Connecting Generations of Montgomery College Alumni at Grunley Construction

After graduating from the University of Maryland in 2024 with a degree in business, Montgomery College alumnus Mathew Rivas ’22 knew he wanted to get into the field of construction management. His father and a few family members worked in the construction industry, and he had acquired business and project management skills as a student at Montgomery College that translated well into the field. 

As he was exploring job opportunities, one company in particular stood out: Grunley Construction Company, Inc. new window One of Rivas’ close friends from Montgomery College, Michael Melgar ’24, already worked at Grunley, and Melgar helped him make contacts at the company that resulted in an internship.

As an intern, Rivas noted the family-like environment at Grunley: “I’ve worked other jobs where titles set people apart, but here, everyone gets treated the same. It’s a testament to the culture that’s been built.”

Rivas, now working there full-time, is the latest Montgomery College alumnus to thrive at Grunley Construction. Melgar, who has worked there for five years, is responsible for assisting small and minority owned businesses in navigating the subcontractor process. Additional Montgomery College alumni have also found their career footing at Grunley.

Ryan Myers ’05 ’10, an alumnus who received multiple associate’s degrees from MC, has worked at Grunley for 18 years. After starting there as an estimator, he has worked his way up to senior purchasing agent. In that role, he reviews scopes, writes contracts, and manages all the moving parts of construction projects. 

George Rusk ‘88 has worked at the company for 23 years. He started at Grunley as a purchasing agent. Today, he is the senior vice president of pre-construction, one of two senior vice presidents at the company. One of his greatest strengths, he says, is “his knowledge of the vast portfolio of Grunley projects.”

Notably, all four of these Grunley employees grew up in Montgomery County, attended Montgomery College, and have a long-standing dedication to supporting the local community.  

The connection between Grunley Construction and Montgomery College goes well beyond these four employees. Over the last 20 years, the company has partnered with MC for human resources and multiple construction projects. It frequently hires student interns, shares career opportunities, and takes students on project site tours. It has also completed multiple high-profile projects at Montgomery College's Rockville Campus, totaling tens of millions in investment. 

Key projects include a $5.9 million renovation of the TV Suite and Macklin Tower, the $22 million renovation of the Science West Building, and the new construction of the $53 million Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong Student Services Center. These projects have served to modernize campus infrastructure, providing updated spaces for student services and STEM education. 

In 2020, Grunley was awarded a $5.8 million contract to construct a new Soccer Field Complex at Rockville, now known as “Alcus Field.” This project was recognized with a Distinguished Single-Field Facility Award new window from the American Sports Builders Association.

“Having taken classes at the new Student Services Center as a student, it’s amazing to see the end product of what Grunley has been able to do,” Melgar said. “I’ve been able to go to these same buildings we’ve worked on to advance my academic career.”

Grunley Construction has played a significant role in helping Montgomery College reinvigorate its facilities for students, whose success is central to the College’s mission. By investing in its local talent and treating its employees like family, the company continues to distinguish itself. Looking ahead, both Grunley and MC hope to continue building a workforce development pipeline through partnership. 

“Montgomery College is a very good partner to work with. There’s something nice about being able to work with students who come in and have them take a tour of our project sites,” Myers said. “That’s something you get working at MC that you wouldn’t get at most other places.”