The James L. Allhands Essay was established by the late James L. Allhands, one of the founding members of AGC and a prolific writer of construction related works. The award recognizes a student essay on a specific topic that is deemed to be beneficial to the advancement of technological, educational, or vocational expertise in the construction industry.
The competition is open to any senior–level student in a four or five–year ABET or ACCE–accredited university construction management or construction–related engineering program.
The First Place essay author receives $1,000. His/her faculty sponsor receives $500. Both the recipient and sponsor are invited as guests of the Foundation to the AGC Annual Convention.
In 2022, the essay topic was “How has Covid-19 affected the construction industry both negatively and positively? What positive things have we learned that we will carry into the future?” A total of 10 essays were received and reviewed by the committee and Benjamin Shelton of Purdue University was selected as the first place winner for his essay The COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Impact on the Construction Industry: Staying Essential.
The contest also awarded Sabrina Pavlova of Missouri State University for second place for her essay “How has Covid-19 affected the construction industry both negatively and positively? What positive things have we learned that we will carry into the future?” and Paxton Hemphill of East Carolina University for his essay COVID-19 & the Construction Industry.
Congratulations to all our contest winners and their faculty advisors for their support! The 2023 contest and topic will be available on the AGC Foundation website in July 2022.
