Colton TerBeek
Grand Rapids, MI
What is your anticipated graduation date? :
May of 2023
Why did you choose to attend NMU?:
To finish my Construction Management degree, which I started at Michigan State University. Also, I was drawn towards the winter activities that are easily accessible here.
What is your plan for after graduation?:
To work for Christman out of their Grand Rapids Office.
What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?:
To get an internship your freshman year and every year. Also go to the career fair every year and network with as many people as possible.
What would people be surprised to know about you?:
I'm a collegiate cheerleader
What is your favorite memory so far at NMU?:
Building a Sauna for my senior project with the comradery of all the people I get to work with.
What do you find special about Marquette?:
The winter activities available, along with the small town feel with all the big city amenities I was used to from Grand Rapids
What stands out to you about the Construction Management program?:
How direct the teaching is and how hands on the learning is. At the other college I attended I strictly took notes and barely discussed with my professors, but most were Teaching Assistants. Here all are professors are skilled in the industry of construction and teach with a hands-on perspective.
Past Student Spotlights
Trent Schrage, Petoskey, MI
Q: What is your anticipated graduation date? :
A: May of 2023
Q: Why did you choose to attend NMU?:
A: I chose to attend NMU because I had friends going to school up here in the program and felt like it was a lot like Petoskey
Q: What is your plan for after graduation?:
A: I plan on working down in Detroit for Ideal Contracting
Q: What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?
A: Work hard and try new things
Q: What is your favorite memory so far at NMU?
A: Going to all of the sporting events
Q: What do you find special about Marquette?:
A: Being outdoors in the Marquette area
Q: What stands out to you about the Construction Management program?:
A: All of the teachers truly care about you and they want what's best for your future
Garrett Carpenter, Middleville, MI
Q: What is your anticipated graduation date? :
A: December of 2022
Q: Why did you choose to attend NMU?:
A: I chose to attend NMU for all of the outdoor activities that Marquette has to offer and to live in the UP. I also heard great things about the Construction Management program here.
Q: What is your plan for after graduation?:
A: I plan to move back downstate and work for Dykhouse Construction out of Byron Center.
Q: What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?
A: Definitely put yourself out of your comfort zone by trying new things and getting involved. The school, area, and community has so much to offer. The time you have in college goes by way faster than you can imagine and it is important to enjoy it while you can.
Q: What would people be surprised to know about you?:
A: I went skydiving when I was 18
Q: What is your favorite memory so far at NMU?
A: My favorite memory at NMU is when the ice froze perfectly in the lower harbor 2 years in a row and we were able to skate and play hockey around the ore dock.
Q: What do you find special about Marquette?:
A: I enjoy the small town community of Marquette and all of the people I met in my time up here. I love that there is always something to do no matter what the weather is.
Q: What stands out to you about the Construction Management program?:
A: What stands out to me is the support from the faculty and all of the work they put in to help you succeed. The program provides so many opportunities for internships and career exploration that can be located all across the country. These opportunities come from our very own career fair that is held every fall. This is important because it helps you to figure out where you want to take your future while you are in school. Then following these opportunities, come full time offers before you are even graduated.
Jackson Sager, Negaunee, MI
Q: What is your anticipated graduation date? :
A: May of 2024
Q: Why did you choose to attend NMU?:
A: I chose NMU because of the Construction Management program, both of my parents went there, and I know it is a high quality school.
Q: What is your plan for after graduation?:
A: Find work in the Green Bay area and move there.
Q: What advice do you have for incoming freshman?
A: Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things!
Q: What would people be surprised to know about you?:
A: I am really big into hunting
Q: What is your favorite memory so far at NMU?
A: Not necessarily a memory but meeting new people and making new friends.
Q: What do you find special about Marquette?:
A: Marquette to me is like home. I grew up in the area and know Marquette like the back of my hand.
Q: What stands out to you about the Construction Management program?:
A: How much the professors really care about your growth and how they interact with each and every student.
William Jaeger, Dayton, MN
Q: What is your anticipated graduation date? :
A: May of 2023
Q: Why did you choose to attend NMU?:
A: I chose NMU because it has unlimited opportunities to explore the outdoors and make the most of your college experience. The faculty and staff make you feel at home and are always welcoming and enjoyable to be around.
