ECU’s Kirk receives national Associated General Contractors scholarship
East Carolina University senior construction management student Helena Kirk has received a national scholarship from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) organization.
Helena Kirk
The Associated General Contractors Research and Education Foundation Scholarship provides Kirk $5,000 for tuition and other costs.
“Receiving this scholarship gives me the opportunity to continue growing my education in the classroom as well as the construction industry, and encourages me to become a productive and motivated member of this industry following graduation,” Kirk said. “Watching members of the AGC spread news updates, safety, research and growing information of the industry while helping students grow their education to become successful and educated when entering the industry has been extremely motivating.”
Kirk, who is from Townsend, Delaware, has been involved with ECU’s student chapter of AGC and will serve as its president for 2022-23.
“The student chapter of the AGC here at ECU has been an incredible place to meet other students with similar interests and motivation in being educated and quality leaders for the future of the construction industry,” Kirk said, adding that it also provides students with experience outside of the classroom. “… One of the biggest opportunities found in the AGC is the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and companies that are interested in supporting the next generation of construction leaders, making this a great place to explore job opportunities in the construction industry.”
Kirk said ECU’s chapter receives plenty of support from AGC’s national and regional groups, and is optimistic about the coming year as AGC president.
“One of my main goals as president of the ECU AGC student chapter this year is to make strong connections with industry professionals in construction through networking events to ensure that the leaders and members throughout following years have a solid foundation of support,” she said. “I would also like to establish an organized system for the transfer of power for officers in the chapter to never lose momentum even as some are graduating. This year will be our second year back on campus, and it is going to be incredible.”
Beyond the AGC scholarship, Kirk also received the Service Roofing and Sheet Metal Company $1,000 scholarship for 2022-23.
Heading into her senior year, Kirk said she’s not sure if she wants to go into residential or commercial construction upon graduation, but either way, she knows she made a good choice in deciding to attend ECU.
“The construction management program’s strength compared to other universities is what drew me into ECU,” she said. “I knew that here I would receive a quality education from professionals in the construction industry, and I am extremely grateful that is exactly what I am receiving as a student in this program.”
If interested in the AGC student chapter at ECU, email Kirk at kirkh19@students.ecu.edu.