Press Releases

Messer Construction Co. Announces Support for University of Dayton Minority Engineering Program

(July 13, 2009)  Dayton, Ohio [July 13, 2009] – Messer Construction Co. announces support for the University of Dayton (UD) School of Engineering’s Minority Engineering Program with a $20,000 contribution for the 2009 Summer Bridge program.

The program provides orientation and instruction for incoming minority students who will be majoring in engineering and is designed to help them “bridge” the transition from high school to college. Participants spend one week on campus during the summer taking preparatory classes and getting introduced and acclimated to the campus, faculty, and each other.

“The Bridge Program has helped improved student retention as well as graduation rates,” said Laura Bistrek, director of Women and Minority Engineering Programs at UD. “It helps address many of the issues that college students face prior to their arrival on campus. Easing those transitions helps students be better prepared both academically and socially.”

The program will take place July 19-25. One of the highlights of the week will be a dinner program hosted by Messer. The event will be an opportunity for the students to interact with professionals in the construction and engineering fields, which will illustrate the career opportunities that their engineering degrees will provide.

“This program helps ensure a consistent flow of qualified new talent to our workforce,” said Allen Begley, vice president of Messer. “In addition, diversity and economic inclusion are key components of Messer’s business strategy and the Summer Bridge program is a great fit for that. We have been supporters and partners with the University of Dayton for many years and we’re pleased to extend that relationship.”

The Messer office opened in Dayton in 1999, employs nearly 100 people, and works with dozens of local subcontractors to complete complex commercial construction projects worth millions of dollars annually. In 2008, Messer received the prestigious Eclipse Award from the Dayton Better Business Bureau, signifying trust and excellence in the marketplace.

About Messer Construction Co.
Messer Construction Co. is a regional construction manager and general contractor providing leadership for complex commercial building projects in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee. Founded in 1932, Messer has built a premier reputation through outstanding construction experiences and value with a focus on healthcare, higher education, and senior living. An employee-owned company, Messer ranks nationally as one of the Top 100 largest contractors as well as a Top 40 green contractor. Messer was honored with the 2009 International Torch Award for Marketplace Excellence by the Council of Better Business Bureaus for superior commitment to exceptional standards that benefit customers, employees, suppliers and surrounding communities. In 2008, Messer put in place approximately $670 million in commercial construction.

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