Students mix, mingle at international 'World of Concrete'

Eight students in Pennsylvania College of Technology's concrete science technology and residential construction technology & management majors expanded their horizons in January when they visited World of Concrete, an international event dedicated to the concrete and masonry construction industries.

The convention, held annually in Las Vegas, attracted 60,000 attendees to its 700,000 square feet of exhibit space and was featured on CBS "Sunday Morning" on Feb. 11.

"The ability to attend World of Concrete is life-changing for our students,” said Ellyn A. Lester, assistant dean of construction and architectural technologies. “I was in my early 30s when I first attended and was blown away by its immense size; you can actually see professionals spending millions of dollars in mere moments!”

During their visit to the event, held Jan. 23-25, each of the students attended their choice of two education sessions. About 50 options each day covered new materials and processes, trouble shooting, managing employees and more. They also talked with vendors and contractors - all potential future employers or trade partners - mingled with other college students, tried innovative new tools, and witnessed the Spec Mix Bricklayer 500 World Championship, an impressive display of craftsmanships that challenges 24 of the nation's best bricklayers and their mason tenders to lay as many bricks as they can in 60 minutes with as few errors as possible.

"The highlight for me was seeing the things industry is doing," said Trent B. Morrison, a concrete science student from South Williamsport who transferred to Penn College from another university because of the wealth of job opportunities he saw in concrete construction. "It opened my eyes to see how much there is. Whatever you want to do in concrete, there is a place to do it."

Those options can range from bridges to art pieces. Morrison returned to campus to try to replicate some of the artistry he saw at World of Concrete.

"My favorite part of Vegas was seeing and learning about all of the new technology that they have come out with," said Aiden M. McKean of Smethport, who, like Morrison, is a first-year concrete science technology student.

Sam K. Brost, who is set to complete his second Penn College associate degree in May, added additional perspective.

"Overall, the best part about the whole trip was the atmosphere," said Brost, a concrete science technology student from Big Flats, N.Y. "It was awesome to see everything we discuss in the classroom being showcased and talked about by others who share the same knowledge and passions as us. Seeing the current and new technologies from the concrete industry excited me even more for the future. It also really clarified how big, innovative, and profitable the industry is and is going to be. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to be apart of such an amazing trip, as well as having another reason to take a trip out to Vegas with friends."

Other students making the trip, with their hometowns and majors: Robert A. Fields, of Youngwood, concrete science technology; Elliott K. Gmiter, of Gibsonia, residential construction technology & management; Noah G. Pick, of Watsontown, residential construction technology & management; Warren R. Robinson, of Linden, concrete science technology; and Kyle R. Ruhl, of Selinsgrove, concrete science technology.

Brost, Fields, Gmiter and Ruhl additionally earned associate degrees in building construction technology in 2023.

The students were joined by faculty members Scott A. Bierly, instructor of building construction technology, and Joe F. DiBucci, instructor of building construction technology/concrete and masonry.

"We're very lucky to have enthusiastic industry partners who support the trip, as well as dedicated faculty who devote almost a week of their personal time to escort the students throughout the conference,” Lester said.

To learn more about concrete science technology and other building construction majors at Penn College, call 570-327-4520.