke, chair of the Department of Civil Engineering. “I am incredibly proud of our students, alumni and faculty.”
The team’s continued success in the competition underscores the strength of The University of Akron’s civil engineering program and its commitment to preparing students for immediate impact in the field.
RELATED CONTENT:
- Zips Geo-Challenge Team Wins National Title at Geo-Congress 2026
- Learn more about our Civil Engineering programs
- Get involved in a Student Design Team
Media contact: media@uakron.edu