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BROOKINGS, S.D. — Jakob Burckhard, a sophomore at South Dakota State University, has recently earned a national scholarship in recognition for his essay on concrete sustainability.
Burckhard, who is pursuing a degree in concrete industry management, was selected for the scholarship by CarbonCure, a Canadian-based carbon solutions technology firm for concrete. Burckhard presented a compelling argument on the role of concrete in building a sustainable future, becoming the second Jackrabbit in program history to be the scholarship’s recipient.
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Originally from Brookings, Burckhard’s journey to studying concrete management took a few unexpected turns. After starting his college career in computer science, Burckhard realized it wasn’t the right fit. After some time working on his family’s farm, he returned to school and eventually found his calling in concrete industry management.
“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do when I first came to college, but I knew I wanted to stay close to home and SDSU was a natural choice,” said Burckhard. His mother works at the university, and he was already familiar with the campus and programs available.
Burckhard explained that his initial interest in concrete industry management grew after learning about the complexities of concrete as a material.
“I didn’t know much about concrete when I started,” he said. “I thought it was just the gray stuff you put down that lasts forever. But it turns out there’s so much more to it. It’s a chemical reaction with a lot of variables, and there’s a huge focus on repair and maintenance in the industry, too.”
He said his essay was inspired by the challenges the world faces in balancing present needs with future demands. It highlighted the unique characteristics of concrete, including its local production, versatility in design, and its durability over time, making it a sustainable option for long-term infrastructure projects.
“I wanted to highlight how concrete is actually a sustainable material. It’s used locally, can be tailored to different needs, and lasts a long time. That means fewer resources are spent on repairs and replacements,” he said.
Winning the scholarship has allowed Burckhard to ease the financial burden of college and focus more on his studies.
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“It’s really exciting because tuition is a big cost, and winning this scholarship helps me focus on my academic efforts without having to work extra hours,” Burckhard said.
Timothy Hostettler, the concrete industry management program director and associate professor of practice at South Dakota State University, said that thanks to the efforts of students, the program, which began in the fall of 2021 at SDSU, is quickly gaining national recognition.
“Being able to offer a program like this is an honor,” Hostettler said. “The concrete industry is crucial to infrastructure, and with the increasing demand for sustainability in construction, this program fills a real need. It helps students gain the technical skills and hands-on experience to enter the workforce prepared to make an impact.”
The CIM program offers a four-year Bachelor of Science degree with a built-in minor in either marketing or management, depending on whether students lean toward the sales or operations side of the industry. The curriculum combines technical knowledge with practical experience, making graduates highly sought after by companies in the concrete and construction sectors.
The program’s goal is to address a growing need for skilled talent in the concrete industry, which has long faced a shortage of young professionals. The program had its first graduate in May 2024 with two more in December and one slated for this May.
“The industry support for this program is invaluable,” said Hostettler. “It not only helps students financially but also provides them with connections to the industry, internships, and future job opportunities. It makes it much easier for us to recruit top talent for the program.”
Looking ahead, Burckhard is optimistic about his future in the concrete industry.
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“Concrete is always going to be in demand as long as there are people and structures to build,” he said. Though unsure exactly where his career will take him, Burckhard is confident the growing field will offer plenty of opportunities.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Burckhard has also gained practical experience through an internship at Knife River, a Sioux Falls-based construction company. His experience there reinforced his interest in the concrete industry and further solidified his career path.
As Burckhard continues his education, he remains focused on blending hands-on learning with the technical aspects of the industry.
“It’s a great mix of practical and technical knowledge,” he said. “Concrete is a material that’s used everywhere, and I’m excited to be part of an industry that’s always going to be relevant.”
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