The T.R. Holleman Student Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America at Texas A&M University was recognized by the national organization as the most outstanding AGC student chapter of 2002. The award was presented to the Aggie chapter at the March 2002 AGC National Convention in Hawaii.

The chapter offers a direct link between Texas A&M University construction science students and the construction industry. Chapter members participate in community service projects, host talks with construction professionals, and visit construction sites around the area to get a hands-on look at the industry.

"The AGC student chapter helps our students understand the intricacies of the construction industry," said James Smith, professor and head of the Department of Construction Science at Texas A&M. "AGC students really get a feel for the magnitude and diversity of the industry."

The A&M chapter's most recent service initiative was "Project Build Up-Education Outreach," an effort aimed at enhancing the construction industry's image to elementary and intermediate schoolchildren.

As part of the project, the AGC students developed and distributed at no charge "build up kits" to the targeted audiences. The kits were toolboxes filled with activities designed to educate children about the construction industry.The activities focused on the industry's impact on the environment and on the quality of life and the importance of construction site safety.

AGC students distributed more than 75 kits to classrooms in Texas and New York. The project was funded by grants totaling $13,500 from the AGC of Houston, QUOIN (Dallas/Ft. Worth chapter of the AGC) and local companies.

"The interaction between the AGC student chapter and the industry allows our chapter to grow in ways the classroom cannot provide," said Chris Fields, a construction science student and president of the A&M chapter. "The AGC promotes strong community service involvement, giving the students a more hands-on involvement with the construction industry."

Fields said he expects nothing but continued success for the Aggie organization.

"The chapter has continued to substantially increase its size and community involvement," he said. "If the chapter can continue to raise money, while maintaining the high level of involvement with the industry and community, there is no limit for the future of the AGC."