RWU Construction Management Students Win International Design and Build Competition

November 11, 2026By Kelly Brinza

Roger Williams University Construction Management students celebrate their first-place finish in the Design and Build competition at the 2026 Associated Schools of Construction Region 8 International Student Competition in Dublin, Ireland. The students competed as a team with peers from the University of Limerick.

DUBLIN - Roger Williams University students majoring in Construction Management teamed up with peers from the University of Limerick to earn first place in the Design and Build competition at the 2026 Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Region 8 International Student Competition in Dublin, Ireland.

Held earlier this month, the competition featured seven teams representing universities from the United States and abroad. The RWU and University of Limerick students distinguished themselves through their technical knowledge, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Representing RWU were seniors Emily Maines of Ashford, Conn., Olivia Rynne of Braintree, Mass., Grace Tarro of Barrington, R.I., and Gian Tortolani of Johnston, R.I. They competed alongside University of Limerick teammates Darragh Shinnors and Emily O'Regan.

Associate Professor of Construction Management and Construction Management Program Coordinator Anne Anderson coached and supported the team throughout the competition. Director of Operations and Adjunct Professor of Construction Management Jim Dorothy provided logistical support to help make the international experience possible.

The achievement reflects the contributions of faculty and staff across RWU's Construction Management program, the School of Engineering, Computing, and Construction Management (SECCM), and the University, whose teaching and mentorship helped prepare the students for the challenge.

The competition gave students an opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in an international setting while strengthening the collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills essential to the construction management industry.

The first-place finish highlights the value of RWU's hands-on approach to education, where students put classroom knowledge into practice while building the skills and experience needed for their future careers.