Civil engineering club celebrates its 100th year

Washington State University's chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) recently celebrated its 100th year anniversary as a student club on campus.

At WSU, ASCE's student group is known for student competitions, such as the Steel Bridge and Concrete Canoe contest, and the WSU group has won dozens of awards over the years for their efforts. The national organization is the nation's oldest engineering society and includes 160,000 civil engineers.

"Civil engineers are often forgotten but they have built the foundation of engineering of our infrastructure and our society," said Karl Olsen, the group's advisor and a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. "Without civil engineering, we would not have roads, and we would not have buildings to keep us warm. You start realizing the legacy that you are a part of when you look back a hundred years."

In their weekly meetings, WSU's ASCE group provides networking and opportunities for students to meet industry professionals in the civil engineering field.

"Our speakers can be from anywhere - from private consulting firms to state or government agencies, or even construction companies," said Ramon Rafols, the current ASCE president and a civil engineering student.

The 100th-year celebration held Sept. 20 included a barbecue, a presentation on the history of ASCE, and a tour of the department. Current members joined with alumni from as far back as the 1960s to celebrate and reminisce on the club's accomplishments.

Without civil engineering, we would not have roads, and we would not have buildings to keep us warm. You start realizing the legacy that you are a part of when you look back a hundred years.

Karl Olsen, professor and ASCE advisor
Washington State University

The students and ASCE officers made the event a success, said Olsen. In addition to advertising and reaching out to alumni, they organized the barbecue and even grilled the burgers.

For Seger L. Smith, a fourth-year civil engineering student and former president of the club, the group has helped him gain confidence, communication skills, and networking opportunities. He was pleased with the success of the 100th celebration.

"Our students and our chapter are what really brought this to the table," he said. "It was a very collaborative team effort. Accomplishing all this and getting this turnout was very rewarding."

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