October 10, 2019
Student organization completes sidewalk project for Bergman Elementary School
The Associated General Contractors Student Chapter at Kansas State and The American Concrete Institute of Kansas State Student Chapter, sponsored by the GE Johnson Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science, recently volunteered time in Manhattan, helping to construct new concrete sidewalks and an ADA-compliant concrete ramp to provide accessibility to Frank V. Bergman Elementary School's rock-chip walking path loop.
AGC chapter students, including officers and general members along with faculty advisors, spent a few Saturdays and evenings volunteering their time to make this project possible. Participants included: Dawson Borcherding, Randal Chushuk, Eric Peterson, Maddison Jarman, Tyler Boss, Alec Coast, Ethan Myers, Sam Mcarthur, Brady Mulroy, Matt Voigt, Sam Wohler, Kolten Ragan, Samuel Howell, Drew Deters, Tyler Collins, Aaron Ridder, Miguel Chacon, Jarret Griffee, Robert Dulniawka, Jongchul Song, Ray Buyle and Shannon Casebeer. BHS Construction of Manhattan donated equipment for the project. Zac West from Stallbaumer Contracting also provided concrete expertise and guidance to the students.
The AGC Student chapter demolished the existing sidewalk, leveled the surrounding grade, excavated for new walks and formed, placed and finished the new concrete structures. The final phase involved returned the surrounding area back to its normal state by reinstalling chain-link fence and replanting grass. The student team put their construction management skills to work through estimating and procurement of the necessary materials and by organizing the manpower and equipment necessary to accomplish the work.
The Parent Teacher Association of Bergman Elementary reached out to AGC with a need and the AGC chapter accepted this as a fun and educational opportunity to get involved with serving the local Manhattan community.