Ashley Thibeault, outstanding graduate of the Department of Construction Management at Colorado State University, has persevered through challenging health struggles to complete her bachelor’s degree. During her time at CSU, Thibeault has participated in numerous programs and clubs that have aided in her personal, academic, and professional development. 

Thibeault grew up in Broomfield, Colorado, and knew she wanted to stay in-state for college. On a visit to CSU, she fell in love with the Oval and the mature trees throughout campus. 

“The people were so friendly and welcoming,” Thibeault said. “I knew this was where I wanted to attend college!”  

Thibeault’s first year of college contained unique obstacles. 

“The return of my Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, my 19-year-old cousin’s tragic death and then the COVID-19 pandemic caused my first year of college to probably be one of the most challenging years of my life,” Thibeault said. 

Thibeault met these challenges head-on and her subsequent years at CSU have been a positive experience where she was able to build her own path.  

“Through the past four and a half years,” Thibeault said, “with the amazing support of my family, friends, medical specialists, and numerous professors, staff, and doctors at CSU, I was able to find and nurture my passion for construction management and get my health challenges under control.” 

Upside of pandemic online learning 

With the help of her professors, and her commitment to remain dedicated to her schoolwork, Thibeault was able to overcome some of the struggles that correlated with her health issues. Some of her professors would provide her with video lectures of the classes she had to miss if her health was particularly bad. For Thibeault, a post COVID-19 online learning model was helpful. 

“COVID-19 actually helped make missed material more accessible for me when I could not attend class,” Thibeault said. “With the help of my professors and their understanding, I was still able to learn the material and keep on top of my class work.” 

However, despite her health issues, Thibeault frequently participated in in-person programs and clubs. She looks back fondly on her time in the EMPOWER program, which provides women in construction management with a mentor. Thibeault is a strong believer in the power of mentorships and believes they empower students with confidence to take on their career. 

“I am still in contact with the industry mentor I was assigned during my sophomore year,” Thibeault said. “I even got to be a peer mentor last year! I wish I had another semester at CSU to be a peer mentor again.” 

Thibeault was involved with the Women in Construction Management club and participated in two internships during her time at CSU. 

Over the summer of 2022 Thibeault was a field engineer intern with Mortenson at a project in Golden, Colorado. Then, in the summer of 2023, she was a project engineer intern with BNBuilders in Boulder, Colorado. 

“I am so thankful to both the teams I got to work with for teaching me so much, not only about the job, but the industry!” she said.