ASCE Metropolitan Section - President's Message

President's Message

Craig Ruyle, P.E., M.ASCE

Over the past several months, I have had the opportunity to attend several National ASCE events, Met Section events, and other national engineering conferences. A common theme to these events is the need for the engineering community to take a more active role to promote itself.

At the ASCE National Conference, outgoing President Wayne Klotz, encouraged us to define the value of our work — the value of clean water to public health and the value of transportation to economic health. Dr. Richard Thorsen, Vice President of Polytechnic Institute of NYU, noted at the Metropolitan Engineering Societies Council Dinner that the average life expectancy of Americans has increased about thirty years over the last century. Twenty years is a result of the availability of clean drinking water, which is an engineering accomplishment.

My challenge to Met Section members is to promote the work that we do. Participate in a Met Section event. Attend a career day at a local high school. Visit a local elementary school and help to get kids interested in engineering. Check out the ASCE website and read the pdf Body of Knowledge, pdf Vision 2025, and pdf Policy 465 for ASCE's position on education needs and licensing requirements. While you are there, be sure to visit the page for the Committee on Critical Infrastructure. Finally, become a Key Contact and help to spread the word about the value of engineering to your elected officials.

Information about 2010 civil engineering scholarships is posted on our website. If you are a student member in a civil engineering program, a high school senior about to enter a civil engineering program, or the child of a Met Section member, I encourage you to apply. The Met Section is offering scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $5,000. With the rising costs of college, every little bit helps so spread the word to eligible students.

Lastly, the Met Section is seeking nominees for its 2010 civil engineering awards. These awards include: Construction Project of the Year, Design-Build Project of the Year, Government Civil Engineer of the Year, Young Government Civil Engineer of the Year, Civil Engineer of the Year, and the Young Member Award. Please check out the awards page on our website at www.ascemetsection.org for additional details and download a copy of the pdf nomination form. Then get those nominations in!

Craig Ruyle, P.E., M.ASCE
President, ASCE Metropolitan Section

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