Q: What is your plan for after graduation?:
A: Pursuing a Project Manager position with Hensel Phelps in the Colorado area.
Q: What would people be surprised to know about you?:
A: I started working in construction when I was twelve years old, which has lead me to pursue a career in construction management.
Q: What do you find special about Marquette?:
A: The community is unlike anywhere I have ever been. People are genuine and kind to strangers. There is always something to do and so many people to make meaningful relationships with. Everyone seems to have a unique passion and story and are more than willing to show you. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet a lot of local community members and have gotten to try a lot of new activities because of it.
Q: What stands out to you about the Construction Management program?:
A: Several characteristics stand out to me in the program. Firstly, the teachers make a real and meaningful investment in their students. They will get to know you personally and are always willing to help when asked. The students look out for each other as well, creating a welcoming atmosphere in every class. Everyone is treated with respect and the classroom atmosphere is always reflective of that. The teachers incorporate real-world issues and discussions from their own experiences, making lessons engaging. All the professors in the program are very enjoyable and easy to be around, making the classroom setting open and laid back.
Soren Hanson, Lowell, MI
Q: What is your anticipated graduation date?
A: May 2024
Q: Why did you choose to attend NMU?
A: Because I knew that Northern had a great construction management program, and because of the endless adventures and things to do in Marquette and the U.P.
Q: What stands out to you about the Construction Management Program?:
A: The number one thing that stands out to me is how involved the professors are for the Construction Management Program. They will help you out with whatever you need, and are great at teaching and building that relationship with you. If I need any advice or help with anything construction related, I know they will be help me and work through whatever it is.
Q: What is your plan for after graduation?:
A: My plan for after graduation is go to work for a commercial construction company, managing the build of large scale commercial buildings.
Q: What advice do you have for incoming freshman?:
A: Enjoy what Marquette has to offer! There are so many sweet places and cool things to do around the Marquette area, and many people don't take advantage of that!
Q: What would people be surprised to know about you?
A: I have shot skeet and sporting clays competitively for the last 6 years!
Q: What is your favorite memory so far at NMU?:
A: My favorite memory at NMU so far is probably camping at Little Presque with some of my best friends and seeing the Northern Lights.
Q: What do you find special about Marquette?
A: Marquette in itself is a special place. Everyone there is super friendly, and just the atmosphere of being downtown and seeing all the cool buildings and stores is awesome.
Nathan Brundage, Negaunee Michigan
Q: What is your anticipated graduation date?
A: May of 2024
Q: Why did you choose to attend NMU?
A: Both of my parents attended and now work for NMU so I became very familiar with the university and what it has to offer. I also chose NMU because I wanted to stay in the area I grew up in while still gaining the full college experience.
Q: What is your plan for after graduation?
A: Obtain a full time job in the construction field
Q: What advice do you have for incoming freshman?
A: My advice for incoming freshman would be to take advantage of all of the opportunities the construction management program has to offer. As well as, get out and join different clubs/meet new people.
Q: What would people be surprised to know about you?
A: I can fit my whole fist in my mouth
Q: What do you find special about Marquette?
A: You’re right in the middle of some of the best snowmobiling locations in the Midwest
Q: What is your favorite memory so far at NMU:
A: Gaining new friendships with the guys in the construction management program
Q: What stands out to you about the Construction Management Program?
A: The construction management program wants you to succeed. From professors to students, everybody is trying to help out and is there to answer any questions. The program also offers its own career fair just for CM students. Which provides every student an opportunity to prove themselves and prepares us for the fast paced competitive construction industry.
Robert Rigoni, Kingsford, MI
Q: What is your anticipated graduation date?
A: "December of 2021"
Q: Why did you choose to attend NMU?
A: "Northern is a beautiful school with a great construction program. Additionally, I love what the area has to offer especially in the winter. "
Q: What is your plan for after graduation?
A: "My plan isn't set in stone yet. I want to see where the career fair may lead me. "
Q: What advice do you have for incoming freshman?
A: "Get your experience in the field and have tough skin."
Q: What would people be surprised to know about you?
