Finalist teams announced for Roofing Alliance 12th annual Student Competition

Roofing professionals are invited to watch the four teams compete during the International Roofing Expo® this January in Las Vegas. 

The Roofing Alliance has announced the four finalist teams selected to compete in its 12th Annual Construction Management Student Competition. The teams will present their project proposals live during the International Roofing Expo® (IRE) on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, beginning at 8 a.m. in room W211–W212 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, where they will be evaluated by a panel of industry judges. 

The schools participating in the competition are:

• Auburn University – Team members: Madi Goodwin, Heather Henderson, Patrick Johnson, Graham Roh (team captain) and Ashwin Varadhan; faculty advisor: Dr. Kenneth Sands; team mentor: Paige Harvill, Nations Roof
• Clemson University - Team members: Drake Hamlin, Sean Linnane, Remi Nguyen (team captain), Ben Reynolds and Grant Thomas; faculty advisor: Dr. Dhaval Gajjar; team mentor: Will Fort, Bone Dry Roofing
• Colorado State University - Team members: Brandon Gallis (team captain), Kathleen Henneuse, Thomas Parrott and Rafael Serrano-Talavera; faculty advisor: Professor Nick Rubino; team mentor: Kent Nelson, Front Range Roofing Systems
• University of Florida - Team members: Nicholas Fredette, Tyler Isaacson, Sophia Petrandis, Rylee Rauktis (team captain) and Christian Walker; faculty advisor: Professor James Sullivan; team mentor: Caleb Stauss, Big D Roofing

The competition project, provided by Commercial Roofers Inc., Las Vegas, challenges teams to create a comprehensive bid proposal for the Cannery Casino and Hotel. Teams researched the chosen project, submitted a qualified bid package proposal and will provide an oral presentation to illustrate their roofing, project management, estimating and safety knowledge. The winning teams and presenters will be recognized on stage during the NRCA Industry Awards and Reception on January 21 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

To register for the Student Competition, visit the International Roofing Expo’s website. For more information about the Roofing Alliance initiatives, contact Alison L. LaValley, CAE, executive director, at alavalley@nrca.net or visit roofingalliance.net.

About the Roofing Alliance

The Roofing Alliance serves as the catalyst for industry innovation, bringing together more than 200 leaders who are dedicated to shaping roofing’s future. With commitments exceeding $18 million, the Alliance funds essential research and training, advances education through initiatives like the roofing minor, fosters workforce development, supports scholarships and leads impactful philanthropic efforts including its partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities®.