08C CHP RPTS ONLINE 020408

FALL 2009 1 THE TRANSIT

the transit

of Chi EpsilonNational Civil Engineering Honor Society

Fall 2009 • Volume 81 • Number 2

www.chi-epsilon.org

ISSN 0041-1167

Chapter Reports

Photo: Courtesy of UT Arlington

Engineering Research BuildingUniversity of Texas at Arlington

THE TRANSIT 2 FALL 2009

CHAPTER ARTICLES FALL 2009Chapter articles are published only on-line at this web site www.chi-epsilon.org .Odd numbered chapters, 1,3,5, etc., provide their articles by December 15th ofeach year to appear in the spring. Even numbered chapters, 2,4,6, etc., providetheir articles by May 15th of each year, and they appear on-line in the fall. Pleaseenjoy reading the articles from your chapter and others to find out what ishappening locally in Chi Epsilon.

* Page numbers refer to Chi Epsilon Website

University of AlabamaUniversity of Alaska, FairbanksArizona State UniversityBucknell UniversityUniversity of California, DavisUniversity of California, IrvineUniversity of California at Los AngelesCarnegie Mellon UniversityUniversity of CincinnatiClarkson UniversityUniversity of ColoradoThe Cooper UnionUniversity of DaytonDrexel UniversityUniversity of EvansvilleFlorida Institute of TechnologyGeorgia Institute of TechnologyUniversity of IowaUniversity of KentuckyLamar UniversityUniversity of LouisvilleMarquette UniversityUniversity of MarylandUniversity of Massachusetts,

AmherstUniversity of Massachusetts,

LowellUniversity of Miami

Michigan StateUniversity of MississippiUniversity of MissouriMontana State UniversityNew Jersey Institute of TechnologyNew Mexico State UniversityNortheastern UniversityUniversity of Notre DamePennsylvania State UniversityRice UniversityRugers UniversitySan Diego State UniversityUniversity of South CarolinaUniversity of Southern CaliforniaSouthern Methodist UniversityTennessee Technological UniversityTexas A&M UniversityUniversity of ToledoTrine UniversityUniversity of UtahVillanova UniversityVirginia Polytechnic InstituteUniversity of VirginiaWashington University, St. LouisWayne State UniversityWest Virginia UniversityUniversity of Wisconsin, Madison

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Chapter Articles Fall 2009.

University of Alabama

The initiation ceremony for new chapter members took place on April 7,2009. On that date, we also elevated Dr. Daniel Turner to Chapter Honor Memberstatus.

In April, our chapter hosted the entire National Council so that we couldupdate them on our progress for planning the 2010 National Conclave.

Also in April, our chapter organized and hosted the “2009 Honors and AwardsBanquet” for the Civil Engineering Department here at UA. At the dinner, we honoredUniversity of Alabama civil engineering alumni and gave awards to current students.

Outgoing officers: Drew Waldrop, president; Jessica Taylor, vice-president;Trey Blizzard, treasurer/secretary; and Holly Eriksen, marshal/associate editor.

New officers: Wesley Sudduth, president; Taylor Schoel , vice-president;Brian Thach, treasurer/secretary; and Kenneth Anderson, marshal/associate editor.

University of Alaska, Fairbanks

The University of Alaska, Fairbanks chapter of Chi Epsilon had a decent2008-2009 school year. In February 2008 and 2009, the chapter participated in theCollege of Engineering’s annual engineering week open house, where local high schoolstudents tour and explore the various engineering departments and their many exhibits.The chapter also teamed up with the local Tau Beta Pi chapter to hold tutoring sessionsfor all math, science, and engineering students. Throughout the springa few Chi Epsilon members participated in designing and building a steel bridge forthe Pacific Northwest Regional Steel Bridge Competition, which was held at PortlandState University. Over the last few semesters, the chapter has been participating inthe new student orientation as orientations leaders for the incoming students. Thecurrent officers for the 2009-2010 school year are: Chad Odem, president; ThomasTyler Dyer, vice-president; Larry Mosley, treasurer; Jake Horazdovsky, secretary;David Aaron Morse, associate editor; and Trevor Thomas Hyatt, marshal. Dr.Yuri Shur continues to serve as the chapter’s faculty advisor.

