b'Industry NewsBradley University students shine in the 2025 Roofing Alliance Student Competition Students share the importance of culture in the next generation of roofing.By Heidi J. EllsworthThe energy was electric at theCeremony where winning teams were recognized 2025 International Roofing Expoon stage. (IRE) as the Bradley University teamLed by team captain Uriel de la Torre, the Bradley wasinterviewed and shared theirUniversity group included Francesco Fricano, Ethan story about the Roofing AllianceSountris, Erik Avila and Matthew Leazer. Each student Construction Management Studentbrought a unique academic background with Competition. Although the team did not placemajors spanning construction management, civil this year, they have a long history of success in theengineering and business management. Together competition. The team reflected on the challenges,they embraced the opportunity to dive deep into growth and excitement they experienced througha sector not heavily covered in their coursework: this prestigious event. roofing. Now in its eleventh year, the Roofing AlliancesUriel noted that while roofing was familiar from Annual Construction Management Studenta distance, the competition pushed them into Competition continues to build momentuma much deeper understanding of the layers, and inspire future industry professionals. Held inmaterials and technical aspects involved. This conjunction with the IRE, the 2025 competitioncompetition really makes you dive into the specs took place in San Antonio, Texas, and introducedand understand what the purpose for each roofing students to roofing as a dynamic and rewardinglayer is, he shared. career path. It also provided valuable networkingSeveral team members learned about the opportunities with peers, faculty and Roofingcompetition from previous participants. But this year, Alliance members. it was Uriel who had competed the year before This years competition project, provided by Beldonand acted as a mentor and advocate for the Roofing Company of San Antonio, challengedexperience. The lure of traveling for the competition teams to develop a comprehensive bid proposalwas certainly a bonus but it quickly became clear for the reroofing of the Embassy Suites by Hiltonto the Bradley students that the event offered San Antonio Airport Hotel. Working closely withmuch more, a chance to sharpen skills, deepen contractor mentors, students prepared detailed bidknowledge and expand career horizons. packages that demonstrated project management,When asked about their favorite parts of the estimating and safety skills. Finalists were invited toexperience, the team shared similar sentiments. the IRE to present their proposals live to a panelEthan compared it to a mini senior project that of industry judges. They also attended the Roofingexpanded their academic scope. Erik and others Alliances Welcome Reception, toured the projectemphasized how much they learned, especially site and participated in NRCAs Industry Awards Continued on page 30www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer 29'