Jenna Gruter: 2026 Early Career Award recipient

BSCEE ‘14
Senior project manager, Findorff

A civil engineer whose work managing large-scale construction projects has led to transformative spaces in sectors that include science and technology, healthcare and higher education, including the largest academic construction project in UW-Madison history.

Jenna Gruter has come full circle.

A little over a decade after graduating from UW-Madison with a degree in civil engineering, she has returned as a senior project manager with Findorff to help oversee the largest building project in the College of Engineering’s history. Gruter is leading construction of the nearly 400,000-square-foot Phillip A. Levy Engineering Center.

Gruter says it’s easily her proudest accomplishment to date. “I never would have thought, as a student, that one day I would have the honor of helping deliver this type of facility that will inspire and educate future generations of engineers,” Gruter says. “Now here I am, helping to build a new facility that’s giving more opportunities for our future students.”

Gruter is excited about the engineering behind the new building, which includes distinctive features such as a 122-foot cantilever on the north end and the first use of heavy timber on UW-Madison’s campus.

As she leads a team of more than 300 people, Gruter says the human connections on site means just as much. “I always remember that I grew from a co-op who was eager to learn into a leader responsible for mentoring the next generation of construction professionals,” she says. “We have three co-ops right now who are UW-Madison students, and it’s really cool to have the chance to mentor them as well as my own team.”

What do you enjoy about your career?

Definitely the people. I grew up on a farm outside of New Glarus, Wisconsin. That taught me hard work, accountability and taking pride in a job well done. I learned early on that meaningful work doesn’t happen without dedicated people who are willing to roll up their sleeves, solve problems and support one another, and I try to lead my teams that way.

Seeing a project come to life is incredibly fulfilling. Every building represents the expertise and dedication of hundreds of people, from skilled tradespeople and engineers to project managers and owners, all working toward a common goal.

Give us a few highlights of your professional career.

I’ve had the opportunity to lead complex projects ranging from $1 million to more than $300 million. I’ve built teams across healthcare, science and technology, and higher education projects that support our communities.

I’ve volunteered with Habitat for Humanity’s frame-up events, working alongside future homeowners to build portions of their homes. I’ve also used my own project sites for hands-on learning environments for groups including She Builds, NOMA Project Pipeline, and Findorff Construction Camp. I’m also proud to serve as the current 2027 president of Kids Building Wisconsin.

My belief is that our greatest legacy isn’t just the buildings we construct, but the people we mentor, the communities we strengthen and the opportunities we create for future generations.

Which do you like best?

Fun on the Terrace or fun on Lake Mendota?
The Terrace

Bascom Hill or Observatory Hill?
Bascom Hill. I had one class at the top, and I remember sweating every time I had to go up it. I also remember sledding down it on one of the few snow days we had too!

Camp Randall Stadium or the Kohl Center or the UW Field House?
The Kohl Center

Favorite Madison experience?
I really love the farmers’ market on the Square in Madison. It’s one of the best.