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President's Video Message
Howdy ASCE Houston!
March marks the halfway point for this ASCE Houston Fiscal Year! My year as President will be fully virtual, which is drastically different from every premeditated notion I had for my term. It has been a challenging year being remote and separated from the volunteers, members, and guests of the Branch. Last month, I received emails of support and encouragement. In addition, I had the opportunity to virtually engage with several students, volunteers, and members. This engagement with you uplifts my spirits and renews my motivation to continue striving to achieve our mission.
I hope you all made it safely through the winter storm. Thank you to the emergency personnel who worked continuously through the weather event! My brother is a firefighter and I could not be prouder of the essential and selfless acts of our first responders.
I paused to reflect during the storm to think about how blessed we are to live in the level of daily comfort we consider normal. There are nations and communities who are less fortunate than us. The ASCE Vision Statement is, “Civil Engineers are global leaders building a better quality of life.” Many of our modern-day comforts are a result of Civil Engineers. Extreme events similar to the winter freeze we just experienced emphasizes the importance the designs and decisions we make as Civil Engineers.
Like many of you, I was without the resources to host the branch meeting in February. Our President-Elect, who is also the 2021 Young Engineer of the Year, Mahsa Arastoo moderated on my behalf. Congratulations Mahsa on the outstanding job and on your award! It has been a pleasure to serve on the Branch with you throughout the years.
We had 15 Past Presidents register for the meeting, but due to the winter storm not everyone was able to join us during the live webinar. I extend my gratitude to the Past Presidents and to the keynote speaker, Mr. Kenneth R. Wright of Wright Water Engineers. Mr. Wright’s address titled, “The Civil Engineering of the Incan City of Machu Picchu” was recorded and shared with all the registered attendees.
I hope you are able to join us virtually for the next Branch Meeting on Tuesday, March 16th at 12 PM CST. The keynote speaker will be Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon Regents Professor of Atmospheric Sciences at Texas A&M University (WHOOP!). Dr. Nielsen-Gammon’s address is titled, “Effects of Weather and Climate on Extreme Rainfall Return Values in Southeast Texas.”
In addition to the Branch Meeting, two technical sessions will be offered this month. Information for all events can be found on the website, www.ascehouston.org.
I am receptive to all questions, comments, concerns, and ideas you may contact me at [email protected].
Until next time ASCE Houston, take care of yourself and each other.
Sarah N. Alvarez
ASCE Houston President
[email protected]
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