After beginning college during the COVID year of 2020, Trevor Wahl, an outstanding graduate of the Department of Construction Management at Colorado State University, took advantage of multiple opportunities to make the most of his time at CSU. 

A Colorado native from Broomfield, Wahl admired CSU’s atmosphere and environment when he was younger, seeing the campus himself when visiting his older brother who also attended the University. Wahl had also heard great things about the Construction Management Program, and he wanted to remain in Colorado, so CSU was a great fit for him. 

While facing many challenges earlier in his days at CSU, he found success in his major and other avenues, like Club Hockey and the Honors Program.

Early challenges

Starting his academic career at CSU during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Wahl, like many other students, found this experience to be challenging. 

“Freshman year can already be overwhelming, so it was tough having so many restrictions and uncertainties throughout the year,” Wahl said. “I also felt that it was extremely difficult for me to be involved in anything freshman year and I think this carried over into my sophomore year. I don’t think I truly realized how many opportunities there were available for me until my junior year.” 

Despite his struggles during his first two years at CSU, Wahl found success in his time at the Construction Management Program, especially with help from mentor figures he connected with over time. 

“The advisers for the Construction Management program are truly amazing and really want the best for all their students,” Wahl said. “The CM program is on the smaller side, and this really allowed me to have a good relationship with them. I was always able to make appointments or even walk into their office and this really helped me plan out my courses and relieved a lot of stress.” 

Wahl said the small feel of the program allowed him to maintain relationships with all his professors. He highlighted Rodolfo Valdes-Vasquez, associate professor and graduate program coordinator. 

“I worked with my very first professor, Rodolfo Valdes-Vasquez, all four years of school on various projects. He helped me take advantage of so many different opportunities like undergraduate research, working as a teaching assistant, joining a competition team, and more,” Wahl said. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Finding success 

In construction management, Wahl was involved in the department in different ways. The department’s Phelps Placement Office helped him find three different summer internships in which he gained valuable experience in the construction industry. He also served as a teaching assistant for the Introduction to Construction Management class for two years.  

Wahl also gained additional experience participating in the CM Cares program, a class which features a student-run volunteer program aiding families or individuals with disabilities. Wahl helped in a project to create an indoor stairlift and a wheelchair-accessible porch for a disabled individual in Greeley, Colorado. Wahl was also a member of the sustainable construction competition team.  

In academic endeavors outside of construction management, Wahl maintained a 4.0 GPA, alongside being part of the Honors Program and adding a minor in business administration. 

Wahl also played on the winning CSU Club Hockey team for three years. 

“The CSU hockey team was able to win a conference championship for the first time in program history during my last season on the team,” said Wahl. “This meant so much to all the seniors, including myself, who had been a part of the team for three years.”