Cleveland State University (CSU) is excited to launch its new Bachelor of Science in Construction Management to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in Northeast Ohio’s thriving construction industry. The University is also pleased to celebrate engineering leader Marianne Corrao ’88 with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Both the program and Corrao’s successful career will be highlighted at CSU’s Engineering Open House & Distinguished Alumni Celebration on Thursday, Nov. 21.

Meeting the needs of Northeast Ohio
The Construction Management program will be housed within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at CSU’s Washkewicz College of Engineering, having met the rigorous accreditation standards set forth by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

“Construction managers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of major construction projects,” said Richard Schoephoerster, Ph.D., dean of the Washkewicz College of Engineering. “By equipping our students with both essential technical expertise and advanced managerial skills, we are empowering them to embark on fulfilling careers in this dynamic and rapidly evolving field, where they can truly make a difference.”

CSU is also convening industry partners to establish a collaborative Research, Development and Education (RDE) platform that overlaps with the new Construction Management degree and its planned Master of Science in Program and Project Management, which will focus on managing complex engineering and capital-intensive projects. Key benefits of CSU’s initiative for the region include:

• Economic growth: Nearly 80 percent of CSU graduates stay in Northeast Ohio upon completing their degree, and the demand for skilled managerial professionals is only increasing. The new bachelor’s program and future graduate program will help fill that talent gap, provide opportunities for working professionals to retrain and develop new skills, and positively contribute to economic development across our region.
   
• Collaboration opportunities: This new program and RDE platform will facilitate industry-to-university research collaborations to solve pertinent industry problems; provide co-op and training opportunities for students; and create meaningful dialogue between owners, contractors, suppliers and service companies within the industry.
   
• Automation in construction: The new Construction Management program will provide students with the skills needed to manage and lead complex projects in a new era of automation and digitalization. Students will learn problem-solving skills targeting the industry’s need for new project approaches and intermediate technology solutions in response to labor shortages and a fast-evolving market.
   
• Infrastructure development: With ongoing infrastructure projects in the area, having a well-trained workforce is essential. Program graduates will be equipped to manage these projects effectively, ensuring timely and cost-efficient completion.
   
• Sustainability focus: The program’s curriculum will incorporate sustainable construction practices, aligning with the region's goals for environmentally responsible development and leading to innovative solutions that benefit Northeast Ohio’s environment and economy.

Interested students can learn about options for the Spring 2025 semester here.

Honoring Marianne Corrao: A legacy of leadership
CSU is also proud to present Marianne Corrao, executive vice president and co-founder of Nexus Engineering Group, with the Washkewicz College of Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award.

Since co-founding Nexus in 2005, Corrao has led the company’s transformation from a two-person startup into a 250-employee firm providing engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) services. Today, Nexus serves a wide range of sectors including oil refining, petroleum, midstream, chemicals, energy, manufacturing and renewables.

Early in her career, Corrao worked for the Standard Oil Company Lima Refinery (before Standard Oil was purchased by British Petroleum [BP]), and later, a local engineering company. She relocated to Houston, Texas, in 2002 to join the industrial gas supplier Praxair, where she gained additional industry expertise. Two years later, BP approached her and her colleague, Nexus Co-founder Jeff Herzog, with an opportunity to establish an innovative engineering consultancy—one that became Nexus Engineering Group. Together, Corrao and Herzog built Nexus with a focus not only on delivering exceptional project outcomes, but on cultivating a supportive, collaborative culture that attracts and nurtures top talent.

“Marianne’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to excellence make her a truly deserving recipient of this honor,” said Schoephoerster. “Her professional accomplishments have not only advanced her field but have also elevated the reputation of CSU’s alumni community. We are CSU, and we are incredibly proud of her achievements and even prouder to call her a Viking, knowing she continues to inspire future generations of Cleveland State graduates.”

Corrao, who earned a degree in chemical engineering at CSU, attributes much of her career success to the University’s Cooperative Education Program, where her placement as a co-op student at Standard Oil of Ohio (Sohio) sparked a lifelong passion for mentorship. She has become a dedicated advocate for young talent and serves as the executive sponsor of the Nexus co-op program, guiding emerging engineering professionals and fostering a workplace environment that attracts and supports high-caliber talent. Corrao also serves on CSU’s Engineering Advisory Board.

“Receiving this award from the University that helped launch my career is an incredible honor,” said Corrao. “CSU’s commitment to experiential learning and mentorship helped shape who I am as a leader. I hope to continue inspiring and mentoring the next generation of engineers as they enter this dynamic field.”