chapter articles spring 2009 - chi epsilon · chapter articles spring 2009 university of arkansas...

61
SPRING 2009 1 CHAPTER ARTICLES SPRING 2009 2 2 5 5 6 8 9 10 12 13 13 15 16 17 17 19 19 20 20 21 26 27 28 29 29 30 30 31 32 32 34 38 38 39 40 41 41 42 43 44 44 45 45 46 48 48 48 49 51 51 52 53 54 54 55 56 56 57 57 60 60 University of Alabama- Birmingham University of Arkansas Auburn University Bradley University University of California-Berkeley California Polytechnic University- Pomona California Polytechnic University - San Luis Obispo California State at Fresno California State University at Long Beach California State University- Los Angeles University of Central Florida Clemson University Colorado State University University of Connecticut University of Delaware Duke University University of Florida Florida International University University of Hawaii University of Illinois Iowa State University University of Kansas Kansas State University Lawrence Technological University Lehigh University Louisiana State University Louisiana Tech University University of Maine Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Michigan Michigan Technological University University of Minnesota Missouri University of Science and Technology University of Nebraska-Lincoln University of Nebraska at Omaha University of New Mexico North Carolina State University University of North Carolina- Charlotte Norwich University Ohio University Ohio State University University of Oklahoma Oklahoma State University Old Dominion University Oregon State University University of Pittsburgh Purdue University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute University of Rhode Island San Jose State University South Dakota State University Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville Stevens Institute of Technology Syracuse University University of Tennessee University of Texas-Arlington University of Texas Texas Tech University Vanderbilt University University of Washington University of Wisconsin- Platteville PAGE CHAPTER PAGE Chapter articles are published only on-line at this web site. Odd numbered chap- ters, 1,3,5, etc., provide their articles by December 15th of each year to appear in the spring. Even numbered chapters, 2,4,6, etc., provide their articles by May 15th of each year, and they appear on-line in the fall. Please enjoy reading the articles from your chapter and others to find out what is happening locally in Chi Epsilon. CHAPTER

Upload: hathuy

Post on 05-Oct-2018

219 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

SPRING 2009 1

CHAPTER ARTICLES SPRING 2009

22556

8

910

12

13131516171719192020212627282929303031

3232

3438

3839

404141

4243444445454648484849515152

535454555656575760

60

University of Alabama- BirminghamUniversity of ArkansasAuburn UniversityBradley UniversityUniversity of California-BerkeleyCalifornia Polytechnic University- PomonaCalifornia Polytechnic University - San Luis ObispoCalifornia State at FresnoCalifornia State University at Long BeachCalifornia State University- Los AngelesUniversity of Central FloridaClemson UniversityColorado State UniversityUniversity of ConnecticutUniversity of DelawareDuke UniversityUniversity of FloridaFlorida International UniversityUniversity of HawaiiUniversity of IllinoisIowa State UniversityUniversity of KansasKansas State UniversityLawrence Technological UniversityLehigh UniversityLouisiana State UniversityLouisiana Tech UniversityUniversity of MaineMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyUniversity of Michigan

Michigan Technological UniversityUniversity of MinnesotaMissouri University of Science and TechnologyUniversity of Nebraska-LincolnUniversity of Nebraska at OmahaUniversity of New MexicoNorth Carolina State UniversityUniversity of North Carolina- CharlotteNorwich UniversityOhio UniversityOhio State UniversityUniversity of OklahomaOklahoma State UniversityOld Dominion UniversityOregon State UniversityUniversity of PittsburghPurdue UniversityRensselaer Polytechnic InstituteUniversity of Rhode IslandSan Jose State UniversitySouth Dakota State UniversitySouthern Illinois University- EdwardsvilleStevens Institute of TechnologySyracuse UniversityUniversity of TennesseeUniversity of Texas-ArlingtonUniversity of TexasTexas Tech UniversityVanderbilt UniversityUniversity of WashingtonUniversity of Wisconsin- Platteville

PAGE CHAPTER PAGE

Chapter articles are published only on-line at this web site. Odd numbered chap-ters, 1,3,5, etc., provide their articles by December 15th of each year to appear inthe spring. Even numbered chapters, 2,4,6, etc., provide their articles by May 15thof each year, and they appear on-line in the fall. Please enjoy reading the articlesfrom your chapter and others to find out what is happening locally in Chi Epsilon.

CHAPTER

SPRING 2009 2

Chapter Articles Spring 2009

University of Arkansas

The Chi Epsilon chapter at theUniversity of Arkansas has had a veryproductive and successful year. Theyear 2008 started off with spring officers:Royce Floyd, president; DavidClement , vice-president; StevenBeggs, secretary; Clint Wood,treasurer; Adam White, marshal; andTrent Ellis, editor. Dr. Norman Denniscontinued to serve as faculty advisorthrough the spring semester.

Through the months fromJanuary to April, many chapter memberswere heavily involved with the ASCEMid-continent Concrete Canoe andAISC Steel Bridge competitions. Many

University of Alabamaat Birmingham

This year’s initiation ceremonywas held on February 20, 2009, whereeighteen new members were initiated intothe UAB Chi Epsilon chapter. The newlyelected officers for the coming year are:Jason Kretzschmar, president;Candace Watson, vice-president;Glenn Hood, treasurer; Sally Palmer,secretary; Jeewon Park, associateeditor; and Christopher Lindsey,marshal, with Dr. Talat Salama as thefaculty advisor. A photo of the ceremonyis attached.

UAB Chi Epsilon chaptermembers are active in numerouscompetitions and events such as theASCE Concrete Canoe competition andthe Engineering School open house threeday event for high-school students. Plansfor the future include tutoring sessions

University of Alabama-Birmingham officers conducting initiation

for engineering students in their freshmanand sophomore years, and being involvedin Habitat for Humanity projects.

SPRING 2009 3

members participated in the design andconstruction of the canoe and bridge andalso competed in the competitions.

In the spring, we designed andsold College of Engineering hats as afundraiser. The hats were sold modestlythroughout the semester in the BellEngineering building, and sold very wellat the Arkansas Academy of CivilEngineering banquet at the end of thesemester. As in years past, we sold FEreview manuals as a fundraiser andcoordinated the spring and fall FE reviewsessions. This is always a successfulfundraiser, raising several hundred dollarsevery semester. During the spring, thechapter also initiated the creation of aplaque to display the donations of pasthonor members to the UA Chi Epsilonchapter, which were solicited by sendingletters to each of the past Chapter HonorMembers. During the spring semester,the chapter also sent three members tothe 40th National Conclave, which tookplace in Hoboken, NJ at the StevensInstitute of Technology on March 13-15.

University of Arkansas fall 2008 cleanup

In the month of April, elevennew student members were initiated;Annette Porter, Cameron Alexander,Daniel George, Daniel Morgan, RayRyan, Chris Williams, JeremyMcDonald, Joseph Fifer, SarahTamyo, Josh Cunningham, andShannon Money. Mr. C. Larry Weir,P.E. was elevated as our Chapter HonorMember. Chapter nominees wererequired to develop a Chi Epsilon boardand to participate in a service project.In the spring term, the service project wascleaning up Mud Creek Trail for the Cityof Fayetteville. Chapter members werealso encouraged to participate in thisactivity, which will spread awareness ofChi Epsilon and motivate participation.On November 20, new officers wereelected for the spring 2009 semester.The officers elected were Alan Nguyen,secretary; Mark McCollum, treasurer;Daniel Byram, marshal; and AnnettePorter, associate editor.

SPRING 2009 4

University of Arkansas fall 2008 reception

University of Arkansas hat sold for fundraising

SPRING 2009 5

Bradley University

Over the past year, with thesupport and guidance of Dr. AI-Khafaji,chair of the Department of CivilEngineering and Construction, and Dr.Seckler, faculty advisor, Chi Epsilon hasbeen able to carry on a tradition ofexcellence. The chapter continues toinitiate the finest undergraduate civilengineering student scholars andencourage leadership and serviceamong its members. Since the last report,nineteen students have been initiatedinto Chi Epsilon. Initiated on April 24,2008 were Jazmin Anaya, MichaelBrown, Tyler Dickinson, LaurenDowning, Lindsey Ford, KrzysztofKIuza, Kurt Mester, MichaelPeplow, Andrew Scott, and JasonShurtz. Initiated on November 23, 2008were Anastasia Berwick, MarkBulicek, Stephen Long, JessicaLund, Kyle Prusinski, MatthewRock, Brenna Roether, MatthewSmith, and Mitchell Wedell.

Serving as officers for thespring semester, 2008 were NicholasHomerding, president, Michael Ott,vice-president; Emily Steimel,

Auburn University

The Auburn University chapterof Chi Epsilon had an outstanding yearin 2008, growing in numbers andaccomplishments. The new officerselected in April 2008 were WilliamMinor-president, Paul Coulston-vice-president, Melanie Limerick-secretary,Erica Thomas-treasurer, MichaelRice-associate editor, and LaytonMinton-marshal. These officerswelcomed the twenty-one membersinitiated in the fall and spring semesters.Dr. Robert Barnes continued to serveas faculty advisor.

The chapter continued itsorganization of review sessions for theFE exam. In 2003, our chapter startedthese review sessions as a service toAuburn civil engineering students. Sincethat time, Auburn’s performance on theexam has improved remarkably. Thesereview sessions would not have beenpossible without the following facultymembers: Dr. Barnes, Dr. Barnett, Dr.Elton, Dr. Melville, Dr. Timm, Dr.Turochy, Dr. Zech, and graduate studentAshley Fuller. We look forward tocontinuing and improving this service.

In February, Chi Epsilonwelcomed high school students visitingAuburn on an engineering recruitmentday and showed the students some ofthe engineering facilities and research atAuburn. This served as the requiredservice project for new initiates this year.

Our chapter organized the firstcivil-specific graduate school forum. Thisforum served as a venue for informingstudents about graduate school and alsoallowed students to ask any questionsthey may have about graduate school.

Special thanks is given to Dr. Stallings,our department head, for taking time tospeak and answer questions at thisforum. We look forward to providing andenhancing this forum in the future.

Without a doubt, the chapter’scommitment to sociability was enjoyedby members. The chapter held twodinners to honor our fall and springinitiates. We look forward to anotherexciting and successful year in 2009!

SPRING 2009 6

secretary/treasurer; WilliamGebhardt, associate editor; andMatthew Mathien, marshal. Servingas officers for the fall semester, 2008were William Gebhardt, president;Lindsey Ford, vice-president; LaurenDowning, secretary/treasurer; AndrewScott, associate editor; and MichaelBrown, marshal.

During both the spring and fallsemesters of 2008, Chi Epsilon membersparticipated in a significant outreachprogram called “Bridge Pals”,developed by Dr. AI-Khafaji, to fosterinterest in engineering among middleschool and high school students byconstructing, analyzing and testing balsawood bridges. Our members helped theparticipating students design their balsawood bridges using AutoCAD and PCAFrame software. The testing of thebridge is held at a local mall inconjunction with “Engineers Week”.Due to the kindness of Dr. AI-Khafaji,several members attended the ICAT2008 conference. This was a greatopportunity to learn about innovationsand technologies involved in asphalt andtraffic, and interact with professionalsin these areas. The members alsoprovided support for the Department ofCivil Engineering and Construction’s fall2008 Job Fair by helping employers setuptheir displays. Over 70 regional, nationaland international employers attended thefair. Chi Epsilon was also privileged tovolunteer at Bradley’s fall Major/MinorFair on behalf of the CEC department.Our members spoke with Bradleystudents and provided information aboutthe CEC program. Another significantservice activity in which Chi Epsilonmembers participated was theconstruction of “Pocket Parks” on thesouth side of Peoria. In cooperation with

ASCE, the members participated in theIllinois Department of Transportation“Adopt-a-Highway” program. Otheractivities in which the membershipparticipated were the ASCE concretecanoe and steel bridge building teams,and a “Habitat for Humanity” project.Dr. Al-Khafaji continues to provideexcellent support and guidance for ChiEpsilon activities.

University of California,Berkeley

The University of California,Berkeley chapter is about to close thedoor on an active and successful 2008calendar year. A total of forty-six newmembers were initiated this past year.The dramatic increase in membershipallowed our Berkeley chapter to reachout like never before by taking on a moreactive role in the local community andstrengthening the society itself.

The spring of 2008 was led byPresident Karl David Cruz and hisofficer team. With the help of FacultyAdvisor Michael Riemer, theycollaborated with companies around theBay Area to put together events such asRebuilding Together and Irish Dance –events that reappear every semesterbecause of their popularity with thepledges and chapter members. However,unique to the spring semester was CalDay – an open house day for prospectivestudents to gain an in-depth look at variousmajors. The responsibility of representingthe civil engineering department felllargely on Chi Epsilon. The pledges andofficer team covered shifts throughout the

SPRING 2009 7

University of California at Berkeley

University of California at Berkeley

SPRING 2009 8

day, guiding tours and answeringquestions of interested high schoolstudents and adults alike. The end of thesemester marked the initiation of thetwenty-four pledges as well as theinduction of Sachi Itagaki of Kennedy/Jenks Consultants as our Chapter HonorMember.

Fall 2008 began with a sense offamiliarity as many spring pledges wereelected to serve as officers. PresidentScott Payne, the spring 2008 vice-president, returned to oversee thepledging process of twenty-two morestudents. An important project of thesemester was hosting the annualUndergraduate Advising Night, wherefaculty and alumni made themselvesavailable for questions and advice aboutcivil engineering. The goal was to showstudents how accessible these resourceswere and create a comfortableatmosphere for student-teacherinteraction. As envisioned,undergraduate students who normally didnot talk to faculty took full advantage ofthis opportunity.

Berkeley XE, represented bymember Joshua Ma and pledge AshkanArhami, won the award for “MostSpirited Chapter” at the Pacific DistrictConference in November. IncomingPresident Swe Swin Maung and hisofficer team will be in charge ofcontinuing the rapid growth andenthusiasm of the Berkeley chapter inthe spring 2009 semester. Special thanksgo to Michael Riemer andUndergraduate Advisor JoanChamberlain for their assistance withour chapter’s past endeavors andambitions to come.