2008 semester,


Arizona State University

On May 1, 2009, our chapter initiated 21 new members: Mohd Alyousuf,Timothy Cason, Nathan Coolman, Nathan Dunkin, Lesley Ann Eastlick, LailaEl-Ashmawy, Cherith Etsitty, Preston Ford, Skye Gentile, Nick Haws, CanioHoffarth, Terrin Lane, Kevin Lardner, Errolin Maynes, Adam Rumpf, AlmaBrenden Saline, Kyle Sargent, Andrew Schmidt, Elizabeth Weil, Brian Yeary,and Nathan Zigler. During the ceremony we also installed new officers: CherylynHenry, president; Taylor Ehrick, vice-president; Rebecca Janney, secretary;Chuan Jiang, treasurer; Jesse Cascio, marshal; and Carmen Parks, associateeditor. Cherylyn, Taylor, and Rebecca are all returning officers, which should help tomake this coming year even more successful than the last. Special thanks to ourfaculty advisor and Chi Epsilon alumnus Dr. Chris Lawrence, and our outgoingofficers that will not be returning: Rebecca Hackel, president; Hanna Look, vice-president; Tina Pourshams, treasurer.

The 2008-2009 school year consisted of community and campus involvementfor ASU Chi Epsilon. The remainder of this report briefly describes the activities thatour chapter is proud to be a part of.

For the past four years, our chapter has dedicated part of its communityservice time to volunteering for the Arizona Ironman, which takes place in Tempe,AZ, and consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and 26.2 mile marathon run.Many people who compete in the Ironman do the majority of their fundraising tosupport various charities and non-profit organizations. ASU Chi Epsilon volunteersguide and encourage the competitors along the bike portion of the course by distributingdrinks and cheering them on. Robert Saunders, a past president of ASU Chi Epsilon,organizes two large groups of volunteers for this event each semester.

For the past few years, our chapter has participated in the Habitat forHumanity community service project, however this past spring, we opted to participatein Devils in Disguise instead. Devils in Disguise is a day where different organizationsat ASU get together and participate in various community service events. Our chapterwent to Tempe Christian School to help them with maintenance of their playground.The afternoon was spent clearing weeds and removing an old swing set.

One of ASU Chi Epsilon’s biggest events each fall and spring is a series ofreview sessions for the FE exam. We encourage professors to volunteer to reviewtopics that will be covered on the test. This is a large fundraiser for us because weget undergraduates and professionals to come to our sessions where we charge areasonable fee. Our review sessions are free to active Chi Epsilon members, and wealways get a great turnout for this event. They usually start four weeks prior to theexam with about 2 sessions per week. We get great feedback and continue to improvethe review sessions year after year.


The 2008-2009 academic year was a successful one. We achieved our goalsof continuing our chapter’s involvement in community service activities and developingour relationship with ASCE. We had several socials over the course of the yearwhich included kickball games, happy hour, and several BBQ’s. The socials turnedout well, with significant attendance from both Chi Epsilon and ASCE. As a result ofthe success of these events, a positive and friendly relationship is forming betweenChi Epsilon and ASCE, one that we hope to continue building in the coming year.

This was also the first year that our chapter has had t-shirts made. Theshirts were a huge hit, with nearly all that we ordered being bought. Making shirts isdefinitely something that we plan to do again in the fall. With this past year at an endand the coming year standing in front of us, we are excited for the continuing growthand success of our chapter.

Arizona State University Members

Bucknell University

Community Service Event: This spring, as an opportunity to give back to theLewisburg community, our chapter hosted an event enabling boy scouts to obtaintheir engineering merit badge.The event was held on Bucknell’s campus, within theengineering building. The program allowed for a lot of interaction between our chaptermembers and a local Boy Scout troop. This experience was quite a success andpresented a learning experience for all parties involved.


