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KENNESAW, Ga. | Sep 28, 2017

Donations mark best year since fundraiser began in 2001

An annual fundraiser held to support Kennesaw State University鈥檚 construction management department reached new heights this year by collecting more than $140,000 for scholarships and the development of teaching facilities.

The 16th Annual Industry Advisory Board Fundraiser Gala, held last week at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, drew more than 50 sponsorships from individuals and organizations. Funds raised this year were more than 19 percent higher than in 2016, and are a far cry from the $7,000 raised at the inaugural gala in 2001. Five students were each awarded $2,000 scholarships at this year鈥檚 event.

鈥淧rospective students and their parents are attracted to state-of-the-art teaching facilities and scholarship opportunities, both of which are high on our list of priorities,鈥� said Khalid Siddiqi, chair of Kennesaw State鈥檚 Department of Construction Management. 鈥淚 am extremely proud to see the success of the 2017 gala, and I鈥檓 impressed to see the growth of this event since inception.鈥�

The gala鈥檚 success can be attributed in part to the department鈥檚 robust industry advisory board, Siddiqi said. The board has 42 members 鈥� many of whom were also donors for the fundraising gala 鈥� and its mission is to ensure students meet the educational and career needs of the industry from an employer鈥檚 perspective.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average salary for construction managers in 2016 was $89,300, with a bachelor鈥檚 degree being the most common entry-level education. Employment is projected to grow by 5 percent from 2014 to 2024, the agency said.

According to the Associated General Contractors of America, however, 48 percent of contractors nationwide say they have trouble filling salaried project manager positions, which include construction managers. In Georgia alone, more than half of respondents said project managers were their greatest need.

Kennesaw State鈥檚 program offers both bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in construction management, along with certificate programs in project management, land development, special construction and facility management. Graduates maintain a near perfect job placement rate, Siddiqi said.

Original story | Written by Travis Highfield; photo by Ashley Schenck