Raul Solorio has always been drawn to hands-on work that challenges, engages, and evolves. “I realized early on that I didn’t want a routine job; I wanted a career that would allow me to be active, solve problems, and work with my hands,” he said.
At a campus visit to Dunwoody, Solorio met Chet VanBlaricum, a Senior Admissions Counselor. VanBlaricum took the time to walk him through the variety of programs offered — and it was Construction Project Management that immediately caught his attention. But rather than rushing into a decision, Solorio took VanBlaricum’s advice to take his time to heart. He took a semester off to reflect on his future, ultimately deciding to enroll the two-year Construction Project Management Program in Spring 2022. After completing that degree in 2023, Solorio continued on, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management this May.
Solorio’s path hasn’t been easy. As the first college graduate in his family, navigating higher education without his parents, who remain outside the U.S., was daunting. There were moments when he doubted whether graduation was possible. But through perseverance and support from his family, he crossed the finish line.
“This Academic Excellence Award is a significant milestone in my life that I’ll always cherish,” he said with pride.
The support of his family has played a powerful role in Solorio’s journey, especially his older brother Edwin, who also attends Dunwoody. “He’s accomplished so much… he’s always pushed through and never quit,” Solorio said.
That same spirit of determination inspired him to keep going.
What stood out most during his time at school was the opportunity to learn directly from industry professionals.
“It’s not just about reading textbooks or writing essays,” he said. “It’s about gaining practical knowledge of the construction project management field and learning from some of the best in the industry.”
Of all the projects, the commercial capstone remains his favorite.
“This class provided a true insight into what a Project Manager faces in the industry. From estimating and scheduling to putting together a proposal, it was a challenging course,” he said. Most importantly, the class mirrored what his day-to-day responsibilities now look like.
Today, Solorio works at Ryan Companies as a Senior Project Engineer. He credits his education for helping him get there: “I am where I am today in my career thanks to Dunwoody and the people who work there. Their dedication to investing in the next generation has made a significant impact on my journey.”
From leading his team in his senior capstone course to the National Association of Home Builders, supporting them in key behind-the-scenes efforts, to landing his first internship then being promoted to Senior Project Engineer, at Ryan Companies, Solorio’s work ethic was summed up by these words from Adjunct Instructor Steven Worner: “humble, genuine, and dependable.”