California PolytechnicUniversity at Pomona

The year started with Cal PolyPomona’s 6th annual Chi Epsilon CivilEngineering Job Fair held in February.The job fair featured 54 different publicand private civil engineering companieswhich attracted many civil engineeringstudents looking for internships or full-time positions.

In May, the initiation ceremonyand banquet took place where ourchapter introduced 45 new initiates. TheCal Poly Pomona Chi Epsilon studentchapter is massively growing due tostudent involvement and the vast CivilEngineering Department. The newofficers introduced at the ceremony forthe 2008-2009 academic year wereDeborah Tsan, president; ChadNelson, vice-president; CelesteSolano, secretary; Jason Joh, treasurer;John Huynh, associate editor; RobertBateman, marshal; Jocelyn Tan,webmaster; Andrew Tran, job fair chair;and Ricky Ventura, activities chair. TheChi Epsilon advisor remained Dr. RonaldYeung. The guest speakers were BillFlores, P.E. and Dr. Hany Farran. Dr.Hany Farran teaches courses instructural engineering and is a respectedfaculty member at Cal Poly Pomona.The outgoing officers from the 2006-2007academic year were Julian Barba,president; George Tim Alvarez, vice-president; Khanh Nguyen, secretary;Stephen Ng, treasurer; James Majors,associate editor; Charles Johnson,marshal; Sean Hoss, webmaster; RaviShah, job fair chair; and CesarTiscareno, activities chair.

SPRING 2009 9

California Polytechnic StateUniversity at San Luis Obispo

The Chi Epsilon chapter atCalifornia Polytechnic State University- San Luis Obispo had another great year.The chapter initiated 26 new membersat the end of winter quarter on March 9,2008. These new members are OscarAlcala, Ian Barnes, Randy Camat,Reed Calkins, Nicholas Capuchino,Jessi Cohen, David Cortese, AlexGanschon, Rachel Giovanetti, SamHo, Bryan Holm, Maggie Herzog,Paul Kvam, Brian Mark-Aurele,Jesse Martinez, Amos Melborn,Shaliz Nakashima, Mark Palmatier,Kim Quesnel, Matt Schafer, BrettSchoppe, Matthew Scott, JarrodSwett , William Tabajando , MattWickens, and Kevin Yavari.

The chapter was represented byRussell Fenton and Kelley Wigton atthe 2008 Conclave at Stevens Institute(Hoboken, New Jersey), and wasrepresented by 11 members at the PacificDistrict Conference at the University ofSouthern California in November 2008.

Celeste Solano, Jocelyn Tan, AndrewTran, Deborah Tsan, Ricky Ventura,Edric Vierra, and Yanwen Zhang. Thefaculty advisor in attendance was Dr.Ronald Yeung.

With strong leadership from bothDr. Ronald Yeung and chapter officers,the Cal Poly Pomona Chi Epsilon studentchapter will continue to grow andexemplify excellence and leadership.

At the end of the academic year,the Cal Poly Pomona Chi Epsilon studentchapter combined efforts with the ASCEYoung Members Forum to host bowlingnight at Chaparral Lanes- open to all civilengineering students. This parting eventfor graduating seniors marked the endof a few college careers while bringingtogether the current body of civilengineering students before a summerhiatus. To celebrate the end of theacademic year, Chi Epsilon purchased ashowcase for the Civil EngineeringDepartment to proudly display the notableachievements of the department.

Starting the new academic year,we have 50 initiates. To createopportunities to network for members andinitiates, we collaborated with ASCE toorganize a soccer event against themechanical engineers. The civilengineering student participants won 6to 1. This sociability event for Chi Epsilonhad over 50 spectators and a total of 20participants. The event brought memberstogether and helped promote interactionbetween other clubs and fields ofengineering.

The 2008 Chi Epsilon PacificDistrict Conference was held at theUniversity of Southern California at theend of November. The Cal Poly Pomonachapter was proudly represented with 22attendees that consisted of officers,members, and initiates. Those inattendance were Robert Bateman,Stephanie Cristales, Jesus Guevara,John Huynh, Jason Joh, ShaliaKhovananth , Kevin Kim , CesarLopez, Anthony Macklin , JeffreyMagalong, Chad Nelson, EnriqueOrozco, Nelson Pi, Mallory Smith,

SPRING 2009 10

California State Universityat Fresno

The fall 2008 semester was thefirst semester for the California StateUniversity-Fresno chapter of Chi Epsilonafter its establishment ceremony, whichwas held in late May of 2008. Theinstallation ceremony was also the veryfirst initiation ceremony for the chapter,granting its founding members the titleof Member of Chi Epsilon. During thatsemester the chapter installed in its firstcabinet of officers, and they are: CalebKenyon, president; Jared Lindo, vice-president; Mark Weaver, secretary;Katarina Buelna, treasurer; VictorHorn, associate editor; and Thai Huynh,marshal. Dr. Ming Xiao serves as ourfaculty advisor.

During the fall 2009 semesterCSU-Fresno was privileged to acceptnew initiates who had completed thechapter’s requirements of eligibility.These initiates participated in onecommunity service event, one generalmeeting, and one social event. Onespecific social event allowed theseinitiates, along with current members, toexperience the rare opportunity to tourthe Friant Dam, which has been closedto the public for many years. In additionto that, initiates also volunteered by givingtheir time at a local homeless center,named the Poverello House. Theseinitiates are: David Tran, Ian Cline,Chris McComb, David Ponce Dick,Ashley Stoll, Katie Ambrosini, AlvinaPrakash, Cassie Leonardo, RamonMendez, and Gunawan Wiyono.

Also during the fall semester, thechapter was honored to witness the

Mattina , treasurer; Matt Wickens,Engineering Student Councilrepresentative; Layla Ali-Ahmad,pledge marshal; Kevin Yavari, pledgemarshal; Maggie Herzog, communityservice; Shaliz Nakashima, eventscoordinator; Reed Calkins, eventscoordinator; Randy Camat, eventscoordinator; Ian Barnes, associateeditor; and Bryan Holm, webmaster.Dr. Charles Chadwell continues as ourfaculty advisor.

The current members of thechapter would like to take this opportunityto thank the following outgoing officers,who put in a lot of hard work to make thischapter what it is today: Russell Fenton,president; Emily Doris, vice-president;Chris Camp, secretary; Nick Britten,treasurer; Mike Steele, pledge marshal;John Dodds, community service; RachelCarpenter, events coordinator; Ali Carter,events coordinator; Garett Roffe, eventscoordinator; Charles Andrews, associateeditor; and Simon Burnworth,webmaster.

The chapter participated in manyevents throughout the year. The chapterset up FE review sessions for the springand fall administrations of the exams, whichconsisted of sessions taught by professorsat night for two weeks prior to the exam.Over 250 students and members of thelocal engineering community participated inthe review sessions. We also formed a teamfor Relay for Life, participated in the WiggleWaggle Walk-a-Thon and helped out withbeach cleanups to help improve ourcommunity.

Our chapter’s current officersare as follows: Kelley Wigton,president; Kim Quesnel, vice-president;Christine Sobrero, secretary; J.W.

SPRING 2009 11

California State Universtiy at Fresno spring induction 2008

California State Universtiy at Fresno at Friant Dam

SPRING 2009 12

changing of the College of Engineering’sname to Lyles College of Engineering,in honor of the generous donation madeby the Lyles family.

California State University atLong Beach

The Long Beach State chapterhas had quite the productive semester.Following the previous “rebuilding”semesters, we are remaining strongly incontention with the core values of ChiEpsilon. We look forward to yet anotherproductive semester. All current officerswill remain in their respective positionsuntil the spring semester, except ourgraduating associate editor CaseyRasile. We hope to find a suitable

replacement in our initiation class thissemester.

We are currently in process ofcompleting fall initiation for all eligible ChiEpsilon members. Initiates will have tostudy and prepare for the right to bewelcomed into the Chi Epsilonorganization. Spring marks the time forofficer transition and we expect this togo smoothly as the precedents have beenset. There have been many discussionsabout ongoing events and the like for ourchapter.

Our most memorable volunteerproject this semester was the 30 MinuteBeach Clean Up. Volunteers from ChiEpsilon along with many others did our partand, as the name implies, cleaned up thebeach for a little over 30 minutes. Thebeach clean up took place in BelmontShores on a Saturday morning. Cleaning

California State University at Long Beach cleanup

SPRING 2009 13

up the environment and helping out are allvalues which Chi Epsilon prides itself on.

With initiation right around thecorner, a group of candidates polished ourchapter transit with good old fashionedelbow grease.

The Long Beach State chapter alsoprides itself on our EIT review sessions inpreparation for the EIT exam and personaltutoring (upon request) of civil engineeringclasses such as statics.

That’s about it from the beach fornow, and we are very proud to have Dr.Antonella Sciortino as our faculty advisorand look forward to having her as part ofChi Epsilon for years to come.

California State University,Los Angeles

The California State University,Los Angeles chapter of Chi Epsilon hashad a successful and exciting academicyear. During the fall, the chapter held bi-weekly meetings and conducted severalactivities. This year was eventful as sixnew members were welcomed into thechapter and five new officers wereelected. Fall 2008 initiates: Abner Nerio,Edgar Perez, Diana Patron Gallardo,Max Morning, Erwin Rodriguez,David Bou. Fall 2008 officers: AbnerNerio, president; Edgar Perez, vice-president; Diana Patron Gallardo,secretary; Max Morning, treasurer;Erwin Rodriguez , marshal; andMeisha Chavez, associate editor.

A major highlight of 2008 for thechapter was attending the Chi EpsilonPacific District Conference held at theUniversity of Southern California. There

was an amazing turnout of five members(four officers and an alumni member) thatattended the conference, more than wehave had in years. Our membersdisplayed great teamwork and characterin preparing for the conference. We evenhad fun winning the “Most EntertainingScavenger Hunt Photos” award. Wewould like to thank the USC chaptermembers for hosting such an excellentconference.

This year the chapter alsoeffectively teamed up with several CEcampus organizations. The Chi Epsilonchapter was officially recognized by theCSULA student government. Thechapter participated in the engineeringScience and Computer Technologyannual banquet along with the Society ofHispanic Engineers and Science Students(SHESS) and joined forces with theAmerican Society of Civil Engineers(ASCE) to work with Habitat forHumanity and Boeing Day on campus.

The CSULA chapter holdsprogressive goals in further expanding thechapter’s membership and activity, aswell as planning future events to rallysupport.

From the CSULA chapter,congratulations to all of our 2009 graduates!We wish them all the best and all of theofficers of Chi Epsilon who look forwardto a fresh start in the fall.

University of Central Florida

The University of Central Floridachapter has gone through a great deal ofsetbacks during the past few years interms of recruiting and support. Almost

SPRING 2009 14

Cal State Los Angeles officers and alumni at the 2008 Pacific DistrictConference held at the University of Southern California.

Cal State Los Angeles 2008 fall initiantion

SPRING 2009 15

engineering events at UCF. We are alsoworking to find a community serviceproject to do each semester that canbenefit the chapter and the community.With a little time and effort, the chapterwill be back on its feet and ready topursue the goals it intended to accomplish.Our chapter would like to personallythank the UCF Chi Epsilon faculty andChi Epsilon headquarters for helping tobring this chapter back to active status.

Clemson University

In the 2008 year, the ClemsonUniversity chapter of Chi Epsilon madegreat progress in advancing theorganization on the Clemson campus.The hard work of the outgoing officersmade for a smooth transition to the newofficers and allowed them to hit theground running.

The spring semester brought 15new initiates into the organization. Thechapter officers included AngelinaGleason, president; Sara Schiff, vice-president; Laura Kline, secretary;Hossein Hayati, treasurer; WhitneyWingard, associate editor; andJeffery Plumblee, marshal.Congratulations to the new initiates,Daniel Adams, Priyanka Alluri,Timothy Buchanan, Daniel Coith,Katherine Davis, Gabriel Dobbs,Alexander Dunigan, Michael Gantt,Kevin Geoghegan, RonaldGoodson, Brian Haliena, AaronIngle, Jacob Meetze, Sanket Modi,Carl Thodesen , and the neworganization officers, Laura Kline,president; Angelina Gleason, vice-

all of the previous members graduatedor left the chapter, including the facultyadvisor, with only one member left torebuild the chapter. Thankfully, this soleperson was able to recruit 24 newmembers and a new faculty advisor, withhelp from Chi Epsilon faculty, to keepthe chapter alive. We are grateful towelcome the new initiates: NadineBassam Abu-Jubara, Anthony JosephAllan, Melissa Lynn Balmer, ElaineElizabeth Bates, Dormois RaphaelBazile Jr., Josue Robinson Botero,Daniel Edward Clark, Johanna MarieClifford, Paul Sebastian Cordero,Timothy L Gruebel, Andrew CharlesHood, Joseph Ray Jimenez, WilliamJoseph Johnson, ChristinaKouimanis, Tricia M Labud, CliftonD Leffler, Nathan Matthew Lewis,Aubrey Nicole Louder, Ezzio LuisRibotti, Dalita Mootoosammy Singh,Robert Arthur Slade, MatthewSteven Spahr, Erik Spilde Torger, andOskar Torres.

Their service project was tocreate a 3-D replica of the transit andpresent it to the Chi Epsilon member andfaculty. The best one was selected bythe faculty and was put on display in theCivil/Environmental/ConstructionEngineering Department. We welcomethese new officers into UCF’s chapter:Andrew Kozma, president; RobertSlade, vice-president; Andrew Hood,treasurer; Tim Gruebel , secretary;Tricia Labud, associate editor;Christiania Kouimanis, marshal; andfaculty advisor: Dr. Kevin Mackie.

The chapter is still in therebuilding stage at this time but isorganizing fundraisers and is workingtogether with ASCE to sponsor certain

SPRING 2009 16

president; Aaron Geiger, secretary;Hossein Hayati, treasurer; AaronIngle, associate editor; and JacobMeetze, marshal.

The Chi Epsilon advisor, Dr.Peter Sparks, retired from Clemsonin May of 2008. Dr. Brad Putman waswelcomed as the new faculty advisorof the organization.

The fall semester introduced 11new initiates into the organization.Congratulations to the new initiates,Erin Bauknight, David Christopher,Kristin Cox, David Duncan,Thomas Gaines, Joshua Godfrey,John Griffith, Tahereh Heidari,Jesse McClam, Megan Nichols,Jordan Supler, and the new officers,Laura Kline, president; Aaron Ingle,vice-president; Lee Tupper,secretary; Megan Nichols, treasurer;Jesse McClam, associate editor; andJacob Meetze, marshal.

