CAROL A. KUEKER

Construction Education Visionary Award

Katie Loughmiller

2023 Award Winner

Katie Loughmiller

Award Criteria
Online Nomination Form
PDF Nomination Form

Katie Loughmiller is an Associate Professor in the G.E. Johnson Department of Architectural Engineering & Construction Science at Kansas State University. She has taught full-time for the past 10 years. Her teaching focus has been on construction scheduling and job site operations. In addition to teaching, she serves as the department’s scholarship program coordinator, assessment coordinator, and academic advisor to 40 students.

During the 2021-2022 academic year, she co-created the Women in ARE/CNS Initiative. The initiative invited female leaders from both the construction management and architectural engineering programs together to create focused programming for the department’s female students. Each semester the group provides seminars on topics specific to the experiences of female professionals in the building industry and networking opportunities.

For the past 9 years, Katie has served as the co-instructor of the Architectural Engineering and Construction Science Orientation course. This course was developed to provide an opportunity for current and potential new students to the programs to learn about how the building industry works. The course introduces students to topics across a wide swath of the building industry through guest lectures, in-class activities, and a group research project. The efforts put into this course increased the number of students who changed their major to either Architectural Engineering or Construction Science and increased the retention of current students.

During the summers, Katie works with STEM Institute, a collaboration between the local school district and the university. STEM Institute is a three-week day camp for 5th-8th grade students. Each week the campers are assigned to a session focused on a specific STEM career field. From 2014-2019, Katie co-taught a session titled, “City of Minecraft”. In the session, students were exposed to different aspects of the building industry through the creation of buildings within the video game, Minecraft. Beyond just playing the game, the sessions included job site tours and hands-on activities. In 2022, Katie created a new session with a focus on getting more girls interested in the building industry. This new session, titled “Tiny Houses – Big Learning” used the design and construction of a tiny house as the framework for teaching the campers about buildings. In the session, campers designed and budgeted for the construction of their personal tiny house and built a scale model. The session also included hands-on activities where the students learned how to use various power tools necessary for the construction of a real tiny house.

Outside of her work at the university, Katie has been involved with NAWIC and NEF. She has served as NAWIC chapter president three times (twice in the Austin, TX chapter and once in the NE Kansas chapter). She has been a strong supporter of NEF and served as a trustee from 2015-2017. She is also active in the Associated Schools of Construction, currently serving as the Region 4 Director. In her role as director, she is responsible for coordinating the Region 4 Student Competition. This event brings over 150 students from the Midwest together to compete in 5 different construction-related competitions.

Carol A Kueker

The Carol A. Kueker memorial award is named in honor of the late Carol A. Kueker, a long-time Trustee and volunteer who served as President of NEF. Kueker was instrumental in promoting the core purpose and goals of the organization for many years and was instrumental in forming our Design Drafting and Block Kids competitions.

The Carol A. Kueker Construction Education Visionary Award recognizes individuals for their passion and dedication to NEF programs and the promotion of construction education.

2023 Award Nominees

Mac Beaton
Director of Career & Technical Education
Henrico County Public Schools
Kristi Smith, Nominator

Shanen Aranmor
Weld Like a Girl
Nicolle Wilkinson, Nominator
Dallin Griffin, Nominator

Andrea Janzen
Ambition Theory
Amanda Portinari, Nominator

Katie Loughmiller
Associate Professor
Kansas State University
Ray Buyle, Nominator

Carla Robinson
Teacher
Monroe Comprehensive High School
Rogers Hunt, Nominator

Jeremy Farner
Professor
Weber State University
Elizabeth Beale, Nominator

Sarah Angne Alfaro
Professor
Ball State University
Michelle Ramos, Nominator

Chelsea Buckhalter
Professor
East Carolina University
Pam Barnett, Nominator

Long Nguyen
Department Head
Florida Gulf Coast University
Megan Abbs, Nominator

Previous Award Recipients

2022: Michele Hoffman
MCAA
Sponsor: Karli Meisinger

2021: Lingguang Song, Ph.D.
Chair and Professor
Dept. of Construction Management
University of Houston
Houston, TX