Upon arrival, the boy scouts were separated into two groups. Several of thescouts had participated in this event last year where they built bridges out of popsiclesticks and hot glue. Those who were new to this event were placed in the bridge-building group, while those who attended last year enjoyed a new challenge involvingbuilding catapults. Chapter member Dale Statler led informal presentations to eachgroup. The lecture for the bridge group involved the basics of bridge design, and thescouts thoroughly enjoyed learning about the concepts. The scouts then broke up intopairs, with at least one member of Chi Epsilon assigned to each pair of boy scouts.Each group drew out the design of the bridge they would like to construct. The ChiEpsilon members were instructed to allow the boy scouts to make the importantdecisions and only to interject with guidance in order to allow the scouts to thinkindependently. Following their designs the scouts began the construction phase. Thebridges were constructed from popsicle sticks and glue, with no limit to the amount ofmaterials used. The judging of the bridges focused on the amount of load sustainedwith respect to the weight of the bridge, so efficiency was critical to the design. Thevariety in the designs and the creativity shown by the boy scouts was rewarding tosee, and the vigor with which they approached these engineering problems wasinspirational. When the construction phase of the bridges was completed, each bridgewas tested by loading it until failure. Although winning was never intended to be anobjective of this event, the competitive nature of the boys won out and it became a

competition. Several pictures of the event areprovided below. The catapultgroup followed a similar procedure, with the initialpresentation involving catapults. The scouts pairedup and designed their catapults with the supportof Chi Epsilon members. These catapults wereconstructed from milk cartons. Upon completion,the boy scouts participated in friendly competitionsinvolving accuracy and distance. The competitivenature of the boys won out yet again, and theywere very eager to learn and create the bestcatapult possible.

Initiation: On Thursday, January 22, 2009,our chapter initiated seven new members into ChiEpsilon. It was also a special occasion as Dr.Jai B. Kim was elevated to a position of ChapterHonor Member. The initiation was well attendedby the faculty and turned out to be an enjoyableexperience for all involved. Upon completion ofthe actual initiation ceremony, all current members,faculty, new members, and Dr. Kim were invitedto attend a dinner in one of Bucknell University’s

Boy Scouts and members ofBucknell University Chi Epsilonwatching as a bridge collapses tothe floor under excessive loading.


dining facilities. The dinner provided an opportunity for the younger members tomeet the current members as well as creating a comfortable setting for the studentsto converse with the faculty. Chapter Honor Member Dr. Kim also had the opportunitythat evening to meet many of the students. Immediately following dinner, the seniormembers of Chi Epsilon invited Dr. Kim to speak to the senior civil and environmentalengineering class, which he accepted. Dr. Kim spoke on the collapse of the Interstate35 West bridge that occurred in Minneapolis, Minnesota on August 1, 2007. Hehighlighted the main causes of the collapse as well as the importance of connectiondesign. Dr. Kim also spoke about his patented curved truss design for the rehabilitationof old truss bridges. The method utilized arches and post-tensioning rods to increasethe strength of a deteriorated bridge.

Boy Scouts watching carefully as bridge is being loaded at Bucknell University.


The elevation of Dr. Kim comes after nearly a half century of work in thearea of civil engineering. Also, Dr. Kim has decided to retire as a professor afterteaching his final class this past fall semester. His many accomplishments are nothingshort of extraordinary, and he is well known for his specialty in structural engineeringwith an emphasis in design loads for buildings and highway bridges.

Dr. Kim began his remarkable career after obtaining both his BS and MS incivil engineering at Oregon State University. From here, he acquired his PhD at theUniversity of Maryland. He then became the chief research engineer for the Districtof Columbia Government Department of Highways and Traffic from 1964 to 1966.It was in 1966 that Dr. Kim found his way to Bucknell University as an assistantprofessor. After a decade of work as both an assistant and associate professor, Dr.Kim was made the chairman of the Civil Engineering Department. He held thisposition for an astounding twenty-six years.

During his time at Bucknell University, Dr. Kim has received numerous awardsand issued many publications on a variety of civil engineering topics as well as heldpositions in many professional societies. He also conducted the first, full-scale lateralload test on a group of piles. In addition to his ongoing research, Dr. Kim and one ofhis former students, Jon Yadlosky, hold a patent on the “Rehabilitation of Steel TrussBridges by Means of Reinforcing Arches.” He is currently in the process of revisinghis two books, Timber Design and Bridge Design.

