CSU-Pueblo grads build lasting impact on alma mater

PUEBLO - Two recent Colorado State University-Pueblo graduates have found themselves back on campus, not as students, but as leaders on projects that will improve the landscape of their alma mater.

Pueblo native Vinnie Mattivi, A12, is serving as Nunn Construction's project manager on the expansion and renovation of the Occhiato University Center, while Patrick Vigil, A15, is an Engineer in Training (EIT) with the Colorado Department of Transportation, which is constructing a new deck and upgraded sidewalks on the Bonforte Bridge at the entrance to campus as well as resurfacing State Highway 47, which is the main access road to the University.

Vigil said his job entails civil engineering design and management of various highway projects for which he creates a design, produces the construction plan sheets and project specifications; he then collaborates with specialty groups within CDOT to address problems and obtain appropriate clearances. He is serving as designer and project manager for pre-construction activities for the Bonforte bridge project, including creating the design for the plan set and project special provisions, and coordinating all clearances. In order not to affect the University on one of its busiest days, the bridge will re-open fully on Monday morning (Aug. 22), just in time for the first day of classes.

According to Vigil, pedestrians can now feel safer crossing over the highway as the new deck will have 5 1/2 foot sidewalks with pedestrian fencing and enhanced curb ramps. For drivers, the new deck and approach work will offer a much smoother ride.

A graduate of Pueblo County High and CSU-Pueblo's industrial engineering program, Vigil said he felt well prepared to tackle the bridge project.

";My education taught me problem solving skills, the importance of being socially inclined while communicating with stakeholders, and finding economic design solutions to problems using both math & science," he said. ";It has also prepared me for my career by teaching me how to work hard and to never give up when times are stressful."

";It's a rewarding feeling to know that I am making an impact on not only the CSU-Pueblo campus but the city of Pueblo," Vigil said. ";I feel really blessed and appreciative that I got the opportunity to do my first design project here."

Mattivi currently is working on phase one of the OUC project, the 24,000-square-foot expansion that precedes a major renovation of the original building that was completed in 1974. The OUC project is one of three major funding priorities for the CSU-Pueblo Foundation's On the Move campaign. Of the campaign's $25 million goal, $5 million will help fund the OUC expansion/renovation, with the remaining $30 million covered by student fees.

Phase One includes construction of a new ballroom and food service addition to the east of the existing building and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Phase Two, involving complete renovation of the entire existing 110,000-square-foot OUC building, will run from December 2016 through March of 2018. The entire existing building, all three levels, will be completely remodeled with a new bookstore, new modern dining facility with "mini-restaurant" themes for variety, all new student lounges, student group spaces with high visibility on the main floor, and new entrances at the south and west.

In his four years with Nunn Construction and since learning the foundation of the industry through the University's Construction Management program, Mattivi has built everything from an alternative school in Fountain and a fire station to a BMW dealership.

But no project has brought him such satisfaction as giving back to his alma mater. His normal day on the OUC project involves drawing up subcontractor contracts and insuring that work is progressing in alignment with architectural drawings and proposed schedule.

";It's nice to be able to say I graduated from here but even better to have been able to hire three interns and two permanent employees from the CM program for the project," he said.

Colorado State University - Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.