A: "I enjoy economics and like to follow global events."
Q: What do you find special about Marquette?
A: "The type of infrastructure Marquette has compare to other cities in the area. Also the economy up here along with the ore dock."
Q: What stands out to you about the Construction Management Program?
A: "The teachers. Us students are lucky to have Mike, Evan, Heidi and Jim. They really know what they are talking about and provide great tools for the students."
Nate Thomas, Freeland, MI
Q: What is your anticipated graduation date?
A: "December 2021"
Q: Why did you choose to attend NMU?
A: "I chose NMU because of the amazing Construction Management Program and the ability to be outside and enjoy everything the UP and Marquette has to offer."
Q: What is your plan for after graduation?
A: "I will hopefully find a job that I enjoy. I have accepted an internship with Hensel Phelps out in Colorado for this summer. Hopefully things go well and I might find myself back there full time."
Q: What advice do you have for incoming freshman?
A: "My advice to incoming freshmen would be to take a risk, and get involved. Don't be afraid to try something new. There are many opportunities at college to step outside the box and see what NMU has to offer."
Q: What would people be surprised to know about you?
A: "People would be surprised to know that I had no intentions of attending college after high school."
Q: What is your favorite memory so far at NMU?
A: "My favorite memory at NMU so far would being to explore the outdoors while getting an education in something that I am passionate about."
Q: What do you find special about Marquette?
A: "I find that Marquette always has something to do. Even during the worst weather days, you can always do something adventurous. I enjoy being able to fish in various places that Marquette has to offer."
Q: What stands out to you about the Construction Management Program?
A: "What stands out to me is the ability to learn relevant material related to the Construction Industry. The professors find a way to make learning fun and really push us as students to be better. I found that the class sizes are small enough to allow more one on one learning with the professors. This really allows for a higher standard of learning. Mike, Evan, Heidi, and Jim all show just passionate they are to teach Construction Management everyday."
Charlotte Deyoung, Hartland MI
Q: What is your anticipated graduation date?
A: "December of 2023"
Q: Why did you choose to attend NMU?
A: "I visited with the faculty of NMU's Construction Management program and decided it was a great fit for me. I also love that NMU is surrounded by beaches."
Q: What is your plan for after graduation?
A: "I plan on working my way up as either a project manager or a superintendent (I haven't decided yet), hopefully in a nice sunny state."
Q: What advice do you have for incoming freshman?
A: "Get involved in your program! I have had so many amazing opportunities just by putting myself out there. Also, get to know your professors. They can be an amazing resource, and they love to help out as needed."
Q: What would people be surprised to know about you?
A: "I came into the program with no prior knowledge about construction. I just decided to take a chance, and it ended up working out really well."
Q: What is your favorite memory so far at NMU?
A: "My favorite memory at NMU was going snow-tubing with my friends. It was a free event put on by the school and we had a blast!"
Q: What do you find special about Marquette?
A: "Marquette is beautiful during every season. During the summer you can go to the beach or go cliff jumping. The fall scenery in Marquette is amazing. During the winter you can go sledding, snowmobiling, skiing, etc. There's always something to do."
Q: What stands out to you about the Construction Management Program?
A: "What stands out to me the most about this program is the job opportunities. I believe the Construction Management specific job fair is an amazing part of this program. Being able to have internships is so important as a student."
Nick Hughes, Albuquerque NM
Q: What is your anticipated graduation date?
A: "May of 2021"
Q: Why did you choose to attend NMU?
A: "When I visited NMU, I fell in love with the area. It is the complete opposite of New Mexico and that excited me."
Q: What is your plan for after graduation?
A: "I will be moving out west to start a job with Hensel Phelps. "
Q: What advice do you have for incoming freshman?
A: "Apply yourself in your classes and get involved early. It's easy to think that four years is a lot of time, however it flies by. Join the NMC and get comfortable with the CM program as a whole."
Q: What is your favorite memory so far at NMU?
A: "My favorite memory is making the countless trips up 550 with my friends to take advantage of the surrounding area. That involves hiking, cliff jumping, hanging at the beach, sledding, snowshoeing, etc."
Q: What do you find special about Marquette?