The achievements of ChiEpsilon include the Adopt-a-Highwaylitter pick up, which beginning next yearwill occur twice per semester,recognition as an official organizationon campus, organizing a milk andcookie study break during exams, andthe initiation of 26 new members. Aswe all know, new members are thefuture of our organization, and wewould like to welcome the new advisor,officers, and all of the new members.

Epsilon. New officers for the followingschool year (2008-2009) were alsoinducted in the spring of 2008, whichincluded the selection of Billy Mihelichas chapter president, Nathan Phelps asvice-president, Neal Bohnen astreasurer, Frederick Busch as marshal,Kristle Hawkin as secretary, andJonathan East as associate editor. Inthe fall semester, six new members wereinitiated. These new members wereNathan Alburn, Daniel Bailey,Katelin Crook, Julie Heitland, ScottMcCord, and Timothy Vedra.

Activity within the chapterincreased significantly during 2008. ChiEpsilon continued tutoring generalengineering classes throughout the year,with a focus on engineering staticsclasses in the fall. To raise money forthe program, we had a book drivefundraiser using book donations fromthe faculty in the spring. The fundraiserturned out to be very successful and weare looking forward to having anotherbook drive this upcoming spring semester.We have also started moving our chaptertowards goals of helping the societyaround us. We participated with the localHabitat for Humanity organizationbuilding a house for a single mother inthe community. The CSU chapter ofChi Epsilon also helped with WebelosBadge Day this fall on campus. Forthe spring semester, we have madeplans with the park services to help withtrail maintenance for hiking trails in thearea, as well as continue with theWomen’s Build project with Habitat forHumanity.

We would like to congratulateRebecca Atadero , whom wepresented with the Key Award, for

Colorado State University

Colorado State Universityinitiated one new member, BradleyVassau, to the 37th chapter of Chi

SPRING 2009 17

being selected as the top educator inthe Civil Engineering Department. Wewould also like to thank our facultyadvisors, Thomas Sanders andRichard Gutkowski , for theirguidance as well as their time. Specialthanks goes to Dr. Meroney forserving as a guest speaker at this fall’sinitiation ceremony.

University of Connecticut

The officers for the Universityof Connecticut student chapter for the2007-2008 year were Ethan Cote,president; Daniel Roehrig , vice-president; Matthew Ronando ,secretary; Branden Bergeron,treasurer; Craig Thomas, associateeditor; and Justin Giorlando,marshal.

On February 20, 2008, newmembers were initiated and officerswere elected. The initiates wereundergraduates Lesley Beers,Nathaniel Bergan, Garrett Bolella,Timothy Chan, Christopher Chuck,Daniel Civitillo, Alison Galasso,David Gruttadauria, Stephen Hall,Janice Hwang, Gregory Khirallah,Christopher Kolasa, ChristopherNorris, Shelley Plude, StephenPrusaczyk, Erin Spanos, JasonZheng, and Amanda Ziegler. Thenew officers selected for the 2008-2009 year are Shelley Plude,president; Alison Galasso , vice-president; Gregory Khirallah,secretary; Jason Zheng, treasurer;Christopher Kolasa, associate editor;

and Janice Hwang , marshal. Ourfaculty advisor is Professor NicholasLownes.

Our chapter continued toprovide tutoring in civil engineering twonights a week in our Geib Library. Thistutoring is primarily to helpunderclassmen and fellowupperclassmen with the core classessuch as applied mechanics I & II, fluidmechanics, and soil mechanics &foundations among others.

Members of our chapter willalso be providing assistance to the Civiland Environmental EngineeringDepartment during the spring openhouse held in April. We will conducttours with prospective students andtheir parents as well as answer anyquestions they may have.

University of Delaware

The Delaware chapter of ChiEpsilon has had many opportunities to cometogether to help serve the community andbond as an organization. On May 25th,twenty new members were initiated intothe organization. To celebrate, a meet-and-greet was held to welcome newmembers and say goodbye to thosemembers graduating to become part of ourwell established alumni base. OnSeptember 20th, an International CoastalCleanup was organized through the OceanConservancy organization. Members ofthe Delaware chapter met in New Castle,Delaware, at Battery Park to help cleanup and improve the community.

Within the passing year, there hasbeen a shift of officers. The newest

SPRING 2009 18

University of Connecticut back row, 2007-2008 officers from left to right: JustinGiorlando, Brandon Bergeron, Daniel Roehrig, Ethan Cote, Matthew Ronando, andCraig Thomas; front row, 2008-2009 officers from left to right: Janice Hwang, JasonZheng, Alison Galasso, Shelley Plude, Gregory Khirallah, and Christopher Kolasa.

University of Connecticut back row, from left to right: Janice Hwang, Chris Norris, ErinSpanos, Stephen Prusaczyk, Amanda Ziegler, Nathaniel Bergan, Christopher Chuck, Dave

Gruttadauria, Timothy Chan, Stephen Hall, Garrett Boletta, Lesley Beers, and DanielleCivitillo; front row, from left to right: Jason Zheng, Allison Galasso, Shelley Plude,

Gregory Khirallah, and Christopher Kolasa

SPRING 2009 19

officers of the Delaware chapter include:Charles Mitchell, president; KyleClevenger, vice-president; Kailly Vay,treasurer; Maria Hatgipetros, secretary;Jackee Allmond, associate editor; andPete Seymour, marshal. The followingofficers have passed along their position tothe incoming officers: David Gyurina,president; Chris Weidner, vice-president;Betsy Hicks, treasurer; Kelly Marshall,secretary; Christina Lindemer,associative editor; and Rick DiCesare,marshal.

Duke University

Elections were held at the endof the spring semester in 2008 for newofficers. The new officers are as follows:president, Philip Scott Harvey; vice-president, Samantha Elise Beardsley;secretary, Jessica Leigh Barlow; andmarshal, Aaron Lee . ProfessorJoseph Nadeau was unanimouslyselected by the group to receive the 2008Earl Brown Teaching Award. Dr.Nadeau displays a love of learning andteaching and goes out of his way to helpand encourage his students. Initiation forthe newest class of Chi Epsilon isscheduled for January 26, 2009. Fromthe class of 2010, Nelson Santos DeOliveira, Stephanie Reid Everett,Margaret Ann Hoff , DevonMcGeorge Lauer, Joseph WilliamMcMurray, Jr., Melissa KerrickMurphy, and Jordan Scott Woodsonwill be initiated. From the class of 2009,Laura Anne Hoover, Chloe MariaMawer, and Jai Singh will be welcomedinto the chapter.

University of Florida

The University of Florida chapteraccomplished many things in the spring2008 semester. At the 2008 NationalConclave, the chapter received a “SusanC. Brown Outstanding PerformanceAward”. The chapter also participatedin the annual “Keep Alachua CountyBeautiful” service project. Membersfrom our chapter were sent to variouslocations around the county to pick uplitter. It was a successful event becauseof the participation of severalorganizations from the University ofFlorida and the Gainesville community.Outgoing officers of the spring 2008semester were the president, HeatherShapiro ; vice-president, KatrinaSimons; treasurer, Graham Zoeller;secretary, Michael Riebe ; marshal,Jared Francis; and associate editor,Katie Jenner.

Incoming officers for the fall2008 semester are Aubrey Parsley,president; Jared Francis, vice-president; Michael Riebe, treasurer;Graham Zoeller, secretary; VJ DeJesus, marshal; and Sally Deschamps,associate editor . The fall 2008 semester

The members of Chi Epsilonat Duke University strive andcontinue to maintain the ideals andprinciples embodied by Chi Epsilonwhile also fostering a cohesiveenvironment among civil engineeringstudents. We promote cooperationand support not only among the CivilEngineering Department, but alsowithin the entire Duke community.

SPRING 2009 20

The Florida InternationalUniversity chapter of Chi Epsilon expandedits membership in 2008 school year with alarge number of inductees, new electedofficers and new faculty advisor Dr. GirmaBitsuamlak replacing Dr Fang Zhaowho served as a faculty advisor for the lastten years. The new officers elected wereWhitney Maxwell, president; YohanesKesete, vice-president; EvelynRodriguez, secretary/treasurer; JavierVeliz, marshal; and Magdiel Lopez,associate editor. General meetings wereheld on September 25, October 17, andNovember 17, where important deadlines,the FIU Chi Epsilon point system whichawards and encourages student’s activitiessuch as toy drives, Habitat for Humanity,the lecture series, and engineering tail gateswere discussed.

brought positive changes to the UFchapter. First off, every meeting includeda speaker from a civil or environmentalengineering firm. This change helped ourchapter develop a relationship with theengineering industry. After the meetings,the chapter sponsored socials with theengineering firms so that members maydevelop professional relationships withthese firms and academic relationshipswith peers. The chapter also teamedwith the UF ASCE for the 13th AnnualJaycees Haunted House. Membershelped build the haunted house and wereable to participate in the scaring.

Florida InternationalUniversity

and November 14th. The first one deliveredby Dr. Tadeusz Chmielewski, dean ofthe faculty of civil engineers at the OpoleUniversity of Technology in Poland and thesecond by Mr. Ryan Merrick, a seniorwind engineer at RWDI Inc. Theengineering tailgate event was anothersuccessful event. This occurrence washeld on November 8, 2008 throughcollaborations of five engineering societies:ASCE, Chi Epsilon, FES, Engineers WithoutBorders, and SHPE.

On November 22, 2008, thirty-sixof our best civil engineering students at FIUwere inducted to Chi Epsilon, making it oursecond largest induction class in FIU’s ChiEpsilon history. New officers were electedand inducted into the chapter, and thefounder of the FIU chapter and moderatorfor ten years, Dr Fang Zhao, was given anaward of recognition for all of her hardwork. After the induction ceremony, all ofthe inductees, their families, and previousofficers all came together for a wonderfulreception. Chi Epsilon’s FIU chapter isnow ready for a new semester with newofficers and a new faculty advisor.

Two lectures were organized byour Chi Epsilon chapter on October 23rd

University of Hawaii

In the spring semester of 2008the new officers that were electedwere, President Seth Goodnight,Vice-President Corey Yamashiro,Marshal Isaac Foss, Treasurer KevinCheong, Secretary Ashlee Fujimoto,and Associate Editor Daniel Chen.The outgoing officers were PresidentMelanie Li, Vice-President SethGoodnight, Marshal Mason Suga,Treasurer Celeste Sawinski, Secretary

SPRING 2009 21

Bonny Kwan, and Associate EditorEric Tomishima.

In the fall semester of 2008June J. Nakamura, was initiated asa Chapter Honor Member. The PacificDistrict Councillor, Randall Akionahas attended the chapter initiationceremonies. The new officers arePresident Corey Yamashiro, Vice-President Reef Ozaki-Train, MarshalEriell Agbayani, Treasurer JenniferAbayon, Secretary Amanda Samson,and Associate Editor Melissa Chan.

University of Hawaii President Seth Goodnight, newly initiated Chapter Honor MemberJune J. Nakamura, Vice-President Corey Yamashiro

University of Illinois

As the alpha chapter of ChiEpsilon enters the spring of 2009, newand interesting events are underway.

With one of the largest initiate classes todate, active members are constantlyinstructing initiates on what it means tobe a member of Chi Epsilon. It is quitean honor to be involved with Chi Epsilonat its birthplace and belong to one of theelite civil and environmental engineeringprograms in the nation. Our officers areplanning various social and service eventsalong with the general meetings for ChiEpsilon initiates, members, professors,and any alumni who wish to get involvedwith some of the best and brightest thatthe University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana has to offer. We are also proudto announce that we have recentlyelevated two new Chapter HonorMembers, Professor Jon Liebman inthe spring of 2008 and Dr. WilliamGene Corley in the fall of 2008. Thereis always a demand for organizationslike Chi Epsilon to give back to the

SPRING 2009 22

University of Hawaii fall 2008 initiates. First row: Amanda Samson, Eriell Agbayani,Melissa Chan, Jennifer Abayon. Second row: Khoa Truong, Reef Ozaki-Train, Laine

Okimoto, Ryan Mizuno, Daniel Lum, Vincent Liu

University of Hawaii spring 2008 initiates from left to right: Michael McCormick, AshleeFujimoto, Kevin Cheong, Daniel Chen, Isaac Foss, Corey Yamashiro

SPRING 2009 23

University of Hawaii spring 2008 chapter first row (from left to right): Ashlee Fujimoto,Kevin Cheong, Corey Yamashiro, Isaac Foss, Daniel Chen, Michael McCormick. Backrow (from left to right): Melanie Li, Bonny Kwan, Yumiko Heltzel, Mason Suga, Seth

Goodnight, Trevor Vagay, Celeste Sawinski, Eric Tomishima, Eric Lum, Karen Chongue,Amy Fujihara, Jillian Santo

University of Hawaii spring 2008 chapter graduatesLeft to right: Karen Chongue, Amy Fujihara, Yumiko Heltzel, Bonny Kwan, Melanie Li,

Eric Lum, Jillian Santo, Celeste Sawinski, Mason Suga, Trevor Vagay

SPRING 2009 24

University of Hawaii spring 2008 chapter community service project- storm drainstenciling In this picture: Celeste Sawinski, Bonny Kwan, and Mason Suga

University of Hawaii spring 2008 Interdisciplinary Honor Society Challenge(CE vs. ME vs. EE)

SPRING 2009 25

Fall 2008 University of Hawaii chapter First row: Khoa Truong, Laine Okimoto, RyanMizuno, Eriell Agbayani, Vincent Liu. Second row: Daniel Lum, Jennifer Abayon, KevinCheong, Ashlee Fujimoto, Melissa Chan, Amanda Samson, Daniel Chen, Eric Tomishima,Reef Ozaki-Train. Third row: Mike McCormick, Corey Yamashiro, Seth Goodnight, Isaac

Foss

New incoming officers President Corey Yamashiro, Treasurer Jennifer Abayon, AssociateEditor Melissa Chan, Secretary Amanda Samson,Vice-President Reef Ozaki-Train

and Marshal Eriell Agbayani

SPRING 2009 26

community. We are proud to be thewinners of a campus service award givenout by the Engineering Council at theUniversity of Illinois for our efforts in thearea. Chi Epsilon continues to be thepremier civil engineering society oncampus, maintaining close ties withfaculty, staff, and alumni. Arepresentative from our chapter attendedthe National Conclave in March of 2008.Also, at the end of the spring 2008semester, new officers were elected.Melissa Berena became the newpresident with Brian Schertz steppingdown to the graduate advisor position thatAlma Barrata previously held. The vice-president is now Matt Johnson insteadof Joe Blecha. Seth Hoffman is thenew secretary replacing MichaelFornek . Kevin Foster is the newtreasurer instead of Kory Watson. KurtLindeman has replaced Adam Tate asthe new associate editor. Julia Plews isthe new social and service chair insteadof Melissa Berena. Jie Zuo is the newmarshal replacing Thomas Frankie.Calvin Young is the new director ofinformation instead of Jie Zuo. With thecontinued efforts of all involved, the alphachapter of Chi Epsilon will continue togrow and flourish.

golf outing, and numerous serviceprojects for the community. This pastyear we welcomed a total of 18 newinitiates.

