Construction Management Students Earn National Acclaim at AGC Convention

a group of people at a conference

Wentworth Institute of Technology's Construction Management (CM) program received significant national recognition as nine of its students were awarded scholarships at the 2025 Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) National Convention, held this past week in Columbus, Ohio. 

The significant achievement was celebrated by leaders within Wentworth's School of Management (SOM), including Dean John Cribbs and CM Program Administrator Michael J. D'Agostino, who highlighted the students' dedication and the program's quality. 

A focal point of the convention's opening ceremony was the recognition of Wentworth sophomore Melanie Chaves, recipient of the prestigious Willis Towers Watson Undergraduate Scholarship.  

“I’m deeply honored,” Chaves shared on LinkedIn. “This recognition motivates me to contribute meaningfully to the industry’s evolution and champion diversity in all aspects of construction.” 

Chaves was acknowledged before what organizers noted as the largest audience of national contractors ever assembled for the event.  

two people posing at a conference

Seeing Chaves recognized "alongside her photo and Wentworth Institute of Technology projected on the main screen" was a "moment of immense pride," according to D'Agostino, who accompanied students and scholarship recipients Chaves, Sonia Resha, and Sam Machado, as well as Tallah Ryan (AGC-MA BWiC Young Achiever of the Year) at the conference. He reported receiving widespread positive feedback.  

"Throughout the day, I received kind words from industry professionals, students from other universities, and AGC representatives, all commending the way our students represent themselves, our program, and the engagement we continually have with AGC," he said. 

Having attended the AGC National Convention annually since 2014, D'Agostino emphasized the consistent positive impression Wentworth students make. "Year after year, I continue to hear how impressed they are by the professionalism, preparedness, and character of our students," he said. 

The national recognition for nine students underscores the success of Wentworth's Construction Management program and its strong industry connections. "It’s clear that we are doing something truly meaningful at Wentworth," D'Agostino said. "The success of our students speaks volumes about the work we’ve done together to elevate the CM Program."