The University of North Florida student chapter of the National Association of Home Builders will be competing at the International Builders Show in Las Vegas.
The UNF Building Construction Management team needs to raise $10,000 to be able to participate in the competition Feb. 5, said David Hacker, president of Construction Specialties of North Florida and team coach.
“This is an opportunity for our hard-working students to gain recognition for their project and to promote the program at UNF,” Hacker said. “This show is the premier event for student chapters, and it allows students to demonstrate their ability to solve construction-related problems. It’s also a time when they can interact with students from other bachelor’s degree programs in residential construction-related majors.”
To qualify for the competition, students prepare a management proposal for a specific project by completing a site, product design, estimate, schedule, cash flow forecast and other essential elements of a the proposal. Judges then select 30 to 40 student chapters.
Students must be undergraduates enrolled in a construction management program and active members of their student chapter.
“Teams are judged based on a 100-plus page book submitted to the judges prior to the competition,” Hacker said. “At the competition, the team will make a final presentation and answer questions from the judges.”
UNF’s student chapter relies on NEFBA for industry experience, support and guidance throughout the year.
“Our team partners with industry experts through NEFBA,” Hacker said. “NEFBA helps us throughout the year and takes great pride in the team’s efforts.”
Hacker said the value to the students is well worth the cost, but financial support is needed.
“As a state school, we cannot use university monies to support the team’s travel, lodging, food or conference fees,” he said. “Students, faculty, friends, family members and industry philanthropy are called up for these expenses.”
For more information about how you can support the team, contact UNF Director of Development Lois Sumegi at (904) 620-1357 or at [email protected].
“The competition is at 11:45 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 5, and we want to invite all NEFBA members attending the conference to come cheer us on,” Hacker said. “You’ll be proud of these students, and your presence will be an encouragement to them.”