CMIE Alumnus is Youngest Builder on Children’s Miracle Mansion Project

February 12, 2010

Robert Carroll of Central, who graduated Cum Laude in May of 2009 from LSU's Department of Construction Management and Industrial Engineering (CMIE), is currently the youngest builder working on the latest project with the Children's Miracle Mansion for the Lady of the Lake Foundation. Carroll was recently selected to build the 2010 Children's Miracle Mansion for the Lady of the Lake Foundation. Melissa Anderson, Community Relations Director of the Foundation stated, "He's doing so many great things for us. He's the youngest builder we've ever had! LSU graduated a great man."

"Many of the things that prepared me for the future during my time at LSU seemed insignificant while in school, but I would not have been farther from the truth," Carroll said, "Of particular significance was my participation in the National Association of Home Builders' Residential Construction Management competition."

"This competition granted me the opportunity to gain invaluable experience and the ability to foster long-term relationships with individuals who are now aiding me in my professional career," said Carroll. Dr. Isabelina Nahmens, CMIE assistant professor in the LSU College of Engineering, coached the student team. Her support enabled the team to return to the competition and place seventh out of 36 after being absent for ten years.

Carroll served as a team leader and worked to find donors plus wrote a proposal for funding in order to finance the trip for his team. "Robert took a real leadership role in working on the project. He did a wonderful job on the presentation and the team left a really good impression," commented Dr. Nahmens.

The competition allowed the team to network with professional associations which proved beneficial when Carroll received his latest job offer. "This project gave Robert a name within the industry," says Dr. Nahmens, "It all started with him being proactive in the student programs here in the college. By using all of the skills he learned in our program, he is becoming very successful."

Our Lady of the Lake Foundation believes in working with you to grow and preserve a legacy of health, hope and quality of life for the Greater Baton Rouge area. This nonprofit organization was established in 1985 by the Franciscan Missionaries and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.

The tradition of excellence in the LSU College of Engineering is continuous from commencement to commencement. As the alma mater of 56 percent of engineering and construction management graduates in the state of Louisiana, the LSU College of Engineering demands the best from its students in order to prepare them to continue building this great state.

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Article by Crystal Jackson Public Relations Graduate Assistant for the College of Engineering, 225-578-5706, mlavall@lsu.edu