A: "Marquette is special because the people combined with the environmental setting, makes it really easy to live here. It's easy to form strong relationships with the people you meet and work with."
Q: What stands out to you about the Construction Management Program?
A: "The CM program does a good job of taking a diverse pool of students (background, industry experience, geographic location, etc.), and producing class after class of graduates that are well prepared to enter the industry. The program provides endless opportunities to grow as students and as future construction managers. Additionally, it is a tight knit program that carries a strong sense of loyalty and genuineness."
Ryan Pietila, Hartland MI
Q: What is your anticipated graduation date?
A: "May of 2021"
Q: Why did you choose to attend NMU?
A: "Because of the great Construction Management program"
Q: What is your plan for after graduation?
A: "I plan on working for Blattner Energy."
Q: What advice do you have for incoming freshman?
A: "Enjoy your time in school, it goes fast"
Q: What would people be surprised to know about you?
A: "That I am graduating with a four year degree"
Q: What do you find special about Marquette?
A: "All the great places to fish for steelhead"
Q: What stands out to you about the Construction Management Program?
A: "What stands out to me the most about this program is the ability to get a full time job before you graduate."
Raija Stille, Ishpeming MI
Q: What is your anticipated graduation date?
A: "May of 2023"
Q: Why did you choose to attend NMU?
A: "I've grown up around Marquette and always knew about NMU. I often went to sports events and other activities and knew I was going to end up here. I guess you could say I was always a wildcat!"
Q: What is your plan for after graduation?
A: "Hopefully, I get a position as a Project Engineer and work my way up somewhere outside of the U.P. With living here all of my life, I really want to explore other areas and see what else is out there."
Q: What advice do you have for incoming freshman?
A: "Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. I stepped out of mine when I decided to join the CM program and I never regretted it. College is a new experience and can be scary but you have the resources to make your transition easy. Learn as much as you can and have fun!"
Q: What would people be surprised to know about you?
A: "In high school, I wanted to take more trades-based classes before joining the CM program so I took a welding class where I was 1 out of 3 girls. The class had approximately 20 students. I ended up loving it. To this day, it is still one of my favorite classes I have ever taken."
Q: What is your favorite memory so far at NMU?
A: "I loved going to the hockey games! Cheering with the student section and band is so fun. I also really enjoyed the Women in Construction day put on by the CM program. I went to WIC day in high school and to be able to tell girls who were once in my position about my experience coming in to the program and the different aspects of the construction industry was truly special."
Q: What do you find special about Marquette?
A: "The scenery. MQT is beautiful any time of the year. Fall here is my favorite, the colors are gorgeous. There is no place quite like it. My favorite place to find the best view is on Sugarloaf Mountain."
Q: What stands out to you about the Construction Management Program?
A: "The professors. Jim, Mike, Heidi and Evan are great. The class sizes are smaller so you get a more in-depth learning experience and you are able to build a closer relationship with your professors. They offer great guidance and help whenever it is needed especially when finding opportunities for internships and/or full-time jobs."
Jacob Golab, Clarkston MI
Q: What is your anticipated graduation date?
A: "May of 2022"
Q: Why did you choose to attend NMU?
A: "I've always loved the U.P. and knew I wanted to go to school up here. I came to NMU for the adventure and all the opportunity's it has to offer."
Q: What is your plan for after graduation?
A: "First I'm gonna hike the U.P. section of northern trail. After that I'd like to end up with a bigger company that will have me traveling across the country in their self perform division."
Q: What advice do you have for incoming freshman?
A: "My advice to incoming freshman is don't feel like you need outside experience, of course it doesn't hurt but this program will teach you a lot and will provide opportunity's for you to learn outside of class."
Q: What would people be surprised to know about you?
A: "Something surprising about me is when I came into NMU as a freshman I was a photography major, and photography is still a passion of mine."
Q: What is your favorite memory so far at NMU?
A: "I have many favorite memories at NMU, but one of my all time favorites was last winter when I went to the ore dock while the harbor was frozen over. Some friends and I went there at night and took some photos of the ore dock with sparks flying in front of it."
Q: What do you find special about Marquette?
