Discussion Thread

  • 1.  Order of the Engineer

    Posted 07-01-2020 12:17 PM
    As I was packing up my things in preparation of moving apartments, I found the following certificate from my school's Order of the Engineer Induction Ceremony: 

    For those unfamiliar, the Order of the Engineer was initiated in the United States to foster a spirit of pride, individual integrity, and responsibility in the engineering profession. More information can be found on the ASCE website here: https://www.asce.org/order-of-the-engineer/. As part of the in-person ceremony which I took part in my senior year of college, I took the Obligation of the Engineer oath and received a steel ring to be worn as a reminder of my commitment to high ethics and professionalism. Traditionally, this ring is worn on the pinky finger of the hand that you write with to serve as a symbolic reminder of the oath made. As a junior engineer now three years into my career, I find this oath even more important as a reminder that I still have a personal responsibility even though I am not the P.E. who will ultimately be signing the plans.  

    Have you taken the Obligation of the Engineer oath? Does your section or school host an Order of Engineer Ceremony? And if so, how was did you celebrate this past year because of COVID-19? 

    I look forward to hearing your answers to some of the questions above or even just further discussion on the topic!

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    Danielle Schroeder EIT, A.M.ASCE (She/her)
    Associate Engineer
    Pennoni Associates
    Philadelphia PA
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  • 2.  RE: Order of the Engineer

    Posted 07-02-2020 10:32 AM
    Danielle,

    I graduated in 2013 from Iowa State and that previous fall had taken the oath for the Order of the Engineer at an in person ceremony held on campus.  I wear my ring ever day as possible (I often have to be on sites where I cannot have jewelry so I cannot wear those days, but the tan line from it being on every other day reminds me it's there).  I as you just did, rediscovered my certificate during a recent move, and have since placed it in a frame for display so I am reminded in two ways of that oath.  I take great pride in that oath and as I sit for the PE exam this coming October will continue to uphold that oath now and in the future when I pass and become licensed.

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    Michelle Hudson EIT, A.M.ASCE
    Design Engineer
    Altoona IA
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  • 3.  RE: Order of the Engineer

    Posted 07-05-2020 01:41 PM
    Hi Dani,
    Thanks for bring this up. I recently graduated but unfortunately, Drexel didn't seem to have this ceremony this year (possibly due to COVID-19). I was wondering where I could find more info regarding this and if this ceremony has to be offered by the university.

    Best,
    Marina D'souza

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    Marina D'souza A.M.ASCE
    Philadelphia PA
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  • 4.  RE: Order of the Engineer

    Posted 07-06-2020 02:12 PM
    @Marina D'souza - The ceremony does not have to be by just the university! I recommend reaching out to the 2nd closest link in your area listed here (assuming you will be staying in PA): https://order-of-the-engineer.org/state/Pennsylvania/ I believe in your case that would be the  Engineers Club of Philadelphia. 

    Alternatively,  Joshua Padgett ( jpadgett@... ) from ASCE might be able to provide more information. Hope this helps! 

    @Tirza Austin do you have any other suggestions on where I can direct Marina? ​

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    Danielle Schroeder EIT, A.M.ASCE (She/her)
    Associate Engineer
    Pennoni Associates
    Philadelphia PA
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  • 5.  RE: Order of the Engineer

    Posted 07-06-2020 04:29 PM
    Hi @Danielle Schroeder and @Marina D'souza

    ​​​ASCE is a link between the Order of the Engineer organization and ASCE members. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, schools and student chapters that normally conduct the Order of the Engineer ceremonies cancelled. 

    At this time, schools are in summer break and if someone is interested in finding a link to their location, it can be found at: https://www.asce.org/order-of-the-engineer/ or at the OTE website www.order-of-the-engineer.org

    Please let me know if you have any additional questions. Stay safe! 



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    Tirza Austin
    Manager, Online Community
    American Society of Civil Engineers
    1801 Alexander Bell Drive
    Reston, VA 20191
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  • 6.  RE: Order of the Engineer

    Posted 07-06-2020 09:31 PM
    Thank you so much for the tips @Danielle Schroeder and @Tirza Austin.
    I'll be sure to check them out.​​

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    Marina D'souza A.M.ASCE
    Philadelphia PA
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  • 7.  RE: Order of the Engineer

    Posted 07-11-2020 12:12 AM
    I don't think my school did. This is a pretty awesome pledge and it must have been a satisfying ceremony to be a part of.

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    Oanh Le, She/Her
    Rochdale, MA
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