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.

CAD Technician Joins AR Engineering Team

Stephanie Putt joined the AR Engineering team in September 2022 as a CAD Technician. She is currently working on her AAS Degree in Engineering Technology from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Prior to joining the team at AR Engineering, she worked two jobs to help put her daughter through college at Albion.  Stephanie is a Kalamazoo native and enjoys cooking, hiking and watching hockey.