SOUTHFIELD, Mich.—Lawrence Technological University has been named Michigan’s only student chapter of the American Concrete Institute, a designation announced April 14 at the Greater Michigan Chapter of ACI monthly meeting, Pushing Boundaries in Bridge Engineering: The Second Avenue Network Arch Bridge.
The designation places LTU within a global network of more than 350 ACI student chapters across 120 countries, connecting students directly to the standards, research, and professionals shaping the future of infrastructure.
“This designation puts our students in the room with the people shaping the future of infrastructure,” said Nishantha Bandara, PhD, PE, director of the LTU Concrete Technology and Management program. “It gives them early exposure to real challenges, real projects, and the expectations of the profession, which is exactly how you prepare engineers to lead.”
ACI, headquartered in Farmington Hills, Mich., is a leading global authority on concrete design, materials, and construction. The ACI student chapter program connects students directly to the profession through faculty-led chapters that operate as extensions of local ACI organizations. Students take an active role in organizing technical meetings, hosting industry speakers, and leading outreach efforts that reflect real-world practice. They also compete in national events, present research, and engage with industry leaders at ACI conventions. The program serves as a vital pipeline for developing future engineers and advancing concrete knowledge and innovation across the built environment.
“ACI student chapters are where future engineers begin to engage with the profession in meaningful ways,” said Kanette Worlds, coordinator, ACI Student, Faculty, and Young Professionals Activities. “Programs like LTU’s play an important role in connecting students to the knowledge, networks, and experiences that shape the future of the industry.”
As the only ACI student chapter in Michigan, LTU offers students a direct pipeline to industry leaders, technical resources, and national and international competitions.
“This chapter connects our students directly to the leaders and technologies driving the industry forward,” said Elin Jensen, PhD, chair of the LTU Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering. “It also challenges them to think bigger about their role in solving complex infrastructure problems.”
The ACI designation reinforces LTU’s focus on hands-on learning, industry collaboration, and preparing graduates to lead in the built environment.
Hunter Nocock, a sophomore in the LTU Concrete Technology and Management, is excited to support the ACI designation as president of the LTU ACI student chapter.
“We are not just learning about concrete,” he said. “We are working with the people and ideas shaping the industry. It is giving us real experience, real confidence, and a clear sense of the impact we can make.”
Lawrence Technological University is one of only 13 independent, technological, comprehensive doctoral universities in the United States. Located in Southfield, Mich., LTU was founded in 1932 and offers more than 100 programs through its Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Engineering, and Health Sciences, as well as Specs@LTU as part of its growing Center for Professional Development. PayScale lists Lawrence Tech among the nation’s top 10 percent of universities for alumni salaries. Forbes and The Wall Street Journal rank LTU among the nation’s top 10 percent. U.S. News & World Report lists it in the top tier of the best Midwest colleges. Students benefit from small class sizes and a real-world, hands-on, “theory and practice” education with an emphasis on leadership. Activities on Lawrence Tech’s 107-acre campus include more than 60 student organizations and NAIA varsity sports.
The American Concrete Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the leading global authority for the development, dissemination, and adoption of its consensus-based standards, technical resources, and educational, training, and certification programs. Founded in 1904, ACI is headquartered in Farmington Hills, Mich., with a regional office in Dubai, UAE, and Resource Centers located in Southern California, the Midwest (Chicago, Ill. area), and the Mid-Atlantic (Baltimore, Md. area). ACI has more than 90 chapters, more than 350 student chapters, and approximately 40,000 members spanning more than 120 countries. The American Concrete Institute – Always advancing®. Visit concrete.org for additional information.