Dr. Kim’s accomplishments far exceed any publications or physical evidencethat can be presented in his name. He is a man of ingenious creativity as well asunequaled wit and intelligence. His gifts to the civil engineering industry and societywill be impossible to duplicate. Bucknell University will certainly miss the presenceof Dr. Kim on its campus.

Bucknell Chapter Honor Member, Dr. Jai B. Kim


University of California, Davis

The University of California, Davis chapter started off the 2008-2009 yearby attending the 22nd annual Pacific District Conference. Only two members wereable to attend from the UC Davis chapter.

Following the conference, the UC Davis chapter gained 13 members. Amongthese were Dimitrios Lignos, Elizabeth Flores, Jason Fuller, Jason Hui, JiaLe Liu, Justin Anderson, Kenneth Johnson, Michelle Biery, Paul Warnock,Robert-Paul Erickson, Rudy Nie, and Thang Mai. We were pleased to welcomea new cabinet, half of which were new initiates and include: Michelle Fong, president;Elizabeth Flores, vice-president; Rudy Nie, secretary; Paul Warnock, treasurer;Jason Fuller, associate editor; and Jason Hui, marshal.

The UC Davis chapter of Chi Epsilon has been working towards building ourstrength as a chapter by hosting several social events. In order to grow academically,this year we had two professors, Professors Frank Loge and Jay Lund give guestpresentations about their current research projects. We also took a trip to the nearbyMonticello Dam to learn about the water system run by the Solano Irrigation District.

The UC Davis chapter of Chi Epsilon looks forward to recruiting more initatesthis fall and increasing its presence on the UC Davis campus.

University of California, Irvine

The University of California Irvine chapter of Chi Epsilon was proud toannounce its newest addition of 27 members during the spring quarter of 2009. Thesenew members were: Asad Akmal, Lawrence Andres, Joel Belanger, Chris Chan,Bryant Chan, Catherine Chen, Jia Chen, Chantry Davis, Harinder Dhillon,Jared Dibartolomeo, Francisco Guereca, Paul Harer, Rezwan Kabir, GarrettKawayoshi, Candy Kwan, Richard Kyo, Erika Martinelli, Justin Menda,Michael Nguyen, Avsean Pirbazari, Daniel Real, Daren Reyes, Andrew Sidor,Benjamin Wong, Craig Wong, Steven Yasutake, and Kevin Yu.

The new officers selected to take over for the 2009-2010 academic yearwere: Benjamin Wong, president; Chantry Davis, vice-president; Bryant Chan,treasurer; Catherine Chen, secretary; Chris Chan, associate editor; and DarenReyes, marshal. Due to the significant addition of members to the Chi Epsilon roster,some additional responsibilities were delegated to extra officer positions. Chi Epsilonhas enlisted Asad Akmal as corporate affairs officer to establish connections withthe affiliates and to raise funds. Michael Nguyen has been appointed as the webmasterin order to create a website for the UC Irvine chapter of Chi Epsilon. Chi Epsilonmembers and incoming initiates will be able to check this site for frequent updatesand upcoming events. Sabeen Cochinwala was chosen as the alumni advisor whowill work with Chi Epsilon to provide guidance and ensure a successful year.


During the spring quarter of 2009, Chi Epsilon participated in a variety of events.A few of them were collaborative efforts with Tau Beta Pi, the Engineering HonorsSociety. These events included volunteering efforts for UCI’s UROP (UndergraduateResearch Opportunities Program) Symposium, a beach bonfire, and a movie event. Also,the UC Irvine chapter of Chi Epsilon held a resume workshop in order to assist students increating the perfect resume. The end of the year was wrapped up with a Chi Epsiloninitiation ceremony and a park barbeque.

University of California, Los Angeles

The Chi Epsilon chapter at UCLA enjoyed a productive and rewarding year. The firstmajor event was the annual Pacific District conference, hosted by USC. Representatives fromtwelve universities, including: Thomas Curtis, president; Nicole Galloway, vice-president;Priscilla Chui, treasurer; Liz Conklin, secretary; Brian Wada, associate editor; and HilaShprecher, marshal, attended a variety of workshops, seminars, discussions, and presentations.The UCLA delegation presented a report focused on the Chi Epsilon initiate requirements aswell as a poster showcasing Chi Epsilon’s activities at UCLA. UCLA’s spirited presentation ofinitiate requirements earned Most Enthusiastic Presentation. Additionally, the collaboration andplanning between other chapters laid a foundation for the future.