On April 24, 2008 Chi Epsilonhosted the 26th annual Civil EngineeringSpring Banquet. The banquet assembledstudents, parents, faculty, and civilengineering firms for a dinner thatrecognized the achievements of severalcivil engineering students. Studentrecipients of awards from the CivilEngineering Department for the fall2007-spring 2008 academic year wereacknowledged as well as new membersof the Iowa State University chapter ofChi Epsilon. The featured guest speakerfor the banquet was Kevin Mahoney;Highway Division Director, IowaDepartment of Transportation.

New officers were elected inApril of 2008. The Chi Epsilon chapterextended a thank-you to the officerswho served for the 2007-2008 schoolyear: Adam Miller, president; DanielleAbbott , vice-president; TomJantscher, secretary; Emily Holden,treasurer and ESC Rep; BethSorenson, marshal; Jennifer Merical,assistant marshal; Peter Becker,associate editor; Amanda Marruffo,social chair; Michael Baird ,fundraising chair. Current officers forthe 2008-2009 school year are TomJantscher, president; Peter Becker,vice-president; Aaron Graber,secretary; Steven Lavrenz, treasurer;Margaret Melcher, marshal; MarkKresser, assistant marshal; MitchellPohlkamp, associate editor; MeganVan Horn, social chair; MichaelBaird, ESC Rep; Nicole Oneyear,webmaster; and Samuel Cotter,

Iowa State University

The past year has been a busyone for the Iowa State University chapterof Chi Epsilon. Events that weparticipated in include the CivilEngineering Spring Banquet, our annual

SPRING 2009 27

fundraising chair. The position ofwebmaster was added for the 2008-2009 school year.

In March, three of our membersattended the 40th National Conclave ofChi Epsilon at Stevens Institute ofTechnology in Hoboken, NJ. At theconclave, they met with the North CentralDistrict Councillor to discuss successfulpractices from chapters within the district,and attended committee meetings toreview organization policies andprocedures and update them if necessary.A tour of New York City and numerousnotable speakers highlighted the trip, andour members left with new ideas for thesuccess of our chapter and increasedcommitment to the study of civilengineering.

Chi Epsilon hosted the 5th annualgolf outing on October 19, 2008. Thisfundraiser was designed to allow studentsto network with faculty and localengineers and gain some insight into theprofession. Local and regional civilengineering firms sponsored the eventand donated prizes as well. The moneyraised will be put into the chapter’sscholarship fund.

Chi Epsilon has also continued toprovide academic help for Iowa StateUniversity civil engineering students byhosting the Chi Epsilon Study Sessionevery Monday night. The study sessionsallow for civil engineering students tostudy and ask for help from members ofChi Epsilon. Chi Epsilon has also servedthe Ames, Iowa community this past year.The chapter participated in the IowaDepartment of Transportation’s Adopt-A-Highway program and cleaned up atwo-mile stretch of Highway 30 twiceduring the course of the year. Chi Epsilon

and its members also volunteered withStuff the Bus, a program made to collectfood, personal hygiene items, householdsupplies, infant needs, and money forMid-Iowa Community Action.

University of Kansas

The University of Kansaschapter of Chi Epsilon initiated twelvenew members on December 8, 2008.Those initiated include DanielGoodroad, Kyle Haake, JamesHeaney, Jr., Kate Johnson, BrianKemp, Corey Mims, Carl Schwarzer,Amanda Wages, Michael Younger,Erin Bellassai, Vinur Kaul, andOrestes Marangos. The initiation washeld on Monday, December 8th, in theParlor Room at the Kansas Union on theKU campus. Carl Schwarzer won theaward for the most prepared transit, andOrestes Marangos won the award forthe transit with most signatures. Dr.David Darwin, our faculty advisor,attended the ceremony. After theceremony, the new members wereinvited to dinner at Bigg’s BBQ inLawrence, KS. One information meetingwas held for the new initiates. Thismeeting is to provide potential candidateswith information about Chi Epsilon andalso functions as a social event. Pizzaand drinks were provided during themeeting. The student officers for theacademic year 2008-2009 are KimJackson, president; Jamila Saadi, vice-president; Emilie Humbarger,secretary; Matt Hinshaw, treasurer;Garrett Hages, associate editor andMatt Becker, marshal. We are excited

SPRING 2009 28

New initates for the University of Kansas’ pictured from left to right . (back row):Brian Kemp, Daniel Goodroad, Carl Schwarzer, Corey Mims, Kyle Haake, (front row)

Vinur Kaul, Michael Younger, Amanda Wages, and James Heaney,

(not pictured: Kate Johnson, Erin Bellassai, and Orestes Marangos).

to see the chapter growing and lookforward to the district conclave in thespring.

Kansas State University

The Kansas State Universitychapter of Chi Epsilon continued anothersuccessful year of honoring outstandingcivil engineering students and providingservice to the community. This fall weinitiated three new members. The newinitiates were: Joe Norris, KyleKinkhorst, and Charles Loughman.The new officers elected for the spring2009 semester include: Andy Allen,president; Steven Frank, vice-president;Jordan Dettmer, treasurer; AllysonSlupianek , secretary; Joe Norris,marshal; and Stephen Austin, associateeditor. Our chapter advisor is SunandaDissanayake. Dr. Najjar, interim headfor the Department of Civil Engineering,

This semester our chapter did aservice project at Tuttle Creek Dam inManhattan, Kansas. Tuttle Creek Parkhad recently finished constructing aplayground at one of the park sites nearthe beautiful Tuttle Creek Lake. Theyhad a massive woodchip pile deliveredabout 60 yards from the playground andneeded assistance having the woodchipstransported to the playground and spreadabout. Our chapter brought manyvolunteers with trucks and tools andcompleted the task in a few hours. It wassatisfying to do volunteer work at a parknear such a major achievement in civilengineering as the Tuttle Creek Dam.

Besides our service project, ChiEpsilon helped host the civil engineeringawards banquet at Kansas State University.Our Chapter Honor Member led thebanquet and many Chi Epsilon membersreceived scholarships and recognition.

was elected as our Chapter HonorMember.

Honor member is Dr. Najjar, who serves as interim head for the Departmentof Civil Engineering.

SPRING 2009 29

Lawrence TechnologicalUniversity

The spring semester atLawrence Technological University(LTU) Chi Epsilon chapter 117 has beenparticularly rewarding. The currentofficers consist of president, MarkHerder; vice-president, RichardGraham, treasurer; Cody Telgheder,secretary, Alena Weiss , marshal,Timothy Stoian ; and ClariceWestman as associate editor. Duringthe fall initiation banquet held onDecember 5, 2008 at the UkrainianCultural Center in Warren, six newinitiates were inducted into Chi Epsilon.The new initiates included: AaronBonin, Mark Kasabasic, AndrewLobbestael, Timothy Stoian, NancyTodd, and Ian Wagner.

In addition, we honored JamesJ. Cole, Jr. as a Chi Epsilon ChapterHonor Member of LTU. Unfortunatelytwo of our officers retired their positionsas they were graduating LTU. We wouldlike to wish past Vice-PresidentMichael Mitchell and Marshal JamesRowley the best in their professionalendeavors.

LTU Chi Epsilon fall initiation banquet. L to R: James Rowley, Matt Trumbley, JasonHefter, Michael Mitchell, Andrew Lobbestael, Cody Telgheder, advisor Dr. Edmund Yuen,

Alena Weiss, Mark Herder, Clarice Westman, Timothy Stoian, Richard Graham, NancyTodd, Aaron Bonin, and Mark Kasabasic.

Lehigh University

The Lehigh University chapterof Chi Epsilon is proud to announce theinitiation of fourteen new members,including Vincent Antes, SamanthaHnidj, Shelley Hull, Trent Muraoka,Kevin Meyers, Jennifer Modugno,Kelsey Preston, Eric Putnam,Andrew Schweitzer, Sue Nee Tan,Allison Mayer as the new secretary,Gary Sorkin as the new treasurer,Patrick Kenny as the new vice-president, and Sara Sadek as the newpresident. We would like to thank thehard work of former President JeremyMcKeon,Vice-President ScottDarwich , Secretary MelindaDrinkuth, Treasurer Nancy Larson, aswell as our faculty advisor, Dr. StephenPessiki .

During the spring of 2008,members of Chi Epsilon at Lehigh actedas judges for the Pennsylvania JuniorAcademy of Science competition at thelocal middle school. This event differsfrom a typical science fair in that itfocuses on the employment of thescientific method. School children forma hypothesis, which is then proved or

SPRING 2009 30

the spring, Lehigh’s Chi Epsilon chapterteamed up with the university ASCEgroup to sponsor a barbeque forwelcoming the newly declared CEEmajors of the sophomore class of 2008.

The fall semester’s activitiesfocused mainly on planning events forthis coming spring, including the co-organization of a university-wideEngineering Day. This event is intendednot only to unite the diverse engineeringdepartments found on campus in a dayof friendly engineering-basedcompetitions, but it is also aimed atcelebrating Lehigh’s history as anengineering school. A barbeque andawards ceremony will be held followingthe events. Other possible activities onthe horizon include a site tour of the newScience, Technology, Environment, Policy& Society (STEPS) building underconstruction on campus, as well asvolunteering opportunities at the localBoys and Girls Club.

Louisiana State University

The Louisiana State Universitychapter of Chi Epsilon has had a veryproductive year in 2008. On November1st, the chapter participated in a Habitatfor Humanity building project in BatonRouge, LA. Members took part invarious construction activities includingpainting, caulking, and interior trim work.The service project was a fun and

subsequent analysis. Chi Epsilonmembers acted as the judges for thestudents’ oral presentations. Also during

rewarding experience for everyoneinvolved.

Officer elections were held forthe 2009 school year. The new officersare Sarah Laakso, president; EliseTrappey, vice-president; RachaelYoung, secretary; Chris Rome,treasurer; and Scott Villar, associateeditor and marshal. Our chapter isexcited about the new leadership andlooks forward to making next year justas productive as this year.

Louisiana TechUniversity

The Louisiana Tech Universitychapter of Chi Epsilon had a great startto a busy year. The elected officers forthe 2008-2009 year are: Brandon Keck,president; Christopher Lohman, vice-president; Callie Hernandez,secretary; Eric Slusser , treasurer;Spencer Burkert, marshal; andChristopher Myers, associate editor.

This year’s officers plan to reachout to the community and encourage theirmembers to be active participants inLouisiana Tech’s ASCE student chapter.So far this year, Chi Epsilon has teamedup with ASCE to host a meeting withHalff Engineering. This meeting washeld to provide students informationabout civil engineering careers. Duringthe spring quarter, Chi Epsilon plans toprovide a review class for the civilengineering students who will be takingthe F.E. exam in April. Chi Epsilon willalso be sponsoring their members whoplan to attend the ASCE Deep SouthConference to participate in the concrete

disproved through an experiment and its

SPRING 2009 31

University of Maine member working on a service project

University of Maine

The University of Maine chapterof Chi Epsilon has had yet anothersuccessful year. This past spring ourchapter said farewell to our past officers:Michael Swett as president; RichardMcLain as vice-president; AshleyTower as secretary; Jennifer Stevensas treasurer; Julie Faloon as marshal;and Brock Bessey as associate editor.Replacing these individuals are our newofficers: Paul Curtis as president;Mackenzie Demkowicz as vice-president; Kimberly Stephenson assecretary; Mathew Kinney as treasurer;

canoe and steel bridge competitions.Finally, Louisiana Tech’s chapter of ChiEpsilon will be inducting new membersand electing officers for the 2009-2010school year.

Jon Bell as marshal; and AdamJandreau as associate editor.

I am pleased to announce thatover the past year our chapter membershave continued to be very involved withmany groups and activities within ourdepartment and community. Many of ourmembers have been an integral part ofour ASCE student chapter and concretecanoe team, which has gone to thenational competition three years running.In addition, various members havevolunteered their time to differentservice projects, the biggest being therebuild of a performing arts stage on-campus.

This fall we proudly inducted thefollowing seven new members into ourchapter of Chi Epsilon: Daniel Pitman,Sarah Lingley, Jacqueline Cobb,Nicholas Langlais, Leah Savage, IanDegutis, and Brandon Havu.

Looking to the future, this springwe hope to continue the tradition of

SPRING 2009 32

University of Maine president working on a stage project

Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology

This spring, the MassachusettsInstitute of Technology (MIT) chapter ofChi Epsilon initiated 7 new members(seniors Katherine Jarrell, TamaraSheldon, Alia Whitney-Johnson, andjuniors Lauren Biscombe, Alexandra

organizing our annual Senior Breakfast.This event is for our graduating seniorsand their families and is held on themorning of graduation. We are confidentthat this tradition will be successful onceagain, as it has been each and every year.

Konings, Allison St. Vincent, andPatricia Tcaciuc). For the first time inthe 81-year history of MIT Chi Epsilon,all new initiates were women. Fittingly,Professor Dee Ann Sanders, the firstwoman to be elected National Councilvice-president of Chi Epsilon, spoke atthe initiation about women in civil

engineering. This fall, the chaptercontinued its popular tutoring sessions(both class-wide and one-on-one) for theintroductory solid mechanics classrequired of all civil and environmentalengineering majors at MIT. In addition,it organized several lunches for studentsand faculty members. These luncheswere an excellent way for students toget to know faculty better and sparkedmany informal and mutually beneficialdiscussions about the way each groupsees the department. Several membersalso started to prepare for a newMATLAB tutorial session to be held inthe spring.

