DENTON (UNT), Texas — Over the last 22 years, Orlando Bagcal, clinical associate professor of mechanical engineering at the University of North Texas, has attended almost 20 of his former students’ weddings. He’s traveled as close as Tyler, Texas, and as far as Colorado to ensure he’s there on their big day.

“Just by that invitation, it lets me know that I made a difference in their life, and that really touches my heart,” Bagcal said. “Seeing them successful in their life and career is an emotion no one can replace.”

That dedication to his students is part of why Bagcal has been named as the 2026 Outstanding Educator by the Associated General Contractors of America, the largest and oldest construction trade association in the country.

“I am so humbled and deeply grateful,” he said. “It’s a very competitive national award, and your department, industry partners, other faculty and students write in nomination letters for you. I could not do it alone.”

Bagcal has taught in the U.S. for the past 22 years and has helped build construction management programs at multiple colleges and universities. At UNT, he serves as the program coordinator for the construction management program while teaching undergraduate and graduate courses each semester.  Now in his fourth year of teaching in the College of Engineering, he has watched UNT’s program grow from 40 students to 400.

“I love to see the progression from their first year all the way to when they graduate. Mentoring and guiding students to be successful is a gift and a calling,” Bagcal said.

As part the award, Bagcal earned a $5,000 stipend plus another $5,000 to split between two students. He chose Gerardo De La O and Ashley Aragon, both of whom graduated in spring 2026. De La O was president of the International Honors Society for Construction, and Aragon served as the president of the Association of Construction Engineering and Management.

“I see in them the potential to become leaders in construction in the future because they have those leadership qualities.,” he said.

Bagcal often coaches for student teams at competitions. Recently, his students earned fifth place at the National Association of Home Builders International Builders’ Show and third at the Associated Schools of Construction’s regional competition. He also takes the time to visit students at their internship sites to check in with them and see how they’re applying what they’ve learned in the classroom.

“It shows them that we are there for them, and I also get the chance to sit down with their supervisors,” he said. “It’s a way for me to learn how our curriculum is lining up with what they want and see what we may need to add.”

The award also recognizes outstanding collaboration with industry colleagues. As an evaluator for the American Council for Construction Education, Bagcal regularly visits other higher education programs to ensure they align with industry standards.

“We want to make sure students are prepared for the real world, and at the same time, we’re creating partnerships with industry professionals who we’ll invite into the classroom to share their knowledge.”

He credits UNT’s supportive community for making it possible for him to do all that he does.

“The bottom line is, I cannot do all of this alone,” Bagcal said. “I’m very thankful to all my colleagues and to my students — they are my inspiration. I truly think I’m serving my purpose in life when they succeed.”