From commencement to construction: Graduate student aims to make his mark in Miami

Graduate student Daniel Cutimanco was chosen as the commencement ceremony student speaker, where he reflected on his academic journey and possibilities for the future
From commencement to construction: Graduate student aims to make his mark in Miami

Daniel Cutimanco's recent graduation from the University of Miami marks not just the end of his academic journey but the beginning of a promising career in a booming industry. Having graduated from the Thomas P. Murphy Master of Construction Management program, Cutimanco is poised to blend creativity, business acumen, and practical construction knowledge in his future endeavors. 

When asked what drew him to the MCM program, Cutimanco shared, "I was looking for a program that captured the essence of multiple disciplines—the creative mindset of architecture, the business perspective of project development, and the construction criteria of aligning vision with execution. The University of Miami provided this unique mix, along with a diverse study plan that allowed me to expand my vision." 

One of Cutimanco's favorite academic experiences was participating in leadership seminars led by Professor Bob Reynolds. He also found profound value in Professor Brandon Moore's Project Management class, citing it as a singular experience that deepened his understanding of the profitable construction industry in South Florida. Cutimanco also benefited from a hands-on internship with the university’s Office of Design and Construction, where he collaborated on significant campus projects like the Frost Institute and the soon-to-open Centennial Village. 

Beyond academics, Cutimanco was honored as the student speaker during the 2024 Graduate Commencement Ceremony. Reflecting on the experience, he said, "It was truly one of the best experiences of my life! From the weeks of preparation to the moment I stood before the crowd, every aspect was unforgettable. It was a moment to reflect on the lessons and memories from my time at UM and express my gratitude to the university, the faculty, my peers, and my parents who traveled far to share this moment with me."  

Following graduation, Cutimanco will join Coastal Construction, a firm known for its innovative, sustainable, and people-first approach. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an incredible company," he stated. "I look forward to continuing to learn and grow, aiming to make a meaningful contribution to the company's mission and legacy." This next step is further fueled by his receipt of the prestigious Thomas P. Murphy Academic Achievement Award, a testament to his hard work and dedication throughout his academic career. 

The Thomas P. Murphy Master of Construction Management program offers a practice-oriented graduate degree with a blend of construction and business management courses. It is designed to develop leaders and managers for complex building projects, with mastery in best practices related to resiliency, sustainability, building information modeling, project delivery and decision-making. 

 



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