University of Michigan

The year of 2008 was full ofaccomplishments for the University ofMichigan chapter of Chi Epsilon. Guidingthe chapter was long term faculty advisor Dr. Steven Wright who agreed to continue this position for yet another term.

SPRING 2009 33

District Councillor Dr. Eugene Glysson,P.E., also aided the chapter in its efforts.In addition to the traditional speakermeetings, Chi Epsilon members participatedin a bowling social with the pledges,intramural sports, and community serviceprojects. One of the chapter’s maincommunity service projects includes hostinga review for the FE exam. Each semester,the special projects officer coordinates eightprofessors from various departments in thecollege of engineering to assist students inreviewing specific material for the exam.Every semester the officers and pledgesalso participate in a event called “InvasiveSpecies Removal” which helps protect thewildlife on the University of Michigancampus.

The spring term began with a newboard of officers. Todd Dmystryshynreplaced Terrance McGovern aspresident. Clinton Carlson chose to takeon the role of special projects coordinator.Claire Carpenter, Andrew Gabris, andAndrew Moncznik continued theirpositions as secretary, social chair, andUniversity of Michigan Engineering Councilrepresentative. New initiates from the fall2007 semester also took over positions,Nicholas Corbin as vice-president,Derek Roberts as treasurer, Anita Sahaas marshal, and Tabetha Martel asassociate editor. Along with the newofficers came a record 19 new initiatesincluding Joseph Abramson, EricBrunning, Jared Buzo, BenjaminCaleca, Ryan Capin, Heather Dean,Stephanie Guisbert, Colin Hepker,Genevieve Ho, Spencer Jacobs, CoryKurtz, Kimberly Lamote, Mo Li,Christopher Neely, Sean O’Connor,Christopher Palladino, Shahar Shlomi,

Jeffery Terenzi, Eva Ward, and RobertWarren.

Also, in the spring term, a groupof both members and officers attended theNational Conclave. Participants learnedmore about Chi Epsilon as an organizationand each other. The University of Michiganchapter was also presented with a “SusanC. Brown Outstanding PerformanceAward”. The national organizationadditionally recognized one of the chapter’smembers, Claire Carpenter, with ascholarship. She was an essential memberof the student organization’s success.

The fall of 2008 started a wholenew academic year with another newboard of officers. Officers includedpresident, Nicholas Corbin; vice-president, Jeff Terenzi; marshal, SpencerJacobs; treasurer, Derek Roberts;associate editor, Tabetha Martel; socialchair, Colin Hepker; and special projectscoordinator Clinton Carlson. Also,replacing long term secretary ClaireCarpenter, Kimberly Lamote wasadded to the board. The fall 2008 initiatesconsisted of Evan Blum, Brian Easton,Emily Herbert, Thomas Rizor, CharlesSmith, Chelsea Snodgrass, and MarcWagner. New initiates participated inseveral community service projectsincluding Tech Day and the ASCE civil andenvironmental career fair, in addition to thetraditional “Invasive Species Removal.”

Michigan TechnologicalUniversity

This has been a year of transitionfor the Michigan Technological University

SPRING 2009 34

chapter of Chi Epsilon, which started duringthe spring semester of 2007 with a largeinitiate class. The chapter, under past-advisor Dr. Kurt Paterson, welcomed 22new members to the chapter: TimothyBarrette, Matthew Bordson, JacobCanniff, Brad Diener, Justin Foley,Matthew Haapala, Gary Johanik, RhenHoehn, Breandan Karas, Kari Klaboe,Kimberly Landick, Jeffrey Long, JohnLyrenmann, Heather Norton, ScottNowack, Allison Olds, Nora Peterson,Megan Place, Curtis Schroeder, RyanSt. Germain, Travis Velasco, and AaronWohlfeil, who were initiated on March 30,2008.

Transition continued as newfaculty advisor Dr. Jacob Hiller, anassistant professor of transportationengineering in the Civil and EnvironmentalEngineering Department, started duties atthe beginning of the fall semester of 2008.Under Dr. Hiller’s direction, updating thechapter website and streamlining theorganization’s direction have become toppriorities.

The chapter would like tocommend our outgoing 2007-2008 officersfor their efforts over the past year:Matthew Lamb, president; Dany Peavy,vice-president; Matthew Tronnes,secretary; Russell Lutch, treasurer;Kevin Hachey, marshal; and JosephDammel, associate editor. We extend ourcongratulations to the new officers for the2008-2009 academic year: BradleyDiener, president; Megan Place, vice-president; Jeffrey Long, secretary;Heather Norton , treasurer; RyanSt.Germain, marshal; and NoraPeterson, associate editor.

At the end of October, a field tripto Payne and Dolan’s Lake Anne Hot Mix

Bill Bulleit, and several currentMichigan Tech CEE graduate studentswere part of a roundtable discussion withabout twenty students to share grad schoolexperiences and answer questions. Thechapter would like to thank these individualsfor their participation.

Also in November, the chapter, inconjunction with the Michigan Tech chapterof American Society of Civil Engineers(ASCE), coordinated a trip to the easternupper peninsula of Michigan for guidedtours of the Mackinaw Bridge, theInternational Bridge, and the Soo Locks.History of the bridges, locks, and structuralinformation was shared as well as a behind-the-scene tour of these facilities. Twomembers of the chapter were able to standat the top of the Mackinaw Bridge whileothers explored the abutment below. Dueto inclement weather, the rope climb on theInternational Bridge was canceled, butthe offer stands for a return trip at a laterdate. At the Soo Locks, the group was ableto see the hydraulics used to alter riverlevels for transportation and the powerheld in flowing water and stored due toa hydroelectric power plant, as well as travelsixty feet underground below the locks. Thechapter would like to especially thankour Michigan Tech alumni hosts:

Asphalt plant was planned for both ChiEpsilon members and the PavementDesign, Construction, and Material(PDCM) Enterprise. The tour was directedby Eric Olson of Applied PavementTechnology, Inc.

This November, the chapter hostedthe annual “Graduate School InformationNight” for those interested in civil orenvironmental engineering graduate school.CEE faculty members Drs. Bill Sprouleand David Watkins, CEE DepartmentChair

SPRING 2009 35

Michigan Tech: Students listening to Eric Olson at Payne and Dolan’sLake Anne Hot Mix Asphalt plant

Karl Hansen, and Phillip Becker(International Bridge), as well as AlvinKlein and Jim Peach (Soo Locks) for thepersonal tours requiring both time andplanning. Thanks also to Michigan Tech’sCEE department for funding.

for this trip, but plans have yet to be finalized.Our chapter members also head

the committee for MAXIMUS, the annual

A similar project is in the planningstages for next semester, and Chicago is apossible destination of choice. Greenbuilding design, environmental solutions, andcivil structures are all hopeful tour options

hosted by Chapter, with participation andcollaboration from the Michigan Techchapters of ASCE, Society ofEnvironmental Engineering (SEEn), and theInstitute of Transportation Engineers (ITE).All students in the CEE department arewelcome to attend by purchasing tickets.

of the faculty and honor students, especiallythose of graduating seniors. This year, thenew department chair, Dr. WilliamBulleit, will be welcomed into thedepartment as well. The events is being

banquet for the CEE department, at the endof the year, which showcases achievements

Last, but certainly not least, thechapter would like to congratulate ourgraduating seniors of fall 2008: JosephDammel, Gary Johanik, andBreandan Karas; and spring 2009:Timothy Barrette, MatthewBordson, Kari Klaboe, Jeffrey Long,John Lyrenmann, Allison Olds, RyanSt. Germain, and Cassandra Thiel.The chapter looks for the continuedsuccess of this transitional year withhopes for another large, active initiationclass to build camaraderie, support, andan eager mindset for continuedknowledge.

Kimberly Novak (Mackinaw Bridge),

SPRING 2009 36

Chapter members Heather Norton (L) and Megan Place (R) on the Mackinaw Bridge.

Members of Michigan Tech Chi Epsilon and ASCE chapters at the Mackinaw Bridge.

SPRING 2009 37

Michigan Tech students crossing the gates at the Soo Locks.

Soo Locks with the International Bridge behind.

SPRING 2009 38

Michigan Tech tour group sixty feet below the Soo Locks.

University of Minnesota

Our chapter initiated sixteennew members in the past year. Thesepeople are Matthew Bechle, JacobFolkeringa, Rachel Gaulke, AndrewGaynor, Michael Groh, BenjaminHobert , Matthew John, ShannonKoenig , Rita Lederle , ElizabethManning, Sarah Noe, Laura Ohman,Leah Olson , Paul Smude, JacobTurgeon , and Andrea Viteri . Ourpresident for the 2008-2009 academicyear is Joanna Campbell; our outgoingpresident was Danielle Kranz.

Spring of 2009 will mark ourthird annual Red Cross blood drive. Lastyear there were 34 units of blooddonated. We hope to expand the drivethis year to other engineering disciplines.

Missouri University of Scienceand Technology Chapter

The Missouri University ofScience and Technology (previouslyUniversity of Missouri at Rolla) chapterof Chi Epsilon experienced another busyand successful year as we celebrated ourfifty-eighth anniversary. Again we werehonored to have Dean Jerry Baylessas our faculty advisor and Dr. JoelBurken as our assistant faculty advisor.We were also privileged to have Dr.Thomas Petry as National Secretary/Treasurer.

Besides our continual work in theRolla community, Chi Epsilon at MissouriS&T, along with our ASCE chapter,helped organize the FE exam reviewsessions for the year. Chi Epsilon also

SPRING 2009 39

sponsored the Most Outstanding Senioraward for the S&T Civil EngineeringDepartment.

The Missouri S&T Chi Epsilonchapter was pleased to initiate 47 newmembers in the spring and fall semesters.Initiated in the spring were Brett Agee,Derek Aholt, Adam Bensabeh, ScottBrendler, Hannah Bruce, AmyCervantes, John Conroy, Gary Davis,Jeremy Hoefer, David Langefeld,Becky Noll, Jenna McGregor,Daniel Miller, Bridget Murphy,Jessica Owens, Katie Rose, ErinSage, Mark Smedvig, KandiWieberg, and Michael Wolfe. Fallinitiates included Karl Beckemeier,Sihem Belarbi, Amanda Creech,Christopher Davis, Drew Davis,Aaron Folken, Paul Hamilton,Bradley Hartman, Kyle Holman,Aaron Huey, Tyler Lindsay, CarlosOrtega, Steve Puzach, Laura Rathe,Michelle Scheibel, Eric Sells, CemSelman, William Shields, Shi Shu,Frank Smith, Levi Smith, DavidSteele, Ryan Stringer, LukasSudkamp, Drew Thomas, JordanTripp, and Julie Willey.

Each undergraduate andgraduate initiate passed two pledgequizzes, gave a ten-minute presentationon a technical topic of his or her choice,and provided service to Missouri S&Tand the Rolla Community. Some of theservice events that members and pledgesparticipated in included a canned fooddrive and S&T Open House for potentialfuture S&T students.

The S&T chapter officers for fall2008 were Paige Van Maanen aspresident, Kathleen Chiles as vice-president, Kyle Shour as secretary,

Becky Noll as treasurer, JoshBoeckmann as associate editor, TravisBruemmer as pledge marshal, KatieRose as service chair, and MarkSmedvig as social chair. We’d like tothank all of our officers for a goodsemester. We also send congratulationsto our new officers for the upcomingsemester. For spring 2009 our officerswill be Kyle Shour as president, KyleHolman as vice-president, Becky Nollas secretary, David Steele as treasurer,Jordan Tripp as pledge marshal,Jordan Varble as service chair, andFrank Smith as associate editor andsocial chair.

In the spring semester, we werepleased to elevate Roddy Rodgers asa Chapter Honor Member. Rodgersaddressed the chapter at our initiationbanquet on his career as a civil engineerand his volunteer work abroad. In thefall semester we were pleased to elevateDavid Lewis as a Chapter HonorMember. Lewis addressed the chapterat our initiation banquet on his work as acivil engineer and advice on how to besuccessful in the profession.

We feel that 2008 was a greatyear for the Missouri S&T chapter ofChi Epsilon. We hope that we cancontinue to have even better years tocome, and we look forward to the futureof our chapter.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln chapter of Chi Epsilon hadanother active year. In the spring of 2008,Dr. Terry Wipt was elevated to ChapterHonor Member and Brad Huyck,

SPRING 2009 40

Chi Epsilon. During the spring officerelections, five of the six new initiatesstepped into leadership roles with ChiEpsilon to continue the various activitiesput on by the chapter. Some of theseactivities included a straw bridgecompetition during the College ofEngineering’s annual E-Week. Thecompetition was for Lincoln High Schoolstudents interested in pursuing a careerin engineering. The chapter also had itsbiennial social event at Old Chicago in theHaymarket of Lincoln. This is a great wayfor Chi Epsilon members to meet oneanother and strengthen the chapter’s socialnetwork. Last, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln chapter of Chi Epsilon held weeklyreview sessions for students preparing totake the FE exam. Chi Epsilon alwaysinvites professors to come and lecture fora couple of hours on engineering topicsranging from thermodynamics tomechanics of elastic bodies and engineeringeconomy in hopes that students will gleana few tips to improve their testingperformance.

The fall semester of 2008 includedvery similar activities such as sponsoringthe FE review sessions and the social eventat Old Chicago. The chapter also saw Mr.Randall Peters elevated as the fall 2008Chapter Honor Member and the initiationof thirteen new undergraduate members.

University of Nebraskaat Omaha

The Chi Epsilon chapter at theUniversity of Nebraska at Omaha has hadanother exciting year during 2008. Thechapter inducted new members during aninitiation and dinner held on April 15, 2008.We are pleased to introduce RyanDickneite, Alex Flanigan, KpandjiLakmon, Katherine Sokol, and RossCullin to our chapter. Additionally, duringthis dinner, the chapter initiated a newfaculty member, Dr. Shannon Bartelt-Hunt and a Chapter Honor Member, Mr.Dan Owens, P.E.

