Northern Michigan University 2017 construction management graduate Matt VanDenAvond has returned to his alma mater in a professional capacity to work on two major facilities projects that will serve future generations of Wildcats: the recently completed Phase I Harden Hall renovation; and two new apartment complexes being built on Presque Isle Avenue.
VanDenAvond enthusiastically endorses the quality of Northern's construction management program and how well it prepared him for his career.
“They really set you up nicely for what comes next,” he said. “The faculty go out of their way to make sure you understand not just the textbook side of construction management, but what the job actually looks like in the field—how to communicate with subcontractors, manage a schedule and solve problems when something unexpected comes up. You're not walking into your first job guessing. You feel ready to handle a variety of responsibilities and situations.”
That preparation paid off immediately after graduation. VanDenAvond joined Rockford Construction, headquartered in Grand Rapids, as a superintendent. His first assignment brought him right back to Marquette to work on the new Meijer store. Because Rockford is contracted for all new Meijer construction, VandenAvond traveled extensively for six years after the Marquette build for two similar projects in Wisconsin and four in Ohio.
“I was mostly doing large commercial construction, which involves big steel structures, a lot of concrete and tight schedules,” he said. “You learn quickly how important coordination is. On those jobs, there are so many moving parts that if one piece falls behind, everything feels it. It really sharpened my ability to think ahead and stay organized.
“Eventually, my work with Rockford led me back to Northern. I love this campus and the community. My degree has allowed me to do everything post-graduation that I've ever wanted to do. It's also where I met my wife, Wren Ward. She earned her teaching degree here and now teaches second grade in Negaunee. To be able to come back and work on buildings that are going to be part of Northern students' daily lives, that means something to me. It feels like I'm giving back in a very tangible way.”
The Harden Hall renovation allowed VanDenAvond to help modernize existing campus space. Now, working as superintendent for Stevens Construction Corp. on the apartment complexes rising from the pavement along Presque Isle Avenue, he's managing a different kind of challenge.
“Most of my background has been in commercial construction, with steel and concrete,” he explained. “These apartments are wood-framed, which changes the way you approach the build. The sequencing is different, the coordination is different and even the way you think about weather impacts is different. It's been a learning experience, but that's one of the things I enjoy about this field; every project teaches you something new.”
This winter has tested that adaptability. He said heavy snowfall has complicated efforts to enclose the structures and keep crews on schedule.
“Trying to put up walls in a winter like this is no small task,” he said. “You're constantly watching the forecast, adjusting timelines and making sure materials are protected and crews can work safely. It definitely adds a layer of difficulty. But we're making steady progress. We just put the tower crane up for the second building, and we're getting ready to start setting panels. Seeing it all come together is rewarding.”
For VanDenAvond, the work is more than just another assignment. It's a continuation of his connection to Northern and to the Marquette community he now calls home.
“If I could keep working on campus, I would,” he said. “This place shaped my career and my life. Being able to help build its future is pretty special.”