ASCE Corpus Christi E-Week Branch Banquet
The ASCE Corpus Christi Branch hosted their 2026 Joint Society Meeting and Awards Banquet on February 26th during National Engineers Week with this year’s theme focusing on water.
Panel moderator and ASCE member Griselda Gonzalez PE, of GRIS Engineering, guided an engaging discussion featuring experts representing diverse facets of the water sector.
- Dr. Danel Oney, Real Estate Economist at Texas A&M Real Estate Research Center shared insights on statewide water usage trends and emphasized that water availability is becoming increasingly scarce across Texas.
- water uses from around the state of Texas and made south Texas aware that availability is in short supply throughout the state.
- Mr. Perry Fowler, Executive Director of Texas Water Infrastructure Network, provided a perspective on the infrastructure and investments required to meet Texas’ growing water demands.
- Local water expert Mr. Dan Grimsbo, PE highlighted both the critical importance of water and affirmed that Corpus Christi continues to maintain exceptional water quality.
- Texas Senator Adam Hinojosa contributed a legislative viewpoint, outlining current efforts and remaining needs in ensuring reliable water resources for Texans.
In addition to the panel, the Corpus Christi Branch proudly recognized outstanding leaders in civil engineering:
- Engineer of the Year – Bria Whitmire, PE, Bria Whitmire is a civil engineer with the City of Corpus Christi whose long-standing ASCE leadership and continued service, including chairing the 2026 CECON and serving as Past President of the Corpus Christi Branch, distinguish her as this year’s honoree.
- Young Engineer of the Year – Victor E. Murillo, MS, PE is a Civil Engineer with Hanson Professional Services whose leadership at both the local and state levels of ASCE, impactful contributions to major South Texas infrastructure projects, and strong dedication to community involvement make him an exceptional recipient of this year’s award.
- Student Engineer of the Year – Natalie Sepulveda is a senior civil engineering student at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi whose leadership in helping build the ASCE student chapter, broad internship experience, and contributions to campus engineering initiatives distinguish her as this year’s honoree.
- Project of the Year – Bob Hall Pier Reconstruction (Jacobs Engineering Group) delivered a completely redesigned and storm‑resilient Gulf Coast landmark restoring a major regional destination after its destruction by Hurricane Hanna.
The Branch extends its sincere appreciation to the sponsors who made this event possible: DCCM, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, LJA Engineering, Jacobs, AmeriTex Pipe & Products, Hanson, and N. Martinez & Associates, Inc.
