Auburn University students demonstrate skill and teamwork at the 2025 Roofing Alliance Student Competition

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Best Presenter recognition was awarded to Auburn student Arjun Varadhan. 

The Auburn University team impressed attendees at the 2025 Roofing Alliance Construction Management Student Competition, bringing strong teamwork, passion and real-world construction skills to one of the roofing industry’s most important educational events. The team brought home the second-place prize and the best presenter award for Arjun Varadhan. 

The team was represented by Arjun, Graham Roh, John Adam Singleton, Abraham Roman and Jackson Furman. The Auburn team showed what dedication and collaboration can achieve with their hard work paying off with a second-place finish in the 2025 competition, earning recognition among some of the top construction management students in the country. In addition to the team’s outstanding performance, team captain Arjun was honored with the Best Presenter award for his exceptional delivery and leadership during the competition presentations. 

Now in its eleventh year, the Roofing Alliance’s Annual Construction Management Student Competition continues to build momentum and inspire future industry professionals. Held in conjunction with the International Roofing Expo (IRE), the 2025 competition took place in San Antonio, Texas, and introduced students to roofing as a dynamic and rewarding career path. It also provided valuable networking opportunities with peers, faculty and Roofing Alliance members.  

This year’s competition project, provided by Beldon Roofing Company of San Antonio, challenged teams to develop a comprehensive bid proposal for the reroofing of the Embassy Suites by Hilton San Antonio Airport Hotel. Working closely with contractor mentors, students prepared detailed bid packages that demonstrated project management, estimating and safety skills. Finalists were invited to the IRE to present their proposals live to a panel of industry judges. They also attended the Roofing Alliance’s Welcome Reception, toured the project site and participated in NRCA’s Industry Awards Ceremony where winning teams were recognized on stage. 

For the Auburn students, reaching the competition stage was no small feat. Preparation required constant collaboration, strong communication and many long days of hard work. The team recalled spending over ten hours together in the classroom on several occasions, reviewing specs, checking estimates and fine-tuning their bid package. Arjun emphasized how staying ahead of deadlines and supporting each other was crucial to their success. 

Each team member carried a major responsibility. John Adam, who focused on quality control, described digging through hundreds of pages of project specifications to ensure that no detail was missed. Abraham, the team's estimator, shared the challenge of working with limited documents for an existing building, which demanded extra real-world judgment beyond simply following new construction plans. Jackson, serving as superintendent, tackled building a project schedule for the first time, learning firsthand the complexity involved in roofing projects. 

Despite the intensity, the Auburn team described the experience as deeply rewarding. For many, one of the best parts was the IRE itself. Meeting contractors, manufacturers and industry leaders gave the students a broader understanding of roofing and construction management. They spoke enthusiastically about gaining practical knowledge and insights that will strengthen their careers moving forward. 

Each team member highlighted different favorite moments, from learning about roofing systems and new manufacturers to enjoying the racing simulator exhibit. More importantly, the students shared how the competition and the expo helped them build confidence, industry knowledge and career aspirations. 

When asked what advice they would give to roofing companies hoping to hire students like them, Arjun spoke for the team, emphasizing that young professionals are looking for companies that invest in teaching, mentorship and professional growth. A company culture that fosters learning and career development will attract and retain the next generation of construction leaders. 

The Auburn University team's journey reflects the heart of the Roofing Alliance Student Competition — inspiring students to discover opportunities in roofing, develop leadership skills and build lasting relationships within the roofing industry. Their second-place finish and Arjun’s Best Presenter award are a testament to their talent, perseverance and commitment to excellence. The future of roofing is bright with emerging leaders like these students stepping into the industry. 

For more information about the Roofing Alliance and the Construction Management Student Competition, visit www.roofingalliance.net. 

View all the Roofing Alliance Student Competition videos here.