The fall quarter continued with a signature party, a UCLA Chi Epsilon tradition allowingcandidate members to meet current members, officers, alumni, and faculty advisor, ProfessorSteve Margulis. Our program for prospective initiates encourages cross-membership in UCLA’sASCE chapter, particularly by offering community service hours for working on student projectsand volunteering at ASCE Younger Member Forum events. One event that Chi Epsilon collaboratedon with ASCE was the popsicle bridge contest, which featured thirty-seven area high schoolscompeting on a number of design criteria. Later in the quarter, we continued a new ceremonythat celebrates our school and the achievements of the candidates. Initiation day soon followed,where we proudly welcomed new members into our organization. We would like to thankprofessors Steve Margulis and Terri Hogue for lending their support and attending this rite.

In the weeks following initiation, a new faculty advisor was installed: AssociateProfessor Scott Brandenburg, a geotechnical engineering professor who earned his BS atCalifornia Polytechinic State University, San Luis Obispo and continued earning his Masters andPhD at University of California, Berkeley. Additionally, a new officer board was installed, withEric Chin serving as president. Eric also serves as internal vice-president of UCLA’s chapterof the ASCE.

The chapter continued to offer FE examination preparation this spring, assisting overtwenty five members of the UCLA community. XE alumnus and PE Patrick Ho, helped runmultiple sessions, explaining the intricacies of the exam, conducting subject reviews and teachingtest taking strategies. Of the students that participated in the review sessions, all passed the FE.We thank Pat for his continued service and commitment to the UCLA community and XE.

For more about Chi Epsilon, its activities and contact information, please visit ourwebsite at http://www.ascebruins.com/XE/.


Carnegie Mellon University

In the fall of 2008,the Carnegie MellonUniversity chapter of ChiEpsilon initiated eightnew members includingone faculty member. Thenew initiates were:Faculty – H. ScottMatthews, Students –Timothy Baumgarten,Adam Larsen, AnnaLenhart, JeffreyMiller, Sabrina Porter,Andrew Zagoren, andEdward Yuen. In the spring of 2009, the Carnegie Mellon Chapter initiated five moremembers: Students - Mario Berges, Fernanda Leite, Juan Peng, Pingbo Tangand Zhiqang Li.

The chapter’s activities last spring included giving tours and personal insightsto prospective first-year students on admitted student days, as well as representingour classes at the monthly departmental town meetings.

The chapter’s plans for fall 2009 include the creation of a tutoring program forthe sophomore statics class in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Departmentin addition to initiating review sessions for the upcoming FE exam.

University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati chapter of Chi Epsilon has had a busy andsuccessful year. We began the year with Laura Busick, president; Joseph Seymour,vice-president; Breana Roth, secretary; Joshua Trauger, marshal; AndrewHammer, treasurer; and Jocelyn DeMange, associate editor. Our chapter soonexpanded as we initiated 13 new members during our fall quarter initiation.

It was not long before fall quarter had passed and it was time for the districtconference . The district conference was held here, at the university, and had a greatturnout with over 35 representatives from 11 chapters including the Great LakesDistrict Councillor, Prof. Eugene Glysson. The conference included a visit to theunique construction site of the new School for Creative and Performing Arts, adiscussion of chapter issues and exchanged community service and recruiting ideas.Jim Kleingers from Kleingers & Associates also came to speak about his impact incivil engineering and offered some inspiring words to the group. Overall, the conference


was a great success and everyone walked away with something to take back to theirindividual chapters.

This spring, the chapter is getting involved with the community by workingwith the local Habitat for Humanity and will soon be electing officers for the 2009/2010 academic year.

This year has been busy for the University of Cincinnati chapter and evenmore rewarding. In the next year, the chapter hopes to continue increasing studentinvolvement and community engagement and looks forward to the National Conclave.

