Source: Ray Buyle, 785-532-5964, rbuyle@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Tyler Sharp, 785-532-2535, media@k-state.edu

Thursday, Nov. 11, 2010

UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT CHAPTER OF ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS AMONG BEST IN NATION

MANHATTAN -- The Kansas State University student chapter of Associated General Contractors has been selected as the third best collegiate chapter in the nation by the Associated General Contractors of America. The chapter is being recognized for its work in revitalizing the Lower 9th Ward In New Orleans.

It's the second consecutive year K-State has finished among the top three chapters in the nation. The K-State chapter was selected as the second best in 2009. In addition to latest recognition, the chapter received a $400 award from the Associated General Contractors of America for the more than 900 hours of work volunteer work put in by 25 chapter members.

The Lower 9th Ward, a traditionally lower-income portion of New Orleans, was one of the hardest hit areas by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Many insurance claims in the area were denied, as the damages sustained by homes resulted from flooding and not from the hurricane.

Ray Buyle, assistant professor of architectural engineering and construction science at K-State, said most people were forced to abandon their homes because of a lack of funds.

In recent years numerous volunteer groups have descended on New Orleans to help rebuild. But groups with skilled labor and equipment were rare, and this slowed the rebuilding process, according to Buyle.

The K-State student chapter of Associated General Contractors was an exception.