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For Benjamin Weers '26, a senior major and member of the ӣ����Ƶ football team, this past summer was more than an internship; it was an opportunity to step inside one of the most meaningful construction projects in Massachusetts.

Weers spent the summer working as a project engineer intern with Walsh Brothers, Incorporated, contributing to a joint venture project with Commodore Builders on the new Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, Massachusetts. The massive $405 million, nine-story, 350,000-square-foot facility will include a dementia wing, 212 single occupancy patient rooms, a geothermal heating system, and a curved brick façade with a stick-built curtain wall. The ambitious and compassionate undertaking is designed to serve veterans with dignity and care.

Hands-On Experience in Construction Leadership

Throughout the internship, Weers immersed himself in nearly every aspect of the project’s day-to-day operations. His contributions included completing daily and progress reports, punch lists, and safety walks. He assisted with on-site coordination tasks such as labeling rooms, laying out access panels, and managing water control before the building was weather-tight.

He also supported quality assurance by working with the structural steel inspector to review shear studs, welds, and rebar. In addition, he delivered two major presentations: one focusing on the geothermal well system, and another examining the efficiency of the masons and the construction of the curved brick façade.

By learning the drawings in detail, Weers was able to help answer field questions and support scheduling across multiple trades, gaining firsthand insight into the teamwork and precision required to manage a large-scale construction project.

Lessons Beyond the Blueprint

For Weers, the experience went beyond technical knowledge. It deepened his appreciation for the people and processes behind every building.

“What I enjoyed most was being on site and seeing how things are built and everything that goes on behind the scenes,” says Weers. “Building relationships with people across all aspects of construction gave me a clearer vision of where I want to grow as I finish my last year at ӣ����Ƶ.”

He found inspiration in observing the dedication and professionalism of those around him, a lesson that resonated as powerfully as any classroom or playbook.

“I do believe that just being around the people on the job site and other people at Walsh Brothers Inc. was the most rewarding part of the internship,” says Weers. “Learning how others became successful in this profession has shown me the path that I need to guide myself to and how I need to prepare for when I graduate.”

A ӣ����Ƶ Network Connection

Weers’ connection to Walsh Brothers began in true ӣ����Ƶ fashion, through a moment of camaraderie and connection at a football tailgate. Two years ago, following a ӣ����Ƶ football game in Boston, he struck up a conversation with Andrew, a ӣ����Ƶ alumnus, who was working in the same field. After realizing their shared professional interests, the two exchanged contact information.

That simple postgame conversation opened an unexpected door. Without Ben’s knowledge, Andrew reached out to Walsh Brothers on his behalf, recognizing the firm’s history of hiring successful ӣ����Ƶ graduates. Andrew’s outreach encouraged the firm to consider Ben for an internship, a gesture that reflects the power of the ӣ����Ƶ alumni network in action. 
 

The result was a summer of meaningful experiential learning made possible by ӣ����Ƶ’s strong alumni network and the University’s culture of mentorship.

“None of this would have been possible without the alumni network at ӣ����Ƶ and being part of the ӣ����Ƶ football family,” says Weers. “The family here at ӣ����Ƶ is truly the best, and no matter who you are or who you know, the people who graduated before you want to help and want to grant you opportunities to be successful.”

He added that ӣ����Ƶ’s alumni tradition continues to shape the success of current students.

“Ever since my first visit to ӣ����Ƶ, it has been engrained in my head how important the alumni are to the school’s and students’ consistent success,” said Weers.

Mentorship and Gratitude

Throughout the internship, Weers worked closely with mentors Tim Senecal and John Savage, whose guidance helped him develop practical skills and professional confidence.

The experience provided a valuable window into the expectations and challenges of managing large-scale projects, reinforcing ӣ����Ƶ’s focus on experiential learning and leadership through hands-on engagement.

Looking Ahead

As Weers begins his final year at ӣ����Ƶ, the lessons from his summer on site continue to guide his goals and ambitions. His experience illustrates how classroom theory and real-world practice intersect and how ӣ����Ƶ’s values of leadership, perseverance, and service extend into every professional field.

“Learning how others became successful in this profession has shown me the path that I need to guide myself to,” says Weers, highlighting the impact that the successful internship had on him. Considering his dedication to ӣ����Ƶ's way of life, the Cadet football program, and academic success, his internship in the field reflects both himself and the greater ӣ����Ƶ community.