The Roofing Alliance selected a team from Auburn University, Auburn, Ala., as the first-place winner of its 12th construction management student competition after hearing oral presentations from the finalist teams Jan. 21 during the 2026 International Roofing Expo® in Las Vegas. Winners were announced during the NRCA 2026 Industry Awards and Reception Jan. 21 in Las Vegas.
Members of the winning team were Madi Goodwin, Heather Henderson, Patrick Johnson, Graham Roh (team captain) and Ashwin Varadhan.
The team from University of Florida, Gainesville, placed second in the competition. Team members were Nicholas Fredette, Tyler Isaacson, Sophia Petrandis, Rylee Rauktis (team captain) and Christian Walker.
The team from Clemson University, Clemson, S.C., placed third in the competition. Team members were Drake Hamlin, Sean Linnane, Remi Nguyen (team captain), Ben Reynolds and Grant Thomas.
Additionally, Remi Nguyen from Clemson University received the first-place award for Best Individual Student Presenter, and Sophia Petrandis from University of Florida received the second-place award for Best Individual Student Presenter.
Twelve teams competed in the student competition, and four were selected as finalists to present live at IRE. The four finalist teams were: Auburn University; Clemson University; Colorado State University, Fort Collins; and University of Florida.
This year, the teams were tasked with submitting a qualified bid package for the Cannery Casino Hotel in Las Vegas. Teams researched the chosen project; submitted a qualified bid package proposal; and provided an oral presentation to illustrate their roofing, project management, estimating and safety knowledge.
The first-place team received a team trophy, a $5,000 L.B. Conway scholarship for its school and individual awards. The second-place team received a team trophy, a $2,500 Fred Good scholarship for their school and individual awards. The third-place team received a team trophy, a $1,000 scholarship for their school and individual awards.
The first-place Best Individual Student Presenter received a $300 gift card, and the second-place Best Individual Student Presenter received a $200 gift card.
For more information about the Roofing Alliance student competition, contact Jessica Priske, the Roofing Alliance’s director, at (800) 323-9545, ext. 7517 or jpriske@nrca.net.
