I think it was about 1991 or so, we had a annual Reston meeting run by then ASCE President Bill Henry. Most all of our committee and task force folks were in attendance and so we had our meetings. Then it was time to breakout into roundtables for the exploration of ideas and issues that would be considered for the next 75 minutes or so by those who wished to sit in groups of similar minds.
The issues Bill introduced were of the usual variety for such annual meetings, but then Bill stopped. He noted that on the plane trip down, his lovely wife had remarked that ASCE was lagging in the
"women and diversity field" when compared to other professional groups. So, Bill also introduced at this meeting the very first opportunity for an open roundtable discussion on the subject of women and diversity in civil engineering.
Looking back, this became the springboard for the first ASCE Board-Level Committee on Women and Diversity in Civil Engineering.
While a great deal came from this start, including a series
"White Men Need Diversity To!", I always felt that ASCE ought to have awarded Bill's wife an honorary medal of recognition for her wisdom in getting that initiative started.
With Appreciation,
Bill
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William M. Hayden Jr., Ph.D., P.E., CMQ/OE, F.ASCE
Buffalo, N.Y.
"It is never too late to be what you might have been." -- George Eliot 1819 - 1880
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-05-2019 17:02
From: Danielle Schroeder
Subject: Share your Favorite ASCE Moment for ASCE Day (November 5)
Happy 167th Founder's Day to ASCE! My favorite ASCE memory is attending the Young Members Leadership Symposium (YMLS) this past August along with 60 other younger members leaders from across the globe. The 3-day workshop held at ASCE Headquarters was filled with excellent information and interactive workshops focused on early-career professional skills development to help ASCE Younger Members succeed and lead in the workplace. It was an unforgettable experience where I was able to develop my personal vision statement, learn from seasoned project managers about the transition into a PM role, and how I can get involved with public policy through ASCE. I was inspired by the accomplishments of my peers in attendance who are making a difference at their company, ASCE Sections, and in their general communities and I am excited to keep in touch to see what other amazing things they do during their careers. ASCE YMLS is an excellent program that I would recommend to any younger member interested in professional skills development.
Here are a few photos from the event:
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Danielle Schroeder EIT, A.M.ASCE
Associate Engineer
Pennoni Associates
Philadelphia PA
Original Message:
Sent: 11-05-2019 11:13
From: Jameelah Ingram
Subject: Share your Favorite ASCE Moment for ASCE Day (November 5)
Thanks for your feedback with the important historical context!
Here is a snapshot from the ASCE website which includes some background for the date: https://www.asce.org/asceday/
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Jameelah Ingram P.E., M.ASCE
Washington DC
Original Message:
Sent: 11-05-2019 08:47
From: Christopher Letchford
Subject: Share your Favorite ASCE Moment for ASCE Day (November 5)
Whoever chose November 5 as ASCE Day, should ponder what this day represents for Parliamentary democracies! Guy Fawkes Day (in other English-speaking countries) reminds us of the day violence nearly undid an elected parliament in England in 1605, largely due to polarized religious beliefs. It also forms the basis of the cartoon V for Vendetta about a wildly cynical UK government being overthrown by popular dissent. Messages for our times, but perhaps not what ASCE would want to be associated with?
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Christopher Letchford Ph.D., P.E., F.SEI, F.ASCE
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy NY
Original Message:
Sent: 11-03-2019 22:36
From: Jameelah Ingram
Subject: Share your Favorite ASCE Moment for ASCE Day (November 5)
November 5th is ASCE Day! It will celebrate the Society's 167th anniversary.
It is difficult to choose a favorite moment from all of the great experiences I have had with this organization. In recent memory, I would have to say that the promotion of the Dream Big film with the ASCE National Capital Section membership is near the top of the list. We organized fun outreach events to give away movie tickets to ASCE Student Chapters, talked about the film with children at E-Week festivals, and even attended the movie premiere at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. It was a wonderful way to spark and maintain intrigue with Civil Engineering, for both students and professionals.
Please share a story or post a picture about your favorite moment with ASCE!
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Jameelah Ingram, P.E., M.ASCE
Washington, D.C.
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