College of Engineering News • Iowa State University

“It’s all about making a difference,” construction engineering alum Paul Giroux’s advice to Cyclone Engineers

Paul Giroux graduated from the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. Now, after nearly five decades in industry with the Kiewit Corporation, Giroux pays his education forward by sharing his insights into modern and historical construction lessons with engineering students all over America.

Giroux in Town Engineering. Giroux’s stewardship efforts have been recognized by ISU, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the National Academy of Construction through his induction in 2022.

While Paul shares many stories and lessons with students, he emphasizes the importance of them stepping out of their comfort zone, excelling and making a difference in their careers.

“In the beginning of your career, you don’t know what you don’t know,” Giroux said. “My advice to students today is to have the courage to get out of their comfort zones. That is really where you find opportunity for personal and professional growth. When you take that step to seek opportunity, you’ll do amazing things.”

Seek opportunity and be a difference-maker, Giroux says. And with the education received at Iowa State, Giroux says students are already on the journey to becoming a strong change-maker.

“As Cyclone Engineers, we have been given a solid foundation to build our careers upon. Don’t be afraid to build upon that foundation to continuously learn, achieve, and inspire others,” Giroux said.

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