October 17, 2024
Gary Johnson of A-G-E Corporation, Ft. Pierre, South Dakota, the 2024 President of the Beavers, has announced the four recipients selected for the 2025 Golden Beavers Awards. The awards will be presented at the 69th Annual Awards Dinner to be held Friday, January 17th at the J. W. Marriott at LA Live in Los Angeles. The guest speaker for the event will be John Stiegelmeier, former head football coach for South Dakota State University, leading them to the 2022 FCS National Championship.
Robert E. Alger, President – Major Projects for Montreal-based AtkinsRealis, will receive the Leadership Award. A graduate of Penn State University, Bob joined The Lane Construction Corporation after earning his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering. Starting as a job engineer, he spent 41 years with Lane, culminating in his role as Chairman and CEO. After retiring from Lane in Bob joined SNC-Lavalin (now AtkinsRealis) to close out several large, in distress, lump-sum-turn-key projects valued at over $20 billion.
The Management Award will be presented to Mike Aparicio, Senior Vice President of Skanska USA Civil. Mike started his construction career during college with J. A. Artukovich in Southern California, later working for his family’s construction business before joining C. A. Rasmussen where he rose to the post of Southern California Division Manager with responsibilities for estimating, business development and operations. In 2000 he moved to the Washington Group where he was promoted to Vice President, Southwest Operations. Since 2009 Mike has held executive and project roles with Skanska, where he was a key player in growing the company into a leading alternative delivery mega-project builder in the West.
Donnie Riese, Operations Manager for Flatiron West, Inc., will receive the Supervision Award. Starting off as a laborer in his late teens, Donnie eventually joined San Diego contractor Daley Corporation in 1980 where he progressed to underground foreman and general foreman. In 1995 he joined Flatiron as a general foreman and was quickly moved into a superintendent position. During his 30 years with Flatiron he has successfully managed bridge, heavy civil, highway and rail airport projects in San Diego and other area of the nation, specializing in alternative delivery projects.
The Service & Supply/Engineering Award will go to Frederick (Rick) Gomez, principal of Gomez International of Casa Grande, AZ. Over his 48-year career Rick has earned a reputation as the “go to” expert for a wide range of equipment and power needs. He provides service, supply, consulting and engineering design service to contractors, engineers and owners.
For additional information or photos, contact Dave Woods – dave.woods@thebeavers.org