January 29, 2020
The NAHB Student Chapter, Lobo Builders, from the University of New Mexico (UNM) competed at this year’s International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The competing team was compiled of three students that are getting their degrees in the construction management program at UNM.
The extensive project is handed out in September and the students have four months to complete a master planned community. The students are given a parcel of land and this year they were assigned to develop an age-restricted active adult residential development in an already master-planned community in St. George, Utah. The project is to be no longer than 50 pages and their presentation is allowed to be 15 minutes, with 10 minutes of questions.
This year, the Lobo Builders team placed 10th amongst 40 other four-year program schools! Also, the president of the student chapter, Mikaela Smith, was awarded with an Outstanding Student Award and lastly, our UNM faculty advisor, Dr. Susan Bogus Halter, was awarded the only Outstanding Educator Award.
The Home Builders Association of Central New Mexico is proud to have had a mentor group aid these students to success. The mentor team was compiled of members of our association; Jenice Eades (Westway Homes), Mackenzie Bishop (Abrazo Homes), Lora Vassar (Arch Design), Dave Newell (Pulte Homes), Kevin Patton (Pulte Homes) and Mike Fietz (Westway Homes). We are also very thankful for our Platinum Sponsors Abrazo Homes and Westway Homes and our Gold Sponsors Builders FirstSource and Twilight Homes.
The students are excited to compete again next year for IBS 2021. If you are interested in being a mentor for the students or contributing a sponsorship, please contact Bridgette at HBACNM – BMadrid@HBACNM.com or 505.344.3294.