AGC and SASE Student Groups “Canstruct” Outsized UMass “M” out of 1,000 Cans of Food
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On April 28, the UMass Amherst student chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America (The UMass AGC Student Chapter) and the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (UMass SASE) collaborated with other campus entities to unveil a hefty UMass “M” – a display of CanArt® built entirely from 1,000 cans of food – to promote a worldwide hunger-relief organization called “Canstruction.” As an event description explained, “Canstruction is a globally recognized non-profit initiative that hosts events to build sculptures out of canned food, which is then donated to local foodbanks, standing as a creative expression of community solidarity.”
The AGC and SASE spearheaded the effort and teamed up with the College of Engineering and the Building and Construction Technology Program to create the sizable “M.” In this case, the collaborators donated all the canned goods from their CanArt® display to the Amherst Survival Center, a local agency that addresses food insufficiency. The sponsors of the event were On Point Construction Services, Amherst Innovative Living, Reela, and Metropol Design. In addition, the College of Engineering's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion provided funding to make the event possible.
According to the Canstruction organization’s headquarters (Canstruction | Canstruction Global Headquarters | United States), “Canstruction is an international hunger-relief charity that raises millions of pounds of food each year for local foodbanks. Its university events give young adults the chance to enhance their design skills and work together to create fantastic, innovative, CanArt® structures using unopened cans of food.”
After its unveiling in April, the massive UMass M was on display in the Olver Design Building Atrium through Commencement weekend. According to student organizers of the event, the sculpture symbolizes the spirit of education and construction. And they add: “Through this initiative, we aim to inspire students, industry professionals, and community members to recognize the power of collaboration in addressing societal challenges.”
Organizing the Canstruction event was a perfect match for the AGC and SASE student chapter missions. As the AGC website explains, “We are a diverse community of students interested in construction, civil engineering, project management, and sustainability. We provide a wide range of events that are focused on learning and professional development. Join us as we explore the construction and engineering industries, advance our knowledge and skill sets, and meet other students and professionals with similar interests!”
And as the SASE website explains: "The UMass Amherst SASE chapter’s mission is to: cultivate strong leadership and professionalism for success and achievement of full career potential in the science and engineering industries; celebrate cultural diversity on campus and in workplaces; welcome and support students of all race, gender, and sexuality within our chapter; provide service opportunities for members to make valuable contributions through service to their local communities in which they live
In that context, the Canstruction project served to further the leadership and public service aspects of the student chapters' missions, as well as allowing their members to enhance their professional development, skill sets, and relationships with other students who share their interests. (May 2025)