2020: Ellyn A. Lester, Assoc. AIA, PhDc
Director of Built Environment Programs
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ

2019: Michael E. Barkett
President
Mississippi Construction Education Foundation
Pearl, MS

2018: Alise Martiny
Business Manager/Finance Secretary
Greater Kansas City Building Trades Council
Independence, MO

2017: Kathleen Garrity
Retired President
Associated Builders & Contractors of Western Washington
Mill Creek, WA

2016: Jack Chapel
Education Coordinator
AGC, San Diego Chapter, Apprenticeship and Training Trust
San Diego, CA

2015: Robert M. Aydukovic
CRE President
Maryland Center for Construction Education and Innovation (MCCEI)
Towson, MD

2014: Brian H. Hess
Engineering/Surveying Coordinator
Mount San Jacinto Community College
San Jacinto, CA

2013: Jennifer Blanchard Belk
Assistant Professor of Interior Design
Winthrop University
Rock Hill, SC

2012: Dr. Linda Thomas-Mobley
Chair, Construction Management Program
NewSchool of Architecture & Design
San Diego, CA

2011: Sheilah Goulart
Founder & Director
YouthBuild San Joaquin, Pre YouthBuild
San Joaquin Building Futures Academy
San Joaquin Regional Conservation Corps.
WorkStartYES
Stockton, CA

2010: Dan Graham
President
Northwest College of Construction
Portland, OR

DARLINE H. JOHNSON

Volunteer Achievement Award Past Recipients

Honoring Darline H. Johnson, Past NAWIC President, Past NEF President, and Administrator for the Foundation, this award is given periodically to individuals who show outstanding volunteerism and service to the foundation.

2012: Karen E. Long, CIT was recognized for time, leadership and overall dedication to the on-line testing procedures for NEF Adult Education courses.

2009: Susan Carson, CIT and Linda Young, CBT, CIT were recognized for their work in developing the Construction Bookkeeping 101 (CBT) Adult Education program.

2006: Pat Callicotte, CCA was recognized for time, talent, leadership and overall dedication to the organization over the past years.

2005: Roger Liska was recognized for his exemplary efforts to promote NEF and its programs across the industry and help build their value and prestige.

2004: Frances Jackson was recognized for her outstanding fund-raising efforts for NEF and her overall dedication to the organization.

1998: Carol Kueker was recognized for her outstanding service as Program Coordinator for NEF.

1997: Kimberly Cameron was recognized for her involvement in organizing the Building Design Program targeted towards students in grades six through nine.

1993: Cheryl Kolar was recognized for her role in establishing the CAD/Design/Drafting Competition geared toward senior high school students.

Ambassador Club Award

Past Recipients

The Ambassador Club Award was created to highlight people who advance NEF to the public through various means. Bestowed sparingly, this award has tiers of Bronze, Silver, and Gold. The higher the level of advancement achieved, the more prestigious the Ambassador Award.

Kizzy Ferrer

2022 Ambassador Club Honoree

Kizzy Ferrer

Melanie Myers

2015 Ambassador Club Honoree – Silver

Melanie Myers CIS Program

Melanie Myers holds a Master of Science in Construction Management from Eastern Michigan University and is the current Construction Management Program Coordinator for Oakland Community College (OCC) in Farmington Hills, Michigan. In her current position, she manages and writes construction management curricula while advocating, advising and teaching students on current educational and career options within construction. Prior to OCC, she was a Lecturer at Eastern Michigan University teaching undergraduate and graduate level construction management courses. Before her career in higher education, she was a construction project manager and superintendent for two Southeast Michigan contractors.

NAWIC History

She has been a member of the Lansing Chapter of NAWIC since 1999 and served as Region 4 (now North Central Region) Director 2010-2012. Her love of NAWIC and construction education led her to NEF. She has helped NEF through revisions of their various adult programs, served on various committees/taskforces and served as a Trustee for two terms. She is currently President-Elect for 2015-2016. In early 2015, she completed work on the new NEF Construction Industry Specialist (CIS) program.

