Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors Presentation

Dustin Thornton, P.S. presented to the student chapter of the Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors (MSPS) Burt and Mullett on January 24, 2023. Eighteen students heard Dustin share the history of AR Engineering, talk about the equipment used and listen as he discussed some of the pros and cons experienced during the start-up of our survey department. The students enjoyed pizza provided by AR Engineering, asked questions, talked about equipment they have used and shared if they were interested in a summer internship that could potentially lead to full-time employment.  The 2023 MSPS Conference begins tomorrow and Dustin plans to connect with some of these students, in follow-up to the presentation, about potential internship opportunities.

Western Michigan University Concrete Canoe Team

AR Engineering and Western Michigan University (WMU) Alumni joined the WMU Concrete Canoe Team at its casting day on February 4, 2023.  After several years without a team during the pandemic, AR Engineering helped gather former concrete canoe alumni to re-establish the team.  Several staff from AR Engineering and other alumni worked with students in preparation for casting day and the conference. Casting day was a tremendous success due to the assistance from alumni and the dedication and drive of the current students. This was another great opportunity for AR Engineering to give back to WMU.  The WMU Concrete Canoe Team is attending the ASCE Eastern Great Lakes Student Conference hosted by Wayne State University on March 30-April 1, 2023.  Go Broncos!

2023 Ice Breaker Fest - South Haven

AR Engineering staff participated in the annual Ice Breaker Fest in downtown South Haven in early February, and you may have seen our impressive cardboard construction barrel on the sledding hill. In a team building challenge, AR staff entered the annual sled race which turned out to be quite a fun and educational undertaking. The rules were simple - you could use only cardboard, glue and tape.  The sled design was creative, taking 2nd place in the design category, but fare so well when it was heaved down the hill. Thanks to our captain, Stephanie, for piloting and hopefully next year we give her a better ride.

2023 NAWIC Block Kids Competition

On February 4, 2023 AR Engineering participated in judging the National Association of Women in Construction’s (NAWIC), Block Kids Competition.  Students in Kindergarten through 6th Grade have the opportunity to build something with Legos and present it to be judged. The time limit is one hour and they can build any non-living thing they want.  Once again the judges were blown away by the creativity and the future of engineering is bright with the ingenuity of these kids!

2022 Christmas Party

AR Engineering gathered in early December for our annual Christmas party.  After a delicious dinner in Grand Rapids, we walked to VanAndel Arena to watch the Grand Rapids Griffins battle it out against the Texas Stars.  Although, the home team didn’t get the W, there were a few pucks that reached the net, a couple of great blocked shots and a few on-ice scuffles!  We even tried to get Red to suit up to relieve the Griffin’s goalie.