The Michigan Construction Hall of Fame has inducted five new members who were recognized during a formal ceremony in the University Center at Ferris State University’s Big Rapids campus on Thursday, Oct. 22.

This year’s inductees include: JCCA member Patrick Cunningham, Donald C. Templin, Louis C. Verrette, Medio J. Bacco and the team of Marlin Feyen and Bob Zylstra.

Selection for the Michigan Construction Hall of Fame is based on a nominees’ technical, managerial and leadership achievements within construction and related industries. Also considered are service to the profession and community.

Patrick Cunningham spent more than 50 years in the construction industry with the particular focus on his company, Cunningham Construction. The construction industry was Cunningham’s relaxation and avocation. His favorite project was “all of them.” He built Cunningham Construction based upon working hard, being honest, paying his bills and establishing a strong, honest client base. He treated his employees as problems solvers and set an example by living to company rules. He served as the president of the Association of General Contractors Board for Michigan, in 1992, leading the association through a difficult economy while helping maintain membership and ultimately experience growth. He also served on the Michigan Laborers Pension Board for 20 years as a trustee. He was recognized for his ability to work through funding challenges to ensure that resources were available for retired laborers and their families.

Cunningham also served in multiple Catholic church leadership positions and was formally recognized for his work by the University of Detroit and the Knights of Columbus. He served on many committees, including as president of the Catholic School Board for 30 years, on the St. Mary’s Church Finance Committee for 40 year, and on the Queen of the Miraculous Medal Church Building Committee for 10 years.

His crowning achievement included raising more than $1 million for the St. Mary’s Church Heritage Fund I and Heritage Fund II in poor economic times.

The Michigan Construction Hall of Fame is located in Ferris’ Granger Center for Construction and HCVAR on the Big Rapids campus. Granger serves as a permanent place to recognize leaders of the Michigan construction industry and their achievements.