Volunteer Spotlight: TheProject2025 – WMPMI Collegiate Competition
ARE is proud to celebrate Whitney Pizzala for returning as a mentor at TheProject2025, a dynamic collegiate project management competition hosted by the Project Management Institute – Western Michigan Chapter (WMPMI).
This annual event challenges university students to apply real-world project management principles by developing and presenting comprehensive project plans. Whitney had the honor of mentoring a talented team from Western Michigan University, who showcased their skills and teamwork during their presentation.
Congratulations to the WMU team—and a big shoutout to Whitney for her continued dedication to mentoring the next generation of project leaders. Go Broncos!
Project Spotlight – UniFirst Corporation Expansion 📍Owensboro, Kentucky
ARE is proud to work with UniFirst Corporation on another project for the expansion of their distribution and fulfillment center in Owensboro, KY. This exciting project adds 109,000 square feet to the existing facility—bringing the total footprint to nearly 469,000 square feet to support UniFirst’s growing customer base. Working alongside Robert Brown Architects, ARE provided comprehensive civil engineering services, including:
Site grading and drainage design
Stormwater management
Utility design and coordination
Permitting with local and state agencies
🚧 The official groundbreaking ceremony took place on March 27, 2025, marking the start of construction. Whitney Pizzala, the civil engineer for the project, proudly represented ARE at the event. Construction is now underway and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. We are excited to be part of a project that supports growth for the local community!
AR Engineering had the privilege of attending the 60th Engineering & Surveying Excellence Awards Gala in March at the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Experience in Kalamazoo. The Engineering and Surveying Excellence Awards Gala, an ACEC/Michigan hallmark celebrating it’s 60th year, is the A/E Industry’s chance to honor member firms for design achievements of superior skill and ingenuity. Outstanding projects and industry leaders were recognized, along with the presentation of the annual scholarships to the next generation of engineering talent.
The ASCE-WMU Student Roundtable Event is an event AR Engineering looks forward to attending every year. Students are invited to engage with local businesses in the construction and engineering industries and companies set up informational tables and share insights into their work with students. This year’s event was a great success and while the free pizza may have attracted attendees, it was the engaging conversations and valuable networking opportunities that kept them there.
AR Engineering participated in the Consumers’ Concrete New Block Production Facility Tour, an event that was hosted by the local ASCE branch. This event began with a brief presentation of the, followed by a guided tour of the new 37,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility, showing the processes in which concrete masonry units, segmental retaining wall units and paver are produced.
The team at AR Engineering participated in the first annual spring ASCE Southwestern Michigan Branch / WMU Student Chapter golf outing to provide valuable financial resources to support WMU Civil Engineering. The proceeds fund the WMU scholarship program and the Concrete Canoe, Steel Bridge and Timber Strong Teams. The team golfed at Angles Crossing Golf Club. After a short rain it turned into a beautiful day for the event. The AR team held their own and finished third for the event! Besides supporting a great cause, this outing was a great opportunity to connect with clients, colleagues and future civil engineers.
