University Advancement

Public Relations and Strategic Communications

NEWS RELEASE

CSUN Alumnus Paves the Way for Future
Construction Management Graduates

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Jan. 24, 2006) -- Though the Construction Management Technology (CMT) program at Cal State Northridge is only in its third year, it is quickly garnering attention with its hands-on approach, educating students in both the art of engineering and the practice of construction.

The first student to graduate from the program, William J. Vrbanic III, 25, has set the bar high for future graduates, accepting a job as project engineer for the nation’s leading builder, Turner Construction Company, before the ink even dries on his diploma.

Beginning a career with a company that focuses on working side-by-side with clients while creatively finding the best solution for each unique project, Vrbanic said he found Northridge’s attention to internships to be extremely beneficial.

"The beautiful part about CSUN was that it stressed to all of us the importance of an internship," said Vrbanic. "Everything that was taught in a book was then experienced hands-on. CSUN definitely gets you more involved in the construction field."

This involvement began for Vrbanic with a personal invitation from Turner Senior Vice President for Southern California, Rory DeJohn, to join the Los Angeles branch of the company for a summer internship.

DeJohn received Vrbanic’s name from S.T. Mau, then dean of Northridge’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, after a CMT board meeting. DeJohn called Vrbanic the following morning to offer him an internship, which the student accepted.

Vrbanic’s hard work and depth of knowledge of the field spurred DeJohn to offer him a job.

"Will is a great young man," said DeJohn. "If there were ten more guys like him we’d most likely hire them all. In fact, I’ll probably be working for him someday."

Vrbanic officially began his employment with Turner in November 2006, a month before his graduation from Northridge.

He currently is overseeing an assisted living facility project in Culver City. His duties include: the finalization of all outstanding change orders, settling disputes, claims and liens, working on budget summaries, scheduling subcontractors, ordering materials and maintaining the job site.

While reflecting on his time spent at Northridge, Vrbanic fondly recalls the guidance of CMT professor Mohamed Hegab.

"Professor Hegab shared his personal life experiences with us, from his venture from civil engineering to construction management, to lessons he learned on the job site," said Vrbanic. "What is most important to him is that his students have a firm grasp of knowledge. His primary concern is that once they begin their careers, they are well prepared to handle a variety of situations."

Those situations often require skills that go beyond what is found in books.

"Will is smart and gets along well with other people," said Stephen Gadomski, chair of the Department of Civil Engineering and Applied Mechanics. "He shows that there are other avenues to engineering than the hard sciences and math."

Newly engaged, Vrbanic’s future looks bright -- and busy. After completion of the Culver City project, his focus will be on the construction of a Los Angeles Unified School District K-12 school.

For more information regarding Northridge’s CMT program, call the Department of Civil Engineering and Applied Mechanics at (818) 677-2166.

The College of Engineering and Computer Science at Northridge is home to several nationally recognized programs where students gain valuable hands-on experience working alongside faculty members and industry professionals on cutting-edge research. Most recently, the college is celebrating a $20 million renovation of its facilities, which feature 50 state-of-the-art teaching and research laboratories that offer hands-on experience. By blending the practical application of the professions with a strong foundation in theory, the college has maintained a consistent following by alumni and friends from the industry who value the career-oriented education that students receive throughout the course of their study at the university.