Dr. Shannon Bartelt-Hunt, isan assistant professor in the Departmentof Civil Engineering at the University ofNebraska-Lincoln (UNL). Dr. Bartelt-Hunt joined the faculty at UNL in January2006. She received her Ph.D. in civilengineering from the University of Virginiain August 2004 and completed her post-doctoral training at North Carolina StateUniversity. Her teaching interests areenvironmental engineering courses focusedon environmental chemistry, contaminantfate and transport in natural and engineeredsystems, and solid waste management.

Dan Owens obtained a B.S. incivil engineering from the US Coast GuardAcademy and an MS in Civil Engineeringat the University of Illinois-UrbanaChampaign. Dan is currently a projectprincipal at Lamp, Rynearson and

Evans, Corbin Mundt, Eric Jowza,Thomas Dowse, Chris Hennings,Jonathan Markt, John Coburn, AndrewKoster, Matthew Pelton, CassandraVogel, Jordan Wagner, ZachOverstreet, and Timothy Adams. With

Kevin Schrum , Derek Nieveen,Michael Kohn, Jacob Schmitz, andAaron Beauclair were all initiated into

These new members were Alexander

so many new, lively members, the futureof the University of Nebraska-Lincolnchapter of Chi Epsilon looks very promising

SPRING 2009 41

capital projects. He is a member ofnumerous engineering professionalorganizations, including the Society ofAmerican Military Engineers, the AmericanSociety of Civil Engineers, and theNebraska Concrete Pavement Association.In 2005, Dan served as the president ofthe Nebraska Society of ProfessionalEngineerings (NeSPE) eastern chapter.

The chapter also continuedoffering review sessions to allundergraduate engineering students aspreparation for the FE exam during springand fall semesters. Students of any majorcould attend the sessions. The averageattendance for each session was 10 people.

Another important event for ourchapter was the participation of DerekGardels and Eric Henry in the 40th

National Conclave hosted by the StevensInstitute of Technology March 14th and15th. During the conclave, participants weredivided into different committees thatdiscussed several topics including theexpansion of Chi Epsilon to foreignuniversities, discussion about the budget forthe following years, and determining theguidelines and rules to apply for thescholarships offered by Chi Epsilon.

University of New Mexico

On November 7, 2008, fifteennew members were initiated (four juniors,

North Carolina StateUniversity

The Alfred P. Norwood chapterof Chi Epsilon at North Carolina StateUniversity initiated twenty-eight newmembers in 2008 under the direction of Dr.John W. Baugh, Jr. In the spring semesterof 2008, ten members were initiated andnew officers installed. The ceremony waspresided over by the current 2007-2008officers: Hartley Grimes, president; KentDickens, vice-president; Blake Bush,secretary; Beth Visintine, treasurer;Catherine Hoffman, pledge marshal;

eight seniors, and three graduatestudents). The ceremony was presidedover by President Patricia Jones.Friends, family, members, and otherfaculty of the Civil EngineeringDepartment attended the ceremony. Theentire group was treated to a catereddinner coordinated by Vice-PresidentAaron Reinhardt and funded by theAssociated Students of the University ofNew Mexico (ASUNM).

Mohammad Azarbayejani,marshal, was responsible for coordinatinga series of tutorial sessions for the FEexamination. Numerous facultymembers volunteered to teach 2-hourreview sessions on ten core subjects.

New office bearers for 2008 areAndrew P. Garner, president; JoanSchoepfer, vice-president; AmandaGreen, secretary/treasurer; Stephen O.Neidigk, marshal.

The 2008-2009 officers are:Derek Gardels, president; BrianKellogg, vice-president; BarbaraGerbino, secretary; Alex Flanigan,treasurer; Brian Goliber, marshal; andCamilo Torres, associate editor.

has experiencein all phases of both design and constructionmanagement of civil and transportation

Associates, Inc. in Omaha, Nebraska. Danis a licensed PE in the states of Nebraska,Florida and Minnesota. Dan has beeninvolved in civil and transportationengineering since 1988. He

SPRING 2009 42

Nicholas Schultz, associate editor. Thefollowing students were welcomed as newmembers during this ceremony: TaylorCraig Auten, Joseph James Bagwell,Christopher Scott Gray, CameronCharles Guice, Lina Kira Lawrence,Katelyn Blackmon Purnell, CourtneyJellinger Shepard, Danielle Elie Touma,Dustin Shane Tuttle, and MargaretKatherine Williams.

In the same ceremony, thefollowing members were installed as newofficers for the 2008-2009 academic year:Margaret Williams, president;Christopher Gray, vice-president; AdolfoObregon-Salinas, treasurer; TaylorAuten, pledge marshal; Dustin Tuttle,associate editor. Blake Blush stayed onas secretary.

In the fall semester of 2008,eighteen students were initiated as newmembers, including: Paul Ryan Barrett,Matthew Steven Boatwright, BrittanyAngele Boudreaux, Frazier MackBrame, III, Neema Faryar, Randy ScottFreeman, Philip Daniel Gaston,Matthew Duane Hart, Daniel JayJacobson, Amanda Virginia Kerr,Brooks Person Moore, Tyler RossPendry, Jeremy Michael Potter, TaylorAndrew Rawlinson, Caroline JenningsSaul, Jason Scot Simon, Jason EdwardSpain, and Joshua Lee Vaughan.

University of North Carolinaat Charlotte

The UNC-Charlotte studentchapter of Chi Epsilon has had anotheroutstanding year. The UNC-CharlotteChi Epsilon chapter elected officers forthe 2008-2009 school year. Those elected

Anderson, Marc Bachman, ChadBrenny, Allison Briggs, DarrinCardwell, Wesley Carroll, HollyChristenbury, Carl Christy, ShermanColvard, Brian Couture, JaredDeridder, Christopher Dorton,Brittany Dowdy, Travis Drake, KoriEarnhardt, Jamie Eberl, ArezouEslaminejad, Lukus Everhart,Christopher Guido, Ben Harding,Seth Harrelson, James Homulak,Benjamin Jones, Seven Lee, DavidLeGrand, Daniel Lemley, WesleyMcGhee, Keri Palma, ChristopherPalmer, Brain Philbrick, MichaelPlayer, Travis Preslar, Brent Price,Arturo Ramos, Javier Solis, KennethThornewell, Daniel VanBriesen, TomVaughn, Maegan Waldrop, andMelvin Walker.

The UNC-Charlotte Chi Epsilonstudent chapter’s service projects for2008-2009 year have been serving asrepresentatives for the Civil EngineeringDepartment at “Explore UNCC”. Therepresentatives answered questions ofparents and prospective students aboutthe Civil Engineering Department atUNC Charlotte, and about thetransitioning adjustments to college. Thechapter has also hosted FE reviewsessions for students who have signedup for the upcoming semester. Chaptermembers work hand in hand with faculty

include Amanda Lawing, president;Damian Mendez vice-president;Benjamin Bowers, treasurer; ThearaBan, secretary; Mitchell Taylor,associate editor; and Thomas Baucom,marshal. The student chapter’s facultyadvisor is Dr. Brian Anderson. Thechapter also initiated a new class.The students include: Danielle

SPRING 2009 43

rapidly growing and we are lookingforward to another successful andproductive year.

Universtiy of North Carolina at Charlotte newly initiated Chi Epsilon class December 6, 2008

initiated six new members: CalebHeller, Brian Lane-Karnas, AliciaMorgan, Desislava Slavova, TraceyBreault, and Surasak Maneesri, all

all Norwich University past and presentChi Epsilon members. Another springinitiation is planned and two newmembers will be initiated, ChristopherSeifert and Christopher Rivet. During the past year Chi Epsilonmembers have been active in supportingthe new Engineers Without Borderschapter and Christopher Seifert wason a planning trip to Bolivia with CivilEngineering professors, Gregory Wightand Adam Sevi. Funds are currentlybeing raised to send a team to Boliviathis summer to build a water system fora remote village where water must becarried over 1 kilometer. Plans for next year include providingsurveying assistance to the localcommunity recreation park.

chapter also awarded the first annualUNCC chapter of Chi Epsilon Teacherof the Year award, which was given toMr. David Naylor for his outstandingmotivation and passion for teachingstudents. We would like to extend aspecial thanks to Dr. Helene Hilger forserving as the guest speaker at the fall2008 initiation ceremony. Our chapter is

from the Class of 2009. The chapter isimproving the décor of the CivilEngineering Student Project room andpromoting Chi Epsilon with a roster of

members who have volunteered theirtime to refresh students on FE relatedsubjects. In addition, the chapter’spromise to sociability was enjoyed bycurrent members and new inductees.The chapter held meetings during thesemester to get members involved inservice projects and brainstorm newideas for the following semester. The

Norwich University

During the spring of 2008, theNorwich University Chi Epsilon chapter

SPRING 2009 44

Ohio University

The Ohio University chapter of ChiEpsilon inducted 9 new members on June7, 2008. The newly inducted wereofficers: Bradley Hoffman, president;Zachary Waite, vice-president; RyanKent, secretary; Benjamin Jewell,marshal; and members GregoryBlatnik, Dustin Fisher, Drew Hatton,Scott Stritz and Chase Wells.Jourdan Siemer, and Patrick Minercontinued to serve the organization astreasurer and associate editor,respectively. Since installing the ChiEpsilon chapter at Ohio University in2005, Dr. Ben Stuart has passed alongthe faculty advisor role to Dr. DebMcAvoy.

Ohio State University

The Ohio State Universitychapter of Chi Epsilon would like tocongratulate the following on their May17, 2008 initiation: Justin Ahmann,Luke Bolzenius, Steven DeArmon,Tom Gardner, Matt Krall, NickMandic, Ashley Matheny, ErinMeyer, Michell Miller, Adam Smith,Alex Stern, Brandon Strohl, JoelThompson, Lee Tourek, and KellyYoung. Furthermore, the followingofficers were installed during the initiationceremony: Adam Smith, president;Ashley Matheny, vice-president; MattKrall, treasurer; Joel Thompson,secretary; Kelly Young, associateeditor; Luke Bolzenius, marshal.

The initiation ceremony was heldat the Buckeye Hall of Fame Café,

where supportive civil engineeringprofessors, proud friends and familymembers of the new initiates, and existingChi Epsilon members, as well as theinitates, were in attendance. Theinitiation ceremony was followed by areception for attendees.

This past spring, Chi Epsilonvolunteered for a few afternoons to helporganize a collectible sale to support theColumbus Children’s Hospital. Thisannual fundraiser is sponsored by a groupof women called TWIG. As most of thewomen in the group are older than 70,they very much appreciated the help ofgetting the tables, signs, and antiques thatare to be sold to and from their storagelocations. Gathering plenty of cars andstrong-bodied young men and women,Chi Epsilon went to the surroundingneighborhood homes to collect items tobe sold. Those who donated to thecollectible sale were very kind andcourteous. Chi Epsilon was greeted withsmiling faces as they pulled up intodriveways to retrieve the donated gifts.Having so many volunteers made thework load quite light. This project alsogave the new inductees the opportunityto meet other members of theorganization.

In the upcoming year, ChiEpsilon will continue to help the CivilEngineering Department conductteacher evaluations at the end of thequarters. Chi Epsilon also plans toconduct tours for prospective civilengineering students.

The Ohio State Universitychapter would like to wish our fellowchapters much success in the upcomingyear!

SPRING 2009 45

University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma ChiEpsilon chapter initiated 11 new membersat their spring 2008 meeting. The initiateswere Seth Boydstun, David Frank,James McLane, Amy Hufnagel,Michaela Campbell, ChristopherHill, Amanda Demar, Mallory Moore,Lacee Stanley, Brett Moran, andUlises Martinez. Outgoing officers ledthe initiation and the selection of newofficers. These officers were: TedHuynh, president; James Farris, vice-president; Charlie Bright, treasurer;Brandon Birch, secretary; TrevorCornelsen, associate editor; andRussell Buhler, marshal. The newofficers selected for 2008-2009 include:Seth Boydstun , president; DavidFrank, vice-president; James McLane,treasurer; Amy Hufnagel, secretary;Michaela Campbell, associate editor;and Christopher Hill, marshal.

This fall, our chapter membersvolunteered at the Feed the Childrenwarehouse in Oklahoma City. Feed theChildren provides food and otheressential items to families andcommunities throughout the world. Wesorted toiletries and non-perishable fooditems into boxes in their warehouse. Ourcontribution helped the organization geta head start on the holiday season, whichis their busiest time of the year.

Sanders, faculty advisor. During 2008,13 members of our chapter attendedthe National Conclave at StevensInstitute of Technology in Hoboken,New Jersey. For that impressive feat,our chapter was given the conclavespirit award.

We held a pizza party forprospective pledges in the spring and acook-out at the home of ChelseaHarden, the 2008 pedge marshal, inthe fall. At our spring initiation, Mr.C. C. (“Casey”) Shell was elevatedto Chapter Honor Member. Mr. Shellis a division engineer with theOklahoma Department ofTransportation. He is very highlyregarded by those who have workedwith him and for him and is well-likedby the chapter members.

This year, 30 active chaptermembers participated in serviceprojects to benefit the engineeringcollege and the community. Theseservice projects included thecontinuation of weekly tutoring forundergraduate statics and strength ofmaterials classes. The chapter alsoheld numerous review sessions to aidcivil engineering students in theirpreparation for the FE exam. We alsovolunteered at the Humane Society andon service projects through theuniversity.

The chapter continued to excelwith many new members. Studentsinitiated in the spring semester of 2008included: Matt Warren, JustinWillis, Cameron Gaddy, MichaelHolloway, Gayan Herath, and JoeLaValley. Students initiated in the fallsemester of 2008 included: KirbyHefley, Rober t Felice, Joseph

Oklahoma State University

The Oklahoma State Universitychapter of Chi Epsilon completedanother year under Dr. Dee Ann

SPRING 2009 46

Oklahoma State fall semester 2008 pledges. Front row: John Hawkins, Jared Stark,Hanbai Park, Kyle Goodwin, Joseph Kalka, Robert Felice, Neha Bhadbhade, Oluwatosin

Oyelakin. Back row: Francis Akanisi, Ross Stover, Guillermo Taylor, Trenton January,Andrew Mock, Jeff Rundle, Cameron Twyford, Sara Senyondo, Kyle Millemon, Kristopher

Kilhoffer, John Michael Freeman, Kerby Hefley.

