Auburn University students travel internationally to compete in Associated Schools of Construction Region 8 Competition

Students from Auburn’s McWhorter School of Building Science recently had the opportunity to travel to Prague, Czech Republic to compete in the Associated Schools of Construction, or ASC, Region 8 competition.

ASC is a professional association for construction education focusing on excellence in curricula, teaching, research and service. Auburn’s team was led by College of Architecture, Design and Construction, or CADC, faculty members Tom Leathem, Alan Bugg and Paul Holley.

“Construction management competitions are an outstanding way for students to sharpen their skills in problem solving, time management and public speaking, and the Region 8 International venue adds an even bigger dynamic to the experience,” Holley said.

“Building Science students get to be ambassadors of Auburn, the CADC and the McWhorter School of Building Science, and compete against top schools from Europe, the U.S. and beyond. Plus, it’s a social and professional travel opportunity to visit other countries, giving them a more global perspective as they prepare to graduate and enter the construction industry.”

Auburn students teamed up with Birmingham City University and Liverpool John Moores University students to take first (Auburn–BCU) and second (Auburn–LJMU) place in the international design-build competition. A third team comprised only of Auburn students won second place in the construction management and quantity surveying (estimating) competition. One student who was able to travel to the competition was senior building science student Jalen Rogers.

“While in Prague, we were able to work with college student from around the world. It was great to gain an understanding of the differences in the way that international colleges operate,” Rogers said. “In my short time in Europe, I made friends for life and had experiences that will last forever. It was an amazing experience.”