Will Snitzer

Will Snitzer’s reason for coming to Arizona State University to study construction management and technology came from the practicality of a short commute.

“I chose to attend ASU because I planned to commute from Mesa. Fortunately, a world-class university was a 20-minute drive away,” Snitzer says.

Initially uncertain about what degree he wanted to pursue, Snitzer found his major on the ASU advising website under the “Cool Majors” section. He was surprised by the program’s unique feature of two full-time internships in the construction industry, but found it provided him an invaluable hands-on experience.

Snitzer’s realization that this program was for him came during a concrete materials course that combined science and construction. Impressed by the planning and engineering that goes into everyday structures like sidewalks, he found the course insightful and inspiring for its explanation on complex structures.

The Outstanding Graduate’s proudest achievements include leading ASU student organizations and placing first in the Heavy Civil category at the Associated Schools of Construction, or ASC, competition in Reno, Nevada. He demonstrated his leadership skills through his involvement in student clubs like the American Concrete Institute Student Chapter and the Associated General Contractors Student Club, for which Snitzer served as president and vice president, respectively.

Snitzer says Associate Professors James Ernzen and Aaron Cohen played a crucial role as mentors. By encouraging Snitzer to get involved in student organizations, Ernzen helped Snitzer meet Cohen at an ASC competition. 

“Dr. James Ernzen was my first mentor in the program,” Snitzer says. “We met in a hybrid course, and he was one of the professors who made attending in-person classes worthwhile.”

“Aaron delivers material and advice clearly and concisely and will go out of his way to make sure every student has what they need to succeed,” he says.

Following graduation, Snitzer plans to stay in Arizona and work with a general contracting company to build water and wastewater treatment plants. Snitzer excels in workplace process improvements, and he looks forward to the challenges that come his way.

Engineering is not just a degree but a lifestyle, Snitzer says. He’s eager to be a part of the workforce that provides essential infrastructure to the community.

“Engineering was my life for the past four years and is presumably my life for the next 40 years,” Snitzer says. “It’s the keystone of the built environment and I am happy to be a part of it.”

Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ Fall 2023 class here.