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‘Lift Day’ showcases the value of hands-on construction education
Students in the Nieri Department of Construction, Development and Planning gathered in the Experiential Learning (XL) Yard on Oct. 25 to show off a series of concrete panels created with guidance from Richard Gauthier, the department’s experiential learning program coordinator, and support from corporate partners. The three panels will soon be used to construct a covered platform and stadium seating at the site.
“The XL Yard is where students get hands-on experience,” said Gauthier, who teaches the construction science workshop (CSM 2060). “This semester’s project was the result of a collaboration that started with ARCO Design/ Build and went on to include ARCON Concrete Solutions, New Terrain Grading, Baker Concrete and Metrocon, who donated 120 cubic yards of concrete for the project.”
The corporate partners led students through each stage of the process, from the project design and excavation of the site to concrete pour and finish.
“Lift Day was especially interesting for learning and understanding unique construction experiences,” said Alexa DeCarlo, a third-year student in the Construction Science and Management program. “It’s not every day that students are involved with a crane lift.”
CSM 2060 is different from DeCarlo’s other classes, most of which take the form of traditional lectures with exams.
“The workshop gives you the opportunity to truly understand every role on a job site. The industry heavily relies on involvement outside the classroom, and this class absolutely prepares us for the expectations of the companies we join” DeCarlo said. “Each week we learn about the individual trades and gain hands-on experience. Not only do you gain an understanding of each part of a project, but also an appreciation for the men and women working hard every day at making these builds come to life. I am grateful to be a part of a program that is deliberately focused on my success before and after I graduate.”
Gauthier has taught the workshop course since 2020 when the department secured the on-campus XL Yard. All students enrolled in the Construction Science and Management program take classes at the three-acre site located at the Clemson University Ravenel Research Center. The XL Yard also includes the John B. Nieri Construction Learning Center, a 1,800-square-foot classroom, which was donated by Michael Nieri ‘86, the founder and president of Great Southern Homes in Columbia, in honor of his father. •