University of Cincinnati Great Lakes District Conference

University of Cincinnati Chi Epsilon Officers and Initiates


Clarkson University

The 2008-2009 school year at Clarkson University has seen many changesinvolving Chi Epsilon, starting with the initiation of new XE members. On Saturday,February 21, 2009, eight new members were initiated into the Clarkson University chapterof Chi Epsilon with a catered dinner to follow. Their names are as follows: Matthew P.Cheevers, Alex A. Garneau, Daniel J. Harvey, Benjamin R. Lind, Geoffrey J.May, Dylan J. Morphet, Brandon M. Sparacino, and Samantha A. Wyant.Congratulations to these new members!

As part of our initiation process and our efforts to improve Clarkson University,our members volunteered at the spring 2009 career fair. This event was hosted by Clarkson’sCareer Center on Thursday, January 29, 2009. Our involvement sped-up assembly anddisassembly of the tables, chairs, and displays from different companies as well as smoothedthe transition between sessions. Also, XE had its Colors Week from Monday, February16, to Friday, February 20, 2009, concluding our initiation process. Elections of new officerswere held on Thursday, March 5, 2009. Officer positions were filled as follows: Dylan J.Morphet, president, replacing Stefan J. Widomski; Daniel J. Harvey, vice-president,replacing Ethan C. Lamiman; Matthew P. Cheevers, secretary, replacing MatthewD. LaPlante; Geoffrey J. May, treasurer, replacing Kevin R. Martens; and Alex A.Garneau, marshal and associate editor, replacing Alexander J. Brown. Good luck tothe old officers as they enter their professional fields. Finally, our XE chapter ended theschool year and said farewell to the XE seniors with a barbecue on Saturday, April 25,2009.

Projects for next year include repainting the XE benches around campus andrevitalizing the XE showcase in the library.

University of Colorado

The Chi Epsilon chapter at the University of Colorado is going through a transitionperiod and is very excited for the future. Initiation took place this semester on October 14,during which 11 new members were initiated. Coming into the fall 2009 semester, RyanAnderson was filling all officer positions, so soon after initiation, new officers wereelected. The positions are held currently by the following people: Alexa Schaefer aspresident, Benjamin Wertz as vice-president, Christopher Lynch as secretary as wellas treasurer, and Christine Beckman as associate editor and marshal. With the newboard and the help of our faculty advisor, Richard Regueiro, we plan to try to boost thechapter and become more involved.

This year, our chapter planned and organized, with the help of a few professors,several FE exam review sessions to assist the seniors planning to take the test. As usual,these sessions were a great help to the attendees and we plan to continue organizing thereview sessions. Other future functions possibly include socials, community service projects,and helping the department plan the senior banquet in the spring.


University of Dayton

The University of Dayton chapter of Chi Epsilon inducted five new membersduring the fall semester of 2008. The new members were initiated in January of 2009and include: Joseph Bayer, Michael Hudepohl, Clayton Pennington, TomSchoen, and Benjamin Simcik. The following inducted and current members tookoffice for the 2009-2010 year: Joseph Bayer, president; Michael Hudepohl, vice-president; Tom Schoen, secretary; Clayton Pennington, treasurer; and BenjaminSimcik, associate editor and marshal.

Outgoing officers from the 2008-2009 year include: Kyle Fortman, president;Kendre DiPietro, vice-president; Hayley Ryckman, secretary; David Hayson,treasurer; Marissa Dolle, associate editor; and Rich Adams, marshal. The facultyadvisor is Dr. Donald Chase.

The University of Dayton chapter is extremely proud of its involvement inservice and social activities. Some service activities include assisting the AmericanSociety of Civil Engineers group in staffing their booth at the educational Tech Fest indowntown Dayton. Chi Epsilon members also helped the ASCE student chapter witha trebuchet at a carnival to benefit cystic fibrosis research. In addition, memberswere involved in making the OVSC competition a success once again. Chi Epsilon

The Cooper Union

In conjunction with Tau Beta Pi, Chi Epsilon took part in student tutoringservices. Tutoring help was offered to students of all years and majors.

This year’s initiation ceremony, May 11, 2009, celebrated the 60th anniversaryof the Cooper Union’s Chi Epsilon chapter in conjunction with the initiation of newmembers. Accordingly, alumni were invited back to observe the initiation ceremony,in which ten new members were inducted. In attendance were Professor Anne Ronan,Athena C. DeNivo, Richard Rand, Ketan Dodhia, Alan Marder, JosephHorowitz, J. Schulman, and Muhammad Rahal.

