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Engineering Council Honors Engineeering Advocates

Wednesday, May 5 2010

YourHub.com
By: Jeanine Spellman
May 5th, 2010

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado (ACEC/CO) announced the recipients of its prestigious industry awards, presented at the Council's annual meeting in April. The awards acknowledge those who continually demonstrate leadership and dedication to furthering the consulting engineering industry, which is dedicated to public health, safety and welfare. These individuals demonstrate their devotion to accelerating industry advancements and cultivating the next generation of those who will further societal advancements. Through their professions and volunteering, they are giving of their time and expertise to further the advancement of consulting engineering, math and science.

ACEC/CO President Rob Refvem, P.E., presented state Sen. Abel Tapia with the President's award, which is given to an individual who exhibits untiring efforts and consistently surpasses any expectations for their work with ACEC/CO. As a state legislator, Tapia has committed himself to serving the people of Colorado and has been a champion for the engineering profession. Tapia, a civil engineer, shared that he was glad to see more engineers serving in the legislature, as they are "problem-solvers."

The Council's distinctive Orley O. Philips award was presented to Narender Kumar, P.E., founder of Kumar Associates, and John L. Haley, P.E., posthumously. The award is given to an ACEC/CO member or staff member who has made significant contributions to the profession, the Council, and its programs. It was established to honor one of its founding members. Kumar stated that he was grateful to follow in the footsteps of those who have led the Council and guided the industry to further its mission to the public at large.

The Council awarded the General Palmer Award to Sandra Woods, Ph.D., dean of engineering, Colorado State University. The award is given to an engineer in the industry who makes significant contributions to the State of Colorado, has recognition in the community, and has demonstrated dedication to the advancement of the engineering community.

The distinguished George Washington Award was presented to Ralph W. Christie,P.E., Merrick & Company. The award is given to an ACEC/CO member for outstanding service to the community, the progress of Colorado, and the advancement of the public image of consulting engineering as a profession. Christie has exhibited leadership and has made an impact on public policy-making and general societal issues. Christie was humbled to be among those who have received this award, and in an heartfelt acceptance speech stated, "today is our day - this is our time," recognizing the challenges, life sciences issues, safety, and infrastructure needs of our nation. He added that moving cultures forward would not be possible without engineers. It is a passionate industry that creates life-sustaining results.

Aaron Waggoner, math teacher at Chaparral High School in Parker, Colorado, was honored as Educator of the Year for his contributions and support of programs in math, science, and engineering. Accepting his award Waggoner noted that many students are inspired by parents who are engineers and he called on the engineering community to continue to mentor neighborhood students by "passing your passion along."

Committee Chair of the Year awards were presented to Jane Boand, chair of the Council's Environmental Committee and John Clark for his work on the Southern Colorado Committee. These members are willing to give their time and talents to provide leadership and carry out vital programs that impact the industry and the community at large.

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado (ACEC/CO) is the business association of 230 member firms employing more than 11,000 employees in the independent private practice of consulting engineering. ACEC/CO is a primary resource for accessing engineering information, expertise and business ethics practices. The Council provides leadership and direction by developing practical, feasible options and solutions based upon technical collaboration to achieve enduring outcomes to benefit society.