Building Bridges or Ski Lifts: The Partnership Between Texas A&M’s Department of Construction Science and Doppelmayr
The Department of Construction Science at Texas A&M University takes pride in its commitment to preparing students for the dynamic construction industry. A shining example of this dedication is the department’s partnership with Doppelmayr Garaventa Group. This Austria-based company is the world leader specializing in designing and constructing ski lifts, gondolas, and cable car or conveyance systems. Its headquarters are in Salt Lake City, with projects that include multiple ski lifts in various states, the gondolas at Disney resorts, the Hogwarts Express at Universal Studios Florida, and the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Doppelmayr is the world leader in ropeway transportation, and its collaboration with Texas A&M is a testament to the strong ties between academia and industry.
A Strong Connection: From Student to Professional
One of the most significant milestones in this partnership was hiring Tyler Stivers, a Texas A&M graduate from the Class of 2021. As Doppelmayr’s first hire from the Construction Science program, Stivers has since taken on the role of general manager in Salt Lake City. His journey from the classroom to the boardroom exemplifies the potential for Aggie graduates to excel in the construction sector. Under his leadership, Doppelmayr joined Texas A&M’s national leading Construction Industry Advisory Council (CIAC) in 2022, solidifying the company’s commitment to engaging with the university and its students.
Impactful Internships and Career Opportunities
In just two years of collaboration, Doppelmayr has significantly impacted the Construction Science program at Texas A&M. The company has provided invaluable opportunities for students, hiring more than 30 interns and five full-time employees. These internships provide students with hands-on experience in various states, including Utah, Colorado, Montana, Idaho, New Mexico, Maine, West Virginia, New York, and Quebec, Canada.
This partnership enhances the educational journey of Texas A&M students and contributes to the workforce in the construction industry, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges.
A Legacy of Excellence
The collaboration between Texas A&M University and Doppelmayr Garaventa Group is a model of how partnerships between educational institutions and industry leaders can foster growth and innovation. More than 35 Aggies have worked or are currently working on the construction of ski lifts and cable systems across the country, illustrating the far-reaching impact of the Construction Science program and the versatility of its students.
As the Department of Construction Science continues cultivating relationships with industry leaders like Doppelmayr, the future looks bright for its students and the broader construction community. Together, they are building infrastructure and shaping the industry’s future.
Gig ’em, Aggies! Here’s to building a brighter future, one lift at a time.