Robin

2013 Ambassador Club Honoree – Bronze

Vivian Isaak

NAWIC Fundraising History

Vivian Isaak has been an active NAWIC member since 1991.  She has served at NAWIC’s chapter level as Treasurer, Director, and President.  Currently, she serves as Region 12 NAWIC Educational Foundation (NEF) Fundraising Chair, a role she has embraced since 2010.  Vivian views the challenges of fundraising as opportunities to promote community among NAWIC members and build momentum for broader NAWIC ideals.  She delights in pursuing fundraising practices that are creative, stimulating, and, of course, effective at developing resources for education.  Her memorable events include wild and peculiar auctions, inverse karaoke, the game of “6” and matching donations.  They have produced $30,000 for the NEF, even while being the source of much enjoyment and conversation among her region colleagues.

How She Got Started

Vivian first developed her interest in promoting education scholarships some years ago when she lived in Liberia, West Africa, and was part of a unique women’s group, the American Women in Liberia (AWIL).  A key AWIL goal was to raise much needed funds for young Liberians to attend secondary school.  Vivian conceived of and organized the first AWIL 5k- and 10k-run outside Monrovia, Liberia, in 1984.  This event produced significant scholarship resources while bringing together Liberian nationals with individuals from the business community and diplomatic missions.  The AWIL 5k- and 10k-run went on to have a longevity that exceeded Vivian’s time in Liberia.

Where She Is Now

Vivian moved to Thousand Oaks, California, in 1985 after 10 years in West Africa and began working in the construction industry.  She now has extensive experience, having worked for firms dedicated to finish carpentry, design/build, and ceilings. She currently enjoys her role as Operations Manager for G & S Acoustics, Inc., in Simi Valley, California, a firm that specializes in acoustical ceilings.

Throughout her professional life, Vivian has sought to mentor young men and women who are embarking on careers in the building industry.  She looks back with pride and satisfaction on the accomplishments of several young persons she helped move along in the industry.  She is pleased to continue promoting opportunities for those seeking careers in the construction industry by raising funds for the NEF as they continue “Educating the Construction Industry Today…and Tomorrow”.  Vivian is honored that the NAWIC Education Foundation so graciously recognizes her contribution.

Pam McDonald

2013 Ambassador Club Honoree – Silver

Pat McDonald, CBT, CCA, CIT NEF Bookkeeping

Pat McDonald, CCA, CIT, CBT is from the Santa Clara chapter of NAWIC. Having served as NAWIC President in 2008-2009, she is currently NEF Treasurer. Pat owns STI Trucking and they haul aggregate materials in the greater San Francisco Bay area. She has 3 kids, 5 grandkids and an awesome dog name Speeder. Hobbies include ballroom dancing, square dancing, reading, gardening and operating her railroad car (a speeder.) Mentoring and helping others in the industry is her passion.

Tamara Crooks

2013 Ambassador Club Honoree – Gold

Tamara S. Crooks, CIT Fundraising

Tamara S. Crooks is President and General Counsel of MetalMan Design/Build Corporation, a general construction firm specializing in zoological design and construction based in Dallas, Texas. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of California – Santa Cruz, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Santa Clara University – School of Law.

Tammy is a thirteen (13) year member of NAWIC and has served in many capacities since joining the organization including President of the Dallas Chapter as well as Region 7 NEF Fundraiser. She also holds a Construction Industry Technician (CIT) certification and was recently named a trustee of the NEF Board.

Tammy is passionate about education in the construction industry. She is a member of the American Council of Construction Education (ACCE) and has been a team member of several accreditation visits. Tammy is an avid supporter of NEF and its fundraising efforts.

Pam Dullum

2012 Ambassador Club Honoree – Bronze

Pam Dullum, PE, CCA CCA Revision

Pam Dullum, PE, CCA is a Forensic Engineer at Gervasio & Associates, Inc. As such, Pam analyzes civil design and construction related problems in residential, commercial, industrial and public facilities. She acts as an Expert Witness in claims and litigation regarding disputes among the various parties in construction – owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors, and Government agencies. She provides facility damage assessments and recommendations for remedial repair. She reviews contracts and compiles cost estimates in conjunction with forensic cases.