A: "When I used to call friends at other schools I would ask what they would do for fun and all they could tell me is party. In Marquette we go hiking, camping, fishing, hunting and of course a little partying. I find Marquette special because we have all these opportunity's to go out and do fun memorable things."
Q: What stands out to you about the Construction Management Program?
A: "The faculty is what stands out to me about the construction management program. Mike, Evan, Jim, Heide, and Kate all care about us students. It really feels like they know us and what's going on in our lives, they will do everything in their power to keep us on a successful path. I know this sounds like brown nosing but the NMU construction management program is the best program on campus and everyone that joins this program will feel welcome."
Megan Antal, Dearborn Heights MI
Q: What is your anticipated graduation date?
A: May of 2021
Q: Why did you choose to attend NMU?
A: "I chose NMU because I love the outdoors and scenic views which Marquette has lots of! When I visited the school and seen the campus and how wonderful the people were, I knew it was the school for me."
Q: What is your plan for after graduation?
A: "I've been applying to companies for a full-time position after graduation. Currently I have an internship with First Contracting throughout this last semester."
Q: What advice do you have for incoming freshman?
A: "Remember that you are here to learn, but have fun at the same time!"
Q: What would people be surprised to know about you?
A: "That I have been to Iceland!"
Q: What is your favorite memory so far at NMU?
A: "When Angela Kinsey from the Office came to campus and I got to meet her!"
Q: What do you find special about Marquette?
A: "I find that the community is very special. Everyone is so nice and willing to help you when in need."
Q: What stands out to you about the Construction Management Program?
A: "What stands out is how involved the professors get with their students. They really do want us to succeed and are willing to help any chance they can. They do their best to actually prepare us for our field."
Julie Tokarz, Adrian MI
Q: What is your anticipated graduation date?
A: May of 2022
Q: Why did you choose to attend NMU?
A: I chose NMU because of the location. I love to hike, hammock, and go to the beach. I love being able to drive along the shoreline after a long day of classes.
Q: What stands out to you about the Construction Management Program?:
A: The immersive experiences we get from the Construction Management program is one of a kind. Being able to go on site visits, have guest lectures from community members, the career fair, and other real life experiences are some of my favorite things about the program!
Q: What is your plan for after graduation?:
A: After graduation, I plan to join a large construction company, hopefully focused on alternative energy. I'm looking forward to traveling around the country working on different projects.
Q: What advice do you have for incoming freshman?:
A: Be a sponge! Try and absorb as much as you possibly can in the classroom and don't be afraid to ask questions. The faculty at NMU want to see you succeed and care about you as an individual which is really great and motivating!
Q: What would people be surprised to know about you?
A: I hate peanut butter.
Q: What is your favorite memory so far at NMU?:
A: Hiking Hogback Mountain for the first time and seeing all of the fall colors!
Q: What do you find special about Marquette?
A: Being able to meet so many different kinds of people from all over the place!
Q: What stands out to you about the Construction Management Program?
A: The immersive experiences we get from the Construction Management program is one of a kind. Being able to go on site visits, have guest lectures from community members, the career fair, and other real life experiences are some of my favorite things about the program!
Connor Bruinius, Ada MI
Q: What is your anticipated graduation date?
A: "May of 2021"
Q: Why did you choose to attend NMU?
A: "I came up here initially for Football. However, it didn’t take long for me to realize how much this place has to offer. The people up here and outdoors made my experience at NMU all I could have ever hoped for. "
Q: What is your plan for after graduation?
A: "I am moving to Dallas in late May to work in the Construction field as a Project Engineer."
Q: What advice do you have for incoming freshman?
A: "First of all, take advantage of everything there is to do here. Second, make sure you plan out your workload so your last semester you don’t have to take the most credits."
Q: What would people be surprised to know about you?
A: "I am bilingual."
Q: What is your favorite memory so far at NMU?
A: "Beating Wayne State in football my sophomore year."
Q: What do you find special about Marquette?
A: "I can drive 10-15 minutes and be out in the woods hunting, fishing or snowmobiling. You can’t do that just anywhere."
Q: What stands out to you about the Construction Management Program?
A: "The professors. They want to see everyone succeed and do more than what is expected of them to make sure that happens."