ASCE Dallas Branch Update

August 2021

There has been a lot going on recently with the Dallas Branch, even during the challenges of the pandemic era. Check out some of the updates from Dallas below!

The Bridge Program Recap

The Dallas Branch is proud to have launched the first of its kind monthly program called “The Bridge” with a wide variety of topics directed specifically to young engineers transitioning into the work force and building the skills necessary for a successful civil engineering career.

In the January edition of The Bridge features Ed Penton PE presenting on “Organizing Resources for the PE Exam”. A Q&A panel of recent test takers to answer any question on their experiences taking the PE exam was also assembled featuring Phillip Alcorn PE, Daniel Diaz, Samuel Ewing, Hosna Mousavipour, and Blake Thrower.

February featured Mark Van Andel from Jacobs Engineering Group presenting the ins and outs of negotiation professionally or even in a social setting. Negotiation is an important skill of communication where any engineer or person, young and old, can practice! Thanks to Nick Phillips also for presenting the ASCE Salary Calculator where ASCE gathered information of the entire year to create a snapshot of current and long-term trends relating to compensation and benefits. If you want to use the calculator, you must be registered as an ASCE member or student member! So, don’t delay, join today!

In March, ASCE Dallas Branch President, Jonathan Brower PE from L.A. Fuess Partners presented on “Virtual Meetings 101” which highlighted virtual meeting etiquette, as well as how to improve on the ways we partake in, and host online meetings and events. Manny Calderon from Jacobs Engineering Group led an open discussion on tips and tricks in Microsoft Teams as well!

Our featured guest speaker in April was Marty Paris PE, Vice President at Kimley-Horn showcasing a presentation on Quality Control. Marty highlighted common quality control procedures and discussed how to be more self-sufficient when reviewing your own work! Ashlyn Morgan PE also of Kimley-Horn led an open discussion and demonstration of Bluebeam for collaborative reviews.

The May Bridge Program featured Patrick Williams PE from Urban Engineers showcasing a presentation on Networking Basics where he covered common techniques to cultivate your professional circle. There was also a panel on understanding the office environment to help manage your career trajectory. The panelists were Patrick Williams – Urban Engineers, Chris Hoff – Jacobs Engineering Group, and Jonathan Brower – L. A. Fuess Partners.

Our featured guest speaker for June was Mark Boyd PE, PhD from LCA Environmental showcasing the “Overview of Engineering Certifications” including what they mean, their uses, and how to get them. The panel discussion on pursuing higher education options included Mark Boyd – LCA Environmental, Hosna Mousavipour – Jacobs Engineering Group, Julie Jones – Nathan D. Maier Consulting Engineers, and Ed Penton – Jacobs Engineering Group.

CRYMC Awards

The ASCE Dallas Branch is proud to announce that two members of our leadership team were recognized at the 2021 Virtual Central Region Younger Member Council (CRYMC) Awards Ceremony!

Samantha Vail was recognized as the 2021 CRYMC Outstanding Younger Member in Community Activities. This award is awarded to a Younger Member who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and participation in community service over the past year.

Jonathan Brower was recognized as the 2021 CRYMC Outstanding Younger Member in the Private Sector. This award is awarded to a Younger Member who has demonstrated leadership potential in private sector civil engineering.

Congrats to both Samantha and Jonathan!

PDH Proceeds for Charity

Since the November 2020 Virtual Branch Meeting, the ASCE Dallas Branch has been charging $10 for PDH certificates. These proceeds were then split evenly between the ASCE Dallas G.B. Mann Scholarship and a rotating local non-profit. Each month, The Branch would release a survey where Branch members could vote on their preferred non-profit to direct the PDH certificate proceeds towards.

We are proud to share that we were able to donate over $5,500 to eight different non-profits whose missions range from STEM outreach to combatting homelessness and a variety of other causes. A full summary of the non-profits and the amounts donated to each one can be found below.

• November – Christmas is Caring Charity Campaign ($592.50)
• December – North Texas Food Bank ($700.00)
• January – Dallas ISD STEM Department ($612.50)
• February – Communities in Schools Dallas Region ($925.00)
• March – OurCalling ($1042.50)
• April – EWB Bolivia Project ($770)
• May – Austin Street Center for the Homeless ($750)
• June – Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas ($735)

Thank you to all the members that purchased PDH certificates over the past eight months and helped the ASCE Dallas Branch make a positive impact to so many organizations during this time.

ASCE Dallas Branch Golf Tournament

The Dallas Branch is excited to announce that the ASCE Dallas Golf Tournament benefitting the G.B. Mann Scholarship Fund will be happening on Monday, October 4 at the Texas Rangers Golf Club! Register your team today!