Her Background

A native of Chicago, Illinois, Pam attended the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology where she earned a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree and earned a Masters of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Illinois.  Pam served twelve years on active duty in the United States Navy. She has career experience in contracting, construction operations, facility maintenance and repair throughout the United States and overseas.  After spending time in San Diego, CA; Diego Garcia, BIOT; New London, CT; Denver, Salt Lake City and Seattle; she moved to Arizona.

Her Professional Accomplishments

A Registered Professional Engineer, Certified Construction Associate, member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), and the National Association of Women In Construction (NAWIC).

Pam has been involved in the ACCE Register of Visitors for over 10 years. In this capacity she has helped evaluate various undergraduate Construction Management programs for compliance with ACCE accreditation standards.

Pam has been a frequent speaker on Strategic Planning, Time Management, career development, Blueprint Reading and various motivational topics. Pam is a frequent volunteer on Habitat for Humanity Women Build®. While she loves being an engineer, one of her goals is to be a professional (paid) speaker. In a perfect world, Pam would be a stand-up comic.

Frances Jackson

2012 Ambassador Club Honoree – Silver

Frances Jackson, CIT, CBT Fundraising

Frances Jackson joined NAWIC in June 1969 as a charter member. She has held every office in her chapter many times. She has been “WIC of the Year” three times and has chaired Annual Planning Conferences and Annual Forums.

Her Career

McDonald Lumber Co., Inc. in Fayetteville, NC as Controller/DP Manager in 1989. Her responsibilities have included installing and maintaining a new computer system, preparing financial statements, insurance, payroll and safety programs.

Her Education

Frances was awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Methodist College in 1984 and attended the MBA program at Campbell University. She received the Professional Women of the Year award in 1994, served as President of the Cumberland County Mental Health Auxiliary and a member of the American Business Women Association (ABWA) for twenty-five years.

NAWIC History

From 1995-1997 Frances served Region 11 as Director and traveled to chapters in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia and loved every minute! In 1998-1999 she served as National Professional Education Chairman and in 2000-2001 served as National Construction Industry Chairman.

NEF is one of her greatest “joys”. Education is extremely important and NEF is an excellent vehicle for NAWIC members to participate in the Certification programs. Frances has been the NEF liaison for Region 11 for many years and has raised over $180,000.00 for NEF since 1996. She has served NEF as Trustee, Executive Committee Member, Secretary/Treasurer, Vice President and was NEF President 2003-2004. In 2012 she chaired the Friday Night Fundraiser at Convention.

Her Professional Accomplishments

A Registered Professional Engineer, Certified Construction Associate, member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), and the National Association of Women In Construction (NAWIC).

Pam has been involved in the ACCE Register of Visitors for over 10 years. In this capacity she has helped evaluate various undergraduate Construction Management programs for compliance with ACCE accreditation standards.

Pam has been a frequent speaker on Strategic Planning, Time Management, career development, Blueprint Reading and various motivational topics. Pam is a frequent volunteer on Habitat for Humanity Women Build®. While she loves being an engineer, one of her goals is to be a professional (paid) speaker. In a perfect world, Pam would be a stand-up comic.

Karen Long

2012 Ambassador Club Honoree – Gold

Karen Long, CIT Online Testing

Karen E. Long is the President of Amethyst Environmental, Ltd., (Amethyst) located in Lee New Hampshire. Karen is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire and Tufts University. She holds the following certifications: Construction Industry Technician, Certified Hazardous Material Manager, Certified Environmental Inspector, Certified Environmental Consultant and Certified Environmental Trainer. She is a member of the National Environmental Training Association (NETA) and is Past President of Granite State Chapter #218, National Association of Women in Construction. She was the NAWIC Tradeswoman of the Year in 2005. She is the 2015-2016 President for the NAWIC Education Foundation.