Welcome to the Fall 2024 SECCM Newsletter from Dean Rob Griffin

In this edition, you’ll meet one of our Engineering faculty members, hear from two alumni married to one another and shared their story with us, and learn about three of our current undergraduate students.  We’re also continuing to celebrate the 2020 opening of the Bready Applied Learning Laboratory, by spotlighting the Senior Design spaces in our Engineering and Computer Science programs.  Additionally, I am sure you will enjoy reading about the important activities of our Women in Construction club.

I hope you all received and read with interest our spring 2024 newsletter, in which my message focused on the strength of the relationship between students and faculty in SECCM and at RWU more broadly.  This time, I want to share how meaningful student interactions stood out to me on a personal level this past May.  My son graduated from another university – and coincidentally, so did my college roommate Eric’s daughter.  Eric and I had not seen each other in person in more than fifteen years, though we stay in touch a few times per year via phone, text messages, and social media.  Between various family commitments and differing graduation ceremony timings, we managed to squeeze in 90 minutes, where we were able to hang out and catch up in person.  Eric, our spouses, and I laughed and reminisced while discussing current events and our families.  Our time together was a wonderful addition to a weekend that was already incredibly special – and it certainly did not feel as if it had been more than fifteen years since we were last together.  I left reminded that our time at university is about so much more than what classes we take, what our major is, and what internships we have (which are all critical, of course).  It’s also about the friendships and connections we build that last a lifetime.  I left the commencement weekend feeling lucky to have been able to reconnect and optimistic that it will be less than fifteen years before Eric and I see each other in person again.

Fast forward less than a week to RWU’s 2024 commencement.  With my visit with Eric fresh on my mind, I paid keen attention to how our SECCM students interacted with one another – the hugs, high-fives, and cheers as each one crossed the stage.  This camaraderie is something I see daily in our lounges, laboratories, and hallways – and certainly in the classroom when I teach.  It’s a special part of what makes SECCM and RWU unique.  If this message hits home for you, I encourage you to reach out to your friends and classmates and to perpetuate the feeling of a cohort that only SECCM and RWU can provide.  As I wrap this up, I think I’ll take a break and send a text message to Eric!

As always, please let me know if you have any questions or comments (401-254-3498, rgriffin@rwu.edu).

May you and yours stay safe and well.  I hope you enjoyed the summer and were able to find some time for rest and relaxation.

With warmest regards,
Rob
October 2024

Thank you

Your continued support and engagement are integral to SECCM's ongoing success and innovation. Thank you for being part of our vibrant community!

Social Media Activity

We invite you to follow us on X - @DeanRobGriffin and @Go_khan, as well as the X of RWU and the Construction Management program: @myRWU and @RWUCM.  Connect with us on LinkedIn, too.  Keep an eye on our webpage for new content!  In addition, we have launched a SECCM Instagram feed (@RWUSECCM); more social media activities to follow.

Opportunities

Are you looking for more ways to support SECCM? In addition to the traditional 'annual fund gift,' there are numerous opportunities to contribute to SECCM. Consider hiring our students for internships, externships, or full-time employment, presenting to one of our student clubs or courses, or becoming a mentor. Sponsoring a field trip, a research project or a student competition team, or joining one of our Professional Advisory Boards are also impactful ways to contribute.  If you're unsure where to begin, please contact Dean Griffin.