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June President’s Message: SIX WORDS WILL HELP MAKE ASCE MORE RELEVANT AND RESPONSIVE
“Which words would you use to describe ASCE? More specifically, what qualities or values would you associate with ASCE? These are not flip questions. For our Society to move into the future and remain relevant, it’s vital that we reflect the qualities and values sought by our members so we’re able to provide what our members want and need.”

“The results boiled down to these six attributes: Enduring, Trusted, Responsible, Expert, Professional, and Leader. Each has two sets of definitions formed by the results, one based on how those attributes apply to ASCE today, another on “aspirational” ways to build on them.” This is from national President’s Wayne Klotz June blog.

I hope everyone has a safe summer and join us at the next luncheon on June 18 which is our Recognition Luncheon where we will acknowledge Past Presidents, New Life Members, and 2009 Branch Award Winners.


LSU-ASCE Steel Bridge Team Qualifies for National Competition
Once again the ASCE Steel Bridge Team at LSU has qualified to compete in the National Student Steel Bridge Competition. After months full of designing, analyzing, cutting, welding, and fabricating, they are one step closer to representing LSU Civil Engineering in the national competition. The Steel Bridge Team placed 2nd in the regional competition, and there is still plenty of room for the score to improve before the national competition. The team plans to modify the bridge by placing additional steel at key connections in order to strengthen it. Also, they will be taking away excess steel to make the bridge lighter and easier to assemble.

The team will be competing against the best schools from around our nation and your support is needed. In addition to material cost, the team will need funds to cover travel expenses to the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. Donors will have their company’s name and logo placed on our website, uniforms, and competition display poster. Your support in this endeavor will show your appreciation for experience, while promoting your company’s name among the engineering community. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today to support the University and its Steel Bridge Team. However, time is of the essence. An order will be placed for our competition shirts on May 8, 2009. Additional information on donations can be found here.


Rhaoul Guillaume Obtains Fellow Member Status
The Baton Rouge Branch would like to extend a sincere congratulations to Mr. Rhaoul Guillaume, P.E., F.ASCE for obtaining fellow member status. Fellow members represent the elite within our organization and are recognized because of many years of loyalty and dedication to our engineering society, along with immense professional accomplishments. The branch continues to advocate professional advancement of our members and would encourage those with at least 10 years of membership, and significant contribution to the profession to apply for fellow status. Please contact Joey Coco, P.E. at joey.coco@engensus.com for details. Joey, the Branch Membership Director, presented the Fellow Member Certificate to Rhaoul at the March Lunch Meeting.
                                 


Baton Rouge Branch Hosts Spring Section Conference
The Baton Rouge Branch hosted the Louisiana Section 2009 Spring Conference on April 14 and 15. The conference theme this year was "Engineering Sustainable Water Resources," and was attended by over 170 professionals, including over 80 ASCE members. The conference featured 40 speakers--addressing coastal, wastewater, reservoir, groundwater, water quality, and drainage related issues. Twenty exhibitors were present. The Louisiana Office of Coastal Protection and Restoration and the Louisiana Water Resources Research Institute co-sponsored the conference. Other key supporters included AECOM, PBS&J, Michael Baker, Taylor Engineering, and GeoEngineers. Bob Turner, Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority, East gave the luncheon address on Tuesday April 14, covering recent findings of the National Levee Safety Commission on which he served. Section President Ali Mustapha conducted the Dinner Banquet, at which Life Member and Senior Student Awards were presented. At Wednesday's luncheon the membership approved the slate of officers for 2009-2010 by acclamation.