Whether facilitating complex construction projects in dense urban neighborhoods, testifying to the Colorado legislature on the value of construction education, or directly supporting youth through volunteer service, Joel Pennick (B.S., construction management, ’03) keeps the principles honed at Colorado State University at the heart of his work. Honoring his dedication to community and excellence in industry, Pennick has been named 2024 College of Health and Human Sciences Outstanding Alumnus.
From relevant coursework and skill-building to internships and industry connections, Pennick credits his CSU education as the springboard for his career success. “Overall, my time at CSU prepared me well for the challenges and opportunities of my career,” he reflected.
CSU memories
Pennick grew up in Colorado Springs, and knew he wanted to stay in-state for college. Having toured several universities, Fort Collins made a strong impression. “I remember coming up and going on a student tour of the university and housing options, and just really enjoyed how down to earth and accessible everything felt.”
Having excelled in math and science in high school, Pennick started off as a mechanical engineering student. During his first fall on campus, he had a realization: “I was more interested in the means and methods of construction than the design aspects,” he recalled. A visit to the Department of Construction Management in Guggenheim Hall laid the foundation for him to change his major. “I remember being impressed by the hands-on and relevant curriculum, which aligned with what a career in construction management would look like after graduation.”
“One of the standout memories for me was taking Construction 101 with James Parnell, where we had the opportunity to place small concrete pads and frame small structures,” Pennick said.
He also appreciated the Colorado climate and the activities each season brought, such as snowboarding and golfing. He has a particularly fond memory of the spring day he and classmates surveyed the CSU Oval. “The proximity of housing to campus and Old Town made for a fun and engaging learning and social experience at CSU.”
Pennick dove into the opportunities offered through the CM department, which have had a lasting impact on his career. His Associated Schools of Construction competition team won a regional competition and took second place at nationals. He sharpened his leadership skills as treasurer and president of the Construction Management Club. “These extracurricular experiences helped to provide real-life industry experiences during school along with leadership opportunities that I am very grateful for,” he said.
Path to leadership
Pennick’s impressive career path began at GE Johnson Construction with a three-year climb from project engineer on a hospital project to area superintendent overseeing construction of ski resort condominiums at Lake Tahoe. In 2007, he returned to Colorado and continued his upward trajectory at JE Dunn Construction, where he has been instrumental in delivering some of the company’s most notable Denver projects and has served the past five years as Vice President.
Pennick’s award-winning projects have included the City of Denver’s state-of-the-art Crime Lab and downtown’s most exclusive senior living community, Balfour at Riverfront Park. Pennick was integral in the successful delivery of SugarCube, a luxury mixed-use building in the heart of downtown Denver, which earned merit awards from both Associated General Contractors of Colorado and Colorado Construction Magazine. He also delivered University of Colorado Denver’s City Heights Residence Hall, the university’s first on-campus student residential facility and a building dedicated to a sustainable, holistic living experience. This project was selected for the 2022 Award of Merit Residential/Hospitality by ENR Mountain States.
“As Joel’s roles and responsibilities have continued to grow over the years, he remains focused on his core values and his passion for bringing youth and industry together,” noted John Killingsworth, associate professor of construction management, who nominated Pennick. “Joel represents our community, our industry, and our university with integrity in all that he does.”
Community connections
“Joel has a deep respect for the complexities and intracity of working in tight urban environments,” noted Killingsworth. This respect extends beyond the infrastructure to include the communities around each site. Beyond this care for the people around his projects, Pennick demonstrates his values through extensive community service and advocacy.
Servant leadership
Beyond his award-winning career work, Pennick engages in a variety of roles that support youth development, industry activities , and community success:
- Co-chair of the Denver Metro Construction Sector Partnership, whose mission is to provide high school students in metro Denver with exposure to the construction industry and summer work experiences.
- Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Committee member
- Association of General Contractors (AGC) Colorado Chapter, Workforce Development Initiative
- CSU AGC Student Chapter – Professional Development Series.
- Board member, Colorado Succeeds
- Welding Program Advisory Board Member, Emily Griffith Technical College
- Mentor, Colorado Leadership Alliance Summit
- Volunteer, Junior Achievement
- Volunteer, Food Bank of the Rockies
Due to his industry expertise and dedication to supporting the next generation of construction leaders, Pennick was invited to testify to committee members of the Colorado House of Representatives on legislation impacting education and construction. In 2018, Pennick was selected among hundreds of nominees for the Top Young Professional by Engineering News Record Mountain States.
Pennick continues to be energized by his career choice. “Every project presents a new challenge, and it has been exciting to see the industry change and evolve over time,” he said. “It has been fascinating to see how technology has transformed the way we work and has opened up new possibilities for innovation and efficiency.”
“Joel commits the time it takes to truly invest in what he believes in and invites others to join in that journey,” said Killingsworth.
Pennick, his wife, Ashley, and their two sons enjoy an active lifestyle filled with youth soccer. He also continues to enjoy playing golf and has added fly fishing to his recreational repertoire.
The Department of Construction Management is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
