On October 5th, hundreds of Crossland employees and their families gathered for a day of celebration that marked a new chapter in the company’s long-standing partnership with Pittsburg State University (PSU). It was a day filled with pride, reflection, and gratitude as PSU’s Kansas Technology Center was officially renamed the Crossland Technology Center, and the College of Technology was named the Crossland College of Technology in honor of Crossland’s significant contributions to the university and the region. Crossland made this donation to honor our employees and the exceptional talent that has come to us from Pittsburg State University.
For Chris Schnurbusch, a PSU graduate and regional president at Crossland, the occasion held special meaning. Standing in the Sullivan Courtyard, he reflected on the project that launched both his career and the company to new heights.
“It’s truly a full-circle moment for me. Back then, we were a small company, but I recognized what a significant project this was for Crossland,” said Schnurbusch, who graduated from PSU in 1994 with a degree in Construction Management. “The fact that we now have our name on the building is amazing to me. I remember feeling honored just to have been part of building it, and now, seeing the Crossland name on it is an incredible accomplishment.”
The renaming of the building is not just a tribute to Crossland’s success, but also a symbol of the deep partnership between Crossland and Pittsburg State. This relationship has been instrumental in the growth of both organizations. Over the years, more than 400 PSU alumni have joined Crossland, contributing to its growth from a small, family-run business to one of the top-ranked construction firms in the United States. Today, Crossland is a nationally recognized leader in the industry, with nearly 2,000 employees and a strong presence across seven states.
A Springboard for Success
The journey between PSU and Crossland began with the construction of the Kansas Technology Center in 1997. It was a pivotal project for Crossland—a $25 million endeavor that was four to five times larger than anything the company had built before. For Schnurbusch and his colleagues, the project was a learning experience that gave them the confidence to tackle even larger projects in the future.
“We succeeded. We learned, and we grew,” Schnurbusch recalled. “The completion of this project was a tremendous springboard for the company. It gave us the confidence we needed to really take off and grow.”
Crossland has continued to grow and evolve, taking on monumental projects across the region. But through it all, the company has never forgotten the importance of education and professional development, values instilled by its founder, Ivan Crossland Sr.
“Our dad always prioritized education, investing in people and their potential,” said Patrick Crossland, chief development officer at Crossland and a PSU graduate. “The renaming of this building is a testament to that vision and aligns perfectly with our commitment to lifelong learning.”
A Commitment to the Future
Crossland’s partnership with PSU has not only benefited the company but has also had a profound impact on the university. PSU graduates have consistently found success at Crossland, fitting seamlessly into the company’s culture of hard work, dedication, and integrity. In return, Crossland has provided scholarships, internships, and invaluable industry experience to countless PSU students.
“Crossland has shared time, talent, and treasure with PSU,” said Kathleen Flannery, PSU’s Vice President for University Advancement. “This renaming honors their legacy and recognizes the countless contributions they have made to our university.”
As part of the celebration, Crossland employees were recognized on the field during PSU’s home football game, capping off a day that was as much about the future as it was about the past.
“We are excited to see what the future holds for our partnership with PSU,” said Ivan Crossland Jr., CEO of Crossland Construction. “This is an exciting accomplishment for us, and we’re proud to keep backing the programs that have been key to our success.”
The renaming of the Crossland Technology Center and Crossland College of Technology is more than just a name change—it’s a tribute to the enduring partnership between two institutions that have helped shape the landscape of Southeast Kansas and beyond.