Old Dominion University

The Old Dominion Universitychapter of Chi Epsilon will initiate six

Kalka, Jared Starks, TrentonJanuary, John Hawkins, GuillermoTaylor, Kyle Goodwin, Jeff Rundle,Kristopher Kilhoffer, John MichaelFreeman, Andrew Mock, CameronTwyford, Kyle Millemon,Oluwatosin Oyelakin, SaraSenyondo, Hanbai Park, NehaBhadbhade, Francis Akanisi, andRoss Stover. The 2008 officers were:Robert Rose , president; TimScarborough, vice-president; JanetTse, secretary; Lesa Heintzman,treasurer; Chelsea Harden, marshal;and Kim McMillan, associate editorof the Transit.

Old Dominion University’schapter of ASCE, American Society ofCivil Engineers, will host the annualASCE conference during April, 2009.XE and ASCE chapters will collaborateto organize and recruit for the event.

Finally, a group of Chi Epsilonmembers will run in the 2009 ShamrockMarathon. The marathon runs alongVirginia Beach’s famous boardwalk andtakes place on the usually blusterySunday before St. Patrick’s Day.Several Chi Epsilon chapter members,both runners and non-runners, areexploring ways to find sponsorships forthe runners. Proceeds would be donatedto establish some kind of scholarshipprize for a meritorious prospectiveengineering student from the HamptonRoads area. We hope to include onesemester of weekly tutoring by ChiEpsilon members with the prize.

new members in January 2009, as soonas classes recommence.

SPRING 2009 47

Oklahoma State 2008 officers: Kim McMillan, associate editor; Eric Kim, studentcouncil representative; Chelsea Harden, pledge marshal; Robert Rose, president; Lesa

Heintzman, treasurer; Janet Tse, secretary; and Tim Scarborough, vice-president.

Oklahoma State 2009 officers: John Hawkins, pledge marshal; Eric Kim,vice-president; Trenton January, student council representative; Chelsea Harden,

president; Sara Senyondo, secretary; Justin Willis, teasurer, andGuillermo Taylor, associate editor.

SPRING 2009 48

University of Pittsburgh

In the fall of 2008, the Universityof Pittsburgh chapter of Chi Epsilonstarted off the year with a social towelcome new members and encouragemore members to join. The event washeld on campus, providing food forstudents who decided to participate aswell as a chance to meet the Chi Epsilonofficers and other members. As a wayto raise money for our chapter, we sellpizza and drinks at our departmentalseminars which are held every twoweeks. This money goes toward fundingfor socials and toward initiation at the endof each semester. On December 5, 2008,we welcomed three new members to theChi Epsilon chapter here at the Universityof Pittsburgh. Board member positionshave been changed to the following:Dustin Stewart , president; ColinTudor, vice-president; LeighAnneShubert , secretary; MichelleOlszewski , marshal; Bill Batzel,treasurer; and Kyra Davis, associateeditor.

Oregon State University

Oregon State University becamethe 132nd Chi Epsilon chapter in the springof 2008. As a new chapter, it inductedeleven new members in the spring of 2008and six new members in the fall of 2008.New inductees in the spring include: JoshGoodall, Evon Silvia, Derek Manwill,Allison Tanaka, Vance Kotal, PaulStrauser, and Avery Roemen. Inducteesin the fall include: Kristina Currans,Anthony Davies, Natalie Grenz,Richard Hollon, and Nicholas Mortier.The newly elected officers are KevinSeverson, president; Jennifer Coe, vice-president; Jill Folkestad, treasurer; ErikaMcQuillen, membership chair; andRobert Bochsler, associate editor.

Chapter activities during the fall2008 term included holding its annualgraduate school forum. Four practicing civilengineers and two current graduatestudents occupied the forum whichanswered questions from current students.Twenty-five students attended, rangingfrom freshmen to seniors, who wereinterested in learning more about thebenefits of graduate school. The chapteranticipates an even larger turn-out next yearfor the event.

Currently the chapter is preparingfor its annual FE exam review sessions,which will be held during the spring 2009term.

We would like to extend specialthanks to Mike Lindell of HoffmanConstruction Co., Paul Davis of CH2MHill, Joshan Rohani of David Evans andAssociates, and Tom Baughman andJerome Madden, both of Madden &Baughman for serving as members of thegraduate school forum. We would also like

to thank Dr. Scott Ashford, civil andconstruction engineering head of school, forserving as a guest speaker at the event.

Purdue University

The Purdue University chapter ofChi Epsilon has had a very eventfulsemester. Purdue XE held a graduateschool information session for prospective

SPRING 2009 49

graduate students to explain theiradmissions process and responsibilities.Purdue XE also started conducting tutoringsessions for students who need help withtheir course work. Members of the chapterare expected to perform 3 hours ofcommunity service per semester to retaintheir active status, and tutoring provides agood opportunity. The chapter alsoorganized review sessions for the FE examto help students within and outside civilengineering. During the fall semester, thechapter was under the leadership of SteveLauer, president; Rachael Bisnett, vice-president; Abby Massey, secretary;Brent Lamb, treasurer; Cal Bearman,co-associate editor; Mike Broyles, co-associate editor; Emily Chavez, co-marshal; Matt Fillmore, co-marshal; TomPaladino, co-pledge coordinator; andDavid Dallman, co-pledge coordinator.Professor R.S. Govindaraju, theChristopher B. and Susan S. Burkeprofessor of civil engineering whospecializes in hydraulic and hydrologicengineering, has been the faculty advisorsince fall 2006. This fall semester, 24new members were added to the PurdueUniversity chapter of Chi Epsilon.During the semester, the pledges tookpart in various activities, such as thepledge retreat, faculty breakfast,community service, and board signing.The fall 2008 initiates were: MichaelGene Blough, Erica ChristineBourdage, Jennifer Marie Brown,Phillip Warren Cherry, Jonathan YChin, Rebecca Rose Essig, PatrickBrien Funk, Craig Henry FrancisHoltz, Rosemary Jamieson, RachelMarie Katchmar, Karl RichardKrukenberg, Daniel Glen McPheron,Reid Morgan, Douglas James Murray,

Krukenberg, Daniel Glen McPheron,Reid Morgan, Douglas James Murray,Richard Louis Raffin, HelenHadiwinata Santoso, Mallory LeighSchaus, Bryan Allen Sheward, TimothyPaul Stroshine, Michael CharlesTilleman, and George ChristopherWatson. We concluded the semesterwith an initiation ceremony and banqueton December 7. The following peoplewere honored at the banquet: Mr. JamesM. Barker (Chapter Honor Member),Steve Lauer (Leonard and MargaretWood Academic and LeadershipScholarship), and Taijiro Oki(Rosemary K. Burke OutstandingStudent). Finally, it is with sadness thatwe report the passing away of emeritusProfessor William J. Kay (1912-2008)who was a Chapter Honor Member andserved as the faculty advisor for XE.

Rensselaer PolytechnicInstitute

Rensselaer Polytechnic Instituteinitiated twenty-eight new members inthe spring of 2008. New inductees:Michael Bell, Ricardo Camacho,Tara Claney, Ashley Corker, Ben-jamin Deede, Matthew Drislane,Sean Eosefow, Evgueni Filipov, LeoFiorvanti, Sabrina Foster, Christo-pher Gonyo, Jared Gross, MelissaJackman, Christopher Jankum,Alison Kennicutt, Jason Kaufman,Russell Macalintal, Lisa Muscanell,Ed Pomfred , Reenu Raju, NickRenna, Bailey Richert, DianeSheppard, Sophia Stehr, EricTaub,

SPRING 2009 50

Brian Tobin, Eric Twomey, and Rob-ert Vayda. The newly elected officersare Ed Pomfred, president; EricTwomey, vice-president; AlisonKennicutt, treasurer; Sabrina Foster,secretary; and Sophia Stehr, associateeditor. Outgoing officers are AndrewVargo, president; Kevin Brown, vice-president; Patrick Fallon, treasurer/sec-retary; and Diane Rossini, associateeditor.

Chapter activities during thespring 2008 semester included organiza-tion of FE exam review sessions whichincluded developing a schedule for the

Purdue fall 2008 pledge class with Chapter Honor member Mr. James M. Barker

sessions, identifying and soliciting facultyto serve as volunteer instructors, and ad-vertising the sessions. In total, nine re-view sessions were held with attendancein each session ranging from abouttwenty to sixty students. During the fall2008 semester, the chapter organized anFE exam registration day where studentswere provided with FE exam registra-tion forms and access to a notary andphotographer. This event was success-ful in that it increased on-campus aware-ness of the early deadline for the examand resulted in seventy-one students reg-istering for the exam.

SPRING 2009 51

San Jose State University

In fall 2008, San Jose StateUniversity initiated twelve new membersinto Chi Epsilon. The following include;Sean Brookman, Kai Sum Cheung,Raymond Chow , Berkeley Holt ,Charles Luk, Dong Nguyen, MaggieOrtiz, Purnama Prasetyo, KatrinaRante, Hank Silva, Hugh Wright, andIan Whiteley. The newly electedofficers for the spring of 2009 are AlvinFlores, president; Christian Anzelde,vice- president; Charles Luk, treasurer;Katrina Rante, secretary; RaymondLiao , associate editor; and SeanBrookman, marshal.

Every fall semester, our chapterparticipates in the annual Chi EpsilonPacific District Conference. This year,the University of Southern Californiahosted the event in Los Angeles, so muchplanning and coordination had to be doneto prepare for the trip down south. Weheld multiple fundraising events andactivities to make this trip possible. Allofficers, initiates, and a handful ofmembers and alumni participated in theconference making SJSU the biggestattendant. The conference was anoverall success as we received very

University of Rhode Island

A large turnover occurred forChi Epsilon’s 2008-09 term at theUniversity of Rhode Island. All of the2007-08 officers and most members havemoved on with their professional careersor graduate studies. We wish them welland continued success moving forward.New members, James Davis, CoryDiPietro, Patrick Hartnett, SamuelHawkes, Temiloluwa Kusemiju,Kristin Malakorn, Justin McCoy,Colin O’Brien, Matthew Ouellette,Alexander Reeb, Shane Robat, DavidRoman, Benjamin Skrabak, AlisonSteere, and Timothy Thomson, wereinitiated on April 25, 2008. Chapterofficers elected for the 2008-09 term are:Matt Ouellette , president; JustinMcCoy , vice-president; KristinMalakorn, treasurer; and TimThomson, secretary.

The 2008-2009 administrationcontinues to expand on goals andobjectives set forth by past chapters tofoster the growth of Chi Epsilon at URI.We currently provide tutoring andmentoring services to our fellowclassmates and underclass engineeringstudents on campus. Effective ways toreach out to local secondary schools andURI students are being brainstormed tohelp expand interest and awareness inthe civil and environmental engineeringprofessions. Chi Epsilon will be attendingcampus events to introduce the chapterto prospective students and the rest ofthe URI community. Furthermore, thechapter continues to develop an outreachprogram with regional engineering andconstruction firms to connect fellow civil

engineering students with the professionupon graduating.

Dr. Vinka Craver and Dr.George Tsiatas are advisors for ChiEpsilon’s 2008-2009 term. With theirefforts, the future is bright for Chi Epsilonat the University of Rhode Island, andwe appreciate their dedication to thechapter.

SPRING 2009 52

South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University

The South Dakota StateUniversity chapter of Chi Epsilon isproud to announce the initiation of 8new student members in 2008. Thefollowing new members were added tothe chapter in the spring of 2008: ScottFinnesand, Tanner Fitzke,Stephanie Peters, and BrookePostma.

In the fall semester of 2008, wealso elected the new officers for the2009 academic year. The new officersfor 2009 include: Brooke Postma,president; Stephanie Peters, vice-president; Brittni Stephens ,secretary/treasurer; Jessica Heine,marshal/associate editor; and TannerFitzke, webmaster.

The outgoing officers of 2008include: Jason Stripling, president;

positive feedback from our newmembers who attended a Chi Epsilonconference for their first time!

Bryant Polzin, vice-president; BrittniStephens , secretary/treasurer;Michael Shilhanek, marshal/associate editor; and Eric Lynne,webmaster.

We would like to thank theoutgoing officers for a job well done,and we would like to wish thegraduating members the best of luckwith their futures. Dr. Chris Schmitwill continue acting as the facultyadvisor for the 2009 spring and fallsemesters.The SDSU Chapter organized andprovided tutoring sessions forunderclassmen in the followingdisciplines: surveying, statics, andmechanics of materials. The ChiEpsilon chapter also assists the ASCEstudent chapter with the steel bridge,concrete canoe, community service,and many other projects. The chapteris currently recruiting the new initiatesfor the spring of 2009 and planningsocial activities to get to know them.The South Dakota State Universitychapter looks forward to anotherexciting and productive year.

SPRING 2009 53

South Dakota State University

Southern Illinois University atEdwardsville

The Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville chapter of Chi Epsilon is proudto recognize its new members initiated inspring of 2008: Sara Andert, KyleArentsen, Clint Dougherty, RachelErnst, Kyle Hannel, Patrick Lewis,Corey Mason, John Matzke, DavidRichter, Brian Schuh, Adam Steury,Joshua Verdught, James Wallace,Joseph Watson, Jeffrey Wells, JessicaWiegmann, and Trisha Youngquist. Thenewly elected officers for the 2008-2009academic year include: Joshua Verdught,president; Brian Schuh, vice-president;John Matzke, treasurer; Kyle Arentsen,secretary; Rachel Ernst, associate editor;and David Richter, marshal. The chapteris currently in the process of selecting newmembers to initiate in spring of 2009. The

chapter would also like to thank the 2007-2008 officers for their devotion and smoothtransition. The 2007-2008 officers are asfollows: Aaron Schafer, president; JasonDreyer, vice-president; Douglas Reilly,treasurer; Jennifer Titchenal, secretary;Benjamin Keith, associate editor; andBenedict Whelan, marshal.

Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville new members

During the fall semester of 2008the SIUE chapter has been planning FEreview sessions. These sessions wereopen to current SIUE students and outsideprofessionals. The sale of review manualsand other review material served as theprimary fundraiser for the chapter. Theorganization will use the profits from thefundraiser to send delegates to the biennialconclave. The chapter would like to extendits gratitude to the faculty advisor, Dr. NaderPanahshahi for all of his assistance andsupport.

SPRING 2009 54

Stevens Institute of Technology

The past year has been a veryexciting year for the Stevens Institute ofTechnology chapter. As hosts of the 40th

National Conclave in March, 2008,representatives from across the nationmet at the small campus located on theshore of the Hudson River, directlyacross from Manhattan. Theundergraduates in attendance madeimprovements to the ritual, the PAROP,and the budget to name a few. Thechapter also had the honor of elevatingLeslie E. Robertson, who gave anincredibly motivating speech at theconclave, as the Society’s 60th NationalHonor Member.

The Stevens Institute ofTechnology chapter has had continuedsuccess during the fall of 2008. AndreaGiorgi-Bocker, chief engineer of theGeorge Washington Bridge, and one ofour Chapter Honor Members for 2007,invited our chapter to take a tour of thebridge. It was an opportunity to see somebehind the scenes engineering as well asa vast amount of history.

Stevens Institute of Technology

During the most recent initiation,the chapter had the honor of elevatingthe dean of the Charles V. Schaffer Jr.School of Engineering & Science,Michael Bruno, to the status of ChapterHonor Member. In addition to his roleas dean of the engineering school, Dr.Bruno is also a professor of oceanengineering. Dr. Bruno also performsextensive research in the world renownedDavidson Laboratories, a lab specializingin the studies of ship design, maritimesecurity, and ocean observation andforecasting. In addition to Dr. Bruno,17 new undergraduates were initiated toour ranks as undergraduate members,effectively tripling the size of our activechapter.

Syracuse University

It has been another exciting yearfor Syracuse University. On November21, 2008, the SU chapter was to proudto have initiated 16 juniors and seniorsinto the Chi Epsilon family andcongratulated Professor Samuel P.

SPRING 2009 55

Clemence on his elevation to a ChapterHonor Member, in recognition for hisoutstanding professional accom-plishments and services. The chapterhas also recently elected new officersfor the upcoming year, and they are asfollows: Michael McColgan, president;Lauren Seelbach, vice- president;Jessica Ebert, secretary; Erik Nelson,treasurer; Lydia Wong, marshal; andKaitlin Hannon, associate editor.

Many SU Chi Epsilons membersare active officers of ASCE and EWB.They have exemplified strong dedicationand involvement in engineering byparticipating in the ASCE concrete canoecompetition, Build ‘Em and Bust ‘Embridge building contest, Adopt-a-Mile, andhave even traveled to Kenya to renovatean orphanage facility. The SU chapterplans to offer numerous tutoring sessionsthroughout the semester open to anyundergraduate who may have concernswith math, science, or engineering-related courses.

The chapter also wishes nothingbut the best for outgoing officers BrettMaurer, president; RJ Walker, vice-president; Jillian Cole, secretary; KyleKwiatkowski, treasurer; and KevinSze, associate editor. With the adventof new, promising members, we lookforward to the continued success of theSyracuse University chapter’sendeavors.

University of TennesseeChapter

The 2008 academic year wasvery productive for Chi Epsilon’sUniversity of Tennessee chapter. This

year we initiated several new members:Craig Bowers, John Coulter, KevinFix, Alan Grissom, Zara Zaneta Hoch,Brent Moyers, and Ross Ogle duringthe spring. The spring semester was alsoa time to say farewell to the graduatingofficers: Nathan Mills, president;Daniel Unger, vice-president;McKenzie Boling, secretary/treasurer;Lee Mauney, marshal; Ryan Overton,associate editor. We wish them luck intheir futures as engineers. Our newlyelected officers are: Amanda Bowen,president; Zara Hoch, vice-president;Kevin Fix, secretary/treasurer; AlanGrissom, marshal; and Craig Bowers,associate editor. With our change inofficers also came another change asDr. Chris Cox became our new facultyadvisor.

Last year our chapter was activein the community. During the springsemester our members helped some ofthe faculty conduct the Tennessee statefinals of the Science Olympiad, and thisfall we participated in Knoxville,Tennessee’s annual American DiabetesAssociation “Step Out Against DiabetesWalk” where we raised and donatedmoney for diabetes awareness.

Most recently we intiated ninenew members and one Chapter HonorMember, Dr. George Hyfantis who hasbeen an adjunct professor the Universityof Tennessee for thirty years. Ournewest members are: Richard Beck,Nichole Belanger , Sean Coffelt,Richard Colbert, Jessica Davis, JodyDykes, Caleb Layne , MelissaMcKenzie, and Travis Ricker. We arehoping for and looking forward to a newyear that will be just as productive as thelast.

SPRING 2009 56

University of Texas at Arlington

The Chi Epsilon chapter at theUniversity of Texas at Arlington isalways striving to enhance the civilengineering department. This year, onemajor activity included the installation ofthe new chapter key. The unveiling ofthe key was performed on November 21,2008. We would like to extend ourheartfelt appreciation to Mike Shiflett,Dr. Jim Williams, Mr. John Wier, themajor donors from FacilitiesManagement UTA, Texas Masonry- theContractors, and to all the 2007 KeyConstruction committee members.

Dr. Jim Williams was elevatedas a Chapter Honor Member in the spring2008 initiation ceremony. Other chapteractivities included the National Conclavein Hoboken, NJ, the pizza party, and thepark clean up. Speakers from HalffAssociates were invited to the pizza party.All these activities and events led to thesuccessful end of 2008.

The newly elected officers forspring 2008 were: Kyle Hockersmith-president; Taileah Hunter, vice-pres-ident; Daniel Prendergast, marshal;Sadikshya Poudel, treasurer;Okechukwu Abajue, secretary; andManjeeta Sitaula, associate editor. Forspring 2009, the newly elected officersare: Okechukwu Abajue, marshal;Michael Hutcheson, secretary; LynnLambert, treasurer; and Jyoti Ojha,associate editor.

Nine new members wereinducted in the fall 2008 initiation. Thenew inductees include: MelanieArrington, Bo Chapman, LynnLambert, Michael Hutcheson, JyotiOjha, Francis Mbogning, Natasha

Tabatabaii, Tamara Gart and EnriqueBaes.

University of Texas

2008 was a strong year for theUniversity of Texas chapter of ChiEpsilon. Eighteen new members wererecruited in the spring and fall semesters;eight in the spring and ten in the fall. Thenew officers elected in November 2008are Alix Broadfoot, president; AndrewHart, vice-president; Saamiya Seraj,secretary; Eliud Buenrostro, marshal;Bryan Staffel, treasurer; Eliot Meyer,historian; Tyler Grote, associate editor;and Arthur Leung, ASCErepresentative. Dr. Lynn Katz willcontinue to be the faculty advisor.

We are extremely proud of ouroutgoing officers: Sarah Mayhall,president; Ryan Rush, vice-president;and Brian Hoyt, marshal . Sarah willcontinue her academic career as aUniversity of Texas graduate student infall of 2009, after taking a semester offto get married! Ryan is moving toChicago in April 2009 to work for DRWTrading after enjoying a much deservedbreak with his family. Brian will beginhis career with APEX Geo-Science as ageotechnical project engineer whileattending graduate school at theUniversity of Texas – Arlington.

The UT chapter of Chi Epsilonvolunteers at many events throughout theyear. In the spring of 2008, wevolunteered at Texas Society ofProfessional Engineers’ Math Countscompetition, serving as graders for theexams. We also participated in

SPRING 2009 57

“Introduce a Girl to Engineering” Day,and Explore UT, a campus wide openhouse for prospective longhorns.

In the fall of 2008, wevolunteered as peer advisors for fellowengineers during registration, and didLonghorn Halloween, a fall festival forthe children of UT faculty and staff. Weran a booth called “What’s Inside theMonster,” which consisted of the kidsreaching their hands into bags forming amonster’s body and guess what body partit was. For example, peeled grapes wereeye balls and carrots, toes. Hand wipeswere definitely provided and costumesrequired! We also volunteered at theCapital Area Food Bank, working withlocal high school volunteers to sort andpackage almost 4.5 tons of donated food.

Our chapter is very sociable aswell. On top of having a great timetogether when we volunteer, we also holdcoffee hours and have periodic campingtrips. We also got together to update our

display case in the engineering building andto decorate the traditional t-square thatgraduating seniors sign to hang in the hallsof the Ernest Cockrell Jr. building.

University of Texas-Austin Chi Epsilon Former President Sarah Mayhall makes an-nouncements about upcoming events at a bimonthly meeting.

Texas Tech University

On behalf of the Texas Techchapter, Damon Hertel, treasurer, re-ports that several new officers have beenelected, so this is a training semester forour chapter. We plan to hold an initiationeach semester in hopes of boosting ourmembership. Last year we only had aspring initiation. The current membersare serving the college as tutors for avariety of classes. The CE Departmentpays us for our tutoring and this is ourmain source of income. We will continueto strive to uphold the prestige and honorof this society.

SPRING 2009 58

Officers of UT Chi Epsilon meet to discuss plans for the fall semester.(From left: Bryan Staffel (treasurer), Tyler Grote (associate editor),

Alix Broadfoot (president)

Chi Epsilon treasurer Bryan Staffel gets some food before a visiting company gives apresentation at a meeting.

SPRING 2009 59

A Chi Epsilon member gives candy to children of University of Texas facultyand staff at the annual Longhorn Halloween.

Vanderbilt University

The 2008 calendar year provedto be another productive year for theVanderbilt University chapter of ChiEpsilon. The officer transition occurredseamlessly at the spring 2008 initiationceremony, which inducted the thenrecently eligible candidate LaurenRamsey, as well as Warren ScottGoodrich as a Chapter Honor Member.The new officers are as follows: AlbertEngel, president; Stacey Shull, vice-president; Will Lisska, marshal; NickReynolds, historian; Russell Nour,treasurer; Karen Swetland, secretary;and Samantha Sabatino. This officer

team led the Vanderbilt chapter toperform community service at theNashville Rake-A-Thon event onNovember 15th (organized by theVanderbilt Wishmakers) which raised atotal of $2695 in donations for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Nashville.

Vanderbilt University was proudto have Albert Engel represent its ChiEpsilon chapter at the March 2008conclave. Our chapter thanks him forhis service to the Vanderbilt chapter, andwishes him well as he steps down tostudy abroad. He will be replaced aspresident by Vice-President StaceyShull. She will preside over the inductionof the eleven invited candidates, to occur

SPRING 2009 60

in January 2009. These candidates areAmelia Shaw, Bryan Kirk, CatherineNewman, Donald Williams, ErinKersh, Ghazali Mohd, JoshuaMullins, Malcolm White, MicahO’Hare, Michael Banasiak, andLauren Vidnovic. Our chapter furtherthanks its faculty advisor Dr. EugeneLeboeuf for his continued support forand guidance of the chapter.

University of Washington

The University of Washingtonchapter of Chi Epsilon is proud toannounce that twenty-seven newmembers were initiated on May 9, 2008.These new members are: JonathanCorey, Anatalia Countiss, KaseyFaust, Matthew Godsey, CelesteHoffman, Golnaz Jankhah, KevinKunish, Steven Lampert, JingjuanLi, Mark Maurer, Aaron Olson,Adam Price, Rebecca Rule, StuartStringer, Jie Sheng, Armin Stuedlein,Karl Typolt, and Kirsten Wood.

The newly elected officers forthe 2008-2009 academic year are: JieSheng, vice-president; Mark Maurer,treasurer; Jingjuan Li, marshal; andKasey Faust, associate editor. We alsohad two officers that served in 2007-2008continue their service in new positionsfor 2008-2009: Chris Masek, president;(previously served as secretary) and EdRockwell, secretary (previously servedas treasurer).

The outgoing officers that servedduring the 2007-2008 academic yearwere: Anthony Rodriguez, president;

Genevieve Farrar, vice-president;Chris Kinzig, marshal; and AdamParast, associate editor.

The chapter also initiated Dr.Alexander Horner-Devine as honoredFaculty Member and Mr. JonMagnusson, P.E. as the Chapter HonorMember. Dr. Alexander Horner-Devine was also installed as the newchapter faculty advisor.

Many chapter membersvolunteered to help with the Universityof Washington’s Engineering OpenHouse which introduces and encourageskids to become involved in engineering.Four members of the chapter also helpedwith campus tours for the graduatestudent orientation in September. Ourchapter looks forward to contributing tothe local Habitat-for-Humanity effort andvolunteering to help with streamrestoration projects. We will continue toreach out to undergraduate and graduatestudents to encourage more involvementin the chapter.

We are optimistic about thedirection and future of our chapter. Ourgoal is to make a difference on campus,in our community, and in the civilengineering profession.

University of Wisconsinat Platteville

This year has seen much changeat the University of Wisconsin-PlattevilleChi Epsilon chapter. New officers wereinstalled at the spring initiation. Theseincluded: Michael DeAmico, president;

SPRING 2009 61

Amanda Stubbe, vice-president; T.J.Thering, secretary; Drew Rockafellow,treasurer; Steve Prouty, marshal; andThomas Stock, associate editor. Belowis a picture of the new officers. Manynew members were also inducted into ourgroup. Although there were no springinitiates, we had an abundant fall initiationthat included Joshua Fetting, MichaelFoster, Derek Friske, Karl Krueger,Christine Pitzen, Gregory Rajek, andLaurie Trifone.

University of Wisconson officers: Tom Stock, editor; Amanda Stubbe,vice-president; TJThering, secretary; Steve Prouty, marshal; Michael Deamico, president; Drew

Rockafellow, treasurer

As part of our communityinvolvement, our chapter continued towork with the Institute of TransportationEngineers on highway cleanup for a

nearby state road. Also, our traditionalgraduation brunch which treatsgraduating seniors and their families to adelicious buffet prepared by the membersof Chi Epsilon is still going strong. Forthe first time, we participated in thehomecoming parade as we marchedalong side the float for Badger Camp.Our chapter strongly supports BadgerCamp’s effort to enhance disabledchildren’s lives.

In a continuing effort for ourchapter to encourage sociability, a pizzaparty was planned where new memberscould get to know upperclassmen outsideof school.