CEAS CM Alum Awarded 2015 Engineering Technology Distinguished Alumnus Award

“Always treat customers as if they were a family member of yours, not only with honesty but also with the gentleness of your conversation,” replied Ralph Dusing, BS, when the University of Cincinnati ’78 construction management alumnus was asked how he has excelled throughout his 30-plus year tenure as a construction builder.

From starting his own company, Bluegrass Commercial Group LLC, during the devastating economic recession of 2009 to serving the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce for 21 years, Dusing has always “done business with honesty and integrity.” For these reasons, among many others, Dusing will be recognized Oct. 9 as the winner of the UC College of Engineering and Applied Science 2015 Engineering Technology Distinguished Alumnus Award.

With over 39 years of commercial construction project management experience, Dusing’s interest in engineering can be traced all the way back to his adolescent days when he attended Saint Henry High School. As his interest in math and science increasingly took root, the Covington, Kentucky, native planned to attend Thomas Moore College, majoring in physics.

It was during this time that Dusing quickly decided that a career which would confine him to an office was “just not for him.” He pushed forward though, finishing his associates degree in 1972 all the while playing baseball, pledging a fraternity, working at the family ice business and settling down with his now wife of 42 years, Jackie.

As this all came to bear financially, Dusing caught wind of an inaugural construction management (CM) program at UC CEAS which integrated a mandatory cooperative education into the rigorous engineering technology curriculum. Intrigued by the unique idea of gaining a college engineering education while earning a salary through co-op rotations, he immediately transferred his Thomas Moore credits to UC.

After achieving his second associate’s degree at UC — this time in civil engineering — Dusing took a job in the UC Department of Physical Plant. With the combined financial benefit of UC’s tuition remission and CEAS’ co-op program, he was able to attend four more years of evening school working toward his bachelor’s degree in construction management.

Robert Dorsey, who had spearheaded the CEAS construction management program, took notice of Dusing’s exceptional work ethic and asked him one day, “How long are you going to stay here Dusing? Let’s take a look at how many hours you need and we can let you get out of the here with a diploma.” Dusing’s journey toward his diploma had been so long and enduring that he teared up at Dorsey’s words. The two worked together to ensure Dusing maintained a steadfast path to success, and by 1978, he graduated with his hard-earned bachelor’s degree. Upon graduation, he hit the ground running working as a civil engineer for Viox & Viox.

Dusing continued to excel in his career and garnered extensive industry experience, ranging from working as a developer and general contractor at an engineering firm to becoming self-employed as a field representative to working in the management field at 5/3 Bank.

In 2000, Ralph and a business associate started PETSuites of America which won the Small Business of the Year in the State of Kentucky one year later. Nine years later, in 2009, he opened the Bluegrass Commercial Group. The company has sustained an average growth rate of over 20 percent since its inception, winning Dusing the prestigious EMERGING 30 distinction from the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce year over year.

However, one might argue that Dusing’s success can be not only be measured by his numerous accomplishments but also by the significant, positive impact that he has had on the lives of his peers.

“Ralph and I have always felt a calling, that if you need to accomplish something, the only way to do it is to get involved,” explains his wife Jackie.

Over the years, Dusing and his family sought opportunities to give back to their community. For example, Dusing served as the Chairman of the Construction Committee for Habitat for Humanity from 1990-1998; was the Co-Chair for the St. Joseph Church Crescent Springs Marriage Prep Committee from 2001-2010; served as the Chairman of the City of Villa Hills Ethics Committee from 1995-1997; has been a member of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Board since 2006; and has served on the UC CEAS Alumni Board since 2011.

Tony Bonomini, Dusing’s mentor and friend of 15-plus years, reflects, “I first met Ralph Dusing while we were working together raising memberships and campaign funds for the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Total Resource Campaign. For over 15 years we worked side by side. … As a mentor, I listened to his inquisitive mind as he planned the growth strategy for his newest venture. ... Because of his reputation in this community for having the highest level of integrity, the work started coming in. Loyalty of customers became the basis for his success.”

It is the determination, honesty and integrity of individuals like Ralph Dusing that keep the college’s legacy of excellence thriving. On behalf of the UC College of Engineering and Applied Science, congratulations Ralph, on a well-deserved honor!