Graduating officers are pursuing various interests after Cooper Union’s 150th

commencement. President Neal Simon Kwong will attend the University of Californiaat Berkley as part of a Master’s program, Vice-President Michael David will attendthe Massachusetts Institute of Technology as part of a Master’s program, SecretaryMatthew Waxman will continue his education at the Cooper Union as part of aMaster’s program;Treasurer Cecilia Ye has taken a position with Skanska; andMarshal Fadi Castronovo will attend the Danish Technological Institute. Succeedingthese officers are Jennifer Tsang, president; Christopher Janover, vice-president;Avi Englard, secretary; Jessica Galbo, treasurer; and Michael Pimentel, marshal.


University of Dayton Chi Epsilon members assist in moving the canoe into the water.

members were involved in almost every competition. Kyle Fortman led the concretefrisbee team and Marissa Dolle placed in the ethics paper competition. On theconcrete canoe front, Kendre DiPietro, Kyle Fortman, and Benjamin Simcikparticipated on the most successful team in recent years.

Drexel University

During the 2008-2009 academic year, the Drexel University chapter of ChiEpsilon held FE review sessions, toured construction sites in Philadelphia, and grewin membership. The FE review sessions were incredibly successful. Each sessionwas taught by a professor, graduate student, or undergraduate student who has passedthe FE and a total of 25 students attended the classes. Responses were extremelypositive and the pass rate of Drexel students is expected to rise.

On April 13, 2009, seven new members were inducted into the organizationand the group’s graduating officers were replaced. The new officers are: JillianGerraputa, president; Liam Hendricken, vice-president; Keith Hodges, secretary/treasurer; Aaron Moyer, associate editor; and Leah Courtney, marshal.

New Officers for 2009-2010 New Members for 2009-2010


Florida Institute of Technology

With a productive 2008-2009 year for the student chapter of Chi Epsilon atFlorida Tech, this year has been eventful as six new members were welcomed intothe chapter and five new officers were elected: New Members: Steven Bell, AnnaHoang, Robert Drew Hollis, Ryan Loughran, Jose Medina, and Susan Smith.New Officers: Anna Hoang, president; Susan Smith, vice-president; Steven Bell,associate editor; Jose Medina, secretary/treasurer; and Robert Drew Hollis,marshal.

The Florida Tech chapter took part in numerous activities this year includingthe steel bridge and concrete canoe competitions, placing third overall for the concretecanoe at the 2009 ASCE Southeast Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

From the Florida Tech chapter, good luck to our graduating members anduntil next year.

University of Evansville

This year at the University of Evansville, the big headline was the school’svictory at the ASCE Great Lakes Regional Conference. While this was one of thelargest accomplishments of the year for UE’s Civil Engineering Department, somethingsmaller, more hidden and yet equally as distinctive, took place on April 29, 2009. Witha fairly small department and a limited number of students, it was an honor and aprivilege to be asked to join a national honor society. Four juniors, Matt Chenault,Nicholas Stafford, RK Seitzinger, and Stev Pierre, were quietly led into a darkroom in UE’s library to be initiated into Chi Epsilon. Once they were called in andasked to sit before the chapter officers, the ceremony began. Each new memberwas asked to uphold certain responsibilities and agreed respectfully. By the end ofthe ceremony, the new officers sat facing their old mentors and peers thanking themfor the opportunity to be a part of the National Civil Engineering Honor Society. Theold officers, Kyle Shatto, president; Wendy Stiller, vice-president and associateeditor; Craig Miller, treasurer; and Cody Buckley, secretary and marshal had passedtheir positions on to the new junior members. Matt Chenault was named the newpresident, Nicholas Stafford was named the new vice-president and associate editor,RK Seitzinger was named the new treasurer, and Stev Pierre was named the newsecretary and marshal. Shortly after the initiation had ended, the group, completewith its new members and Faculty Advisor Dr. Mark Valenzuela, headed for theOlive Garden for a hearty congratulatory meal.


Georgia Institute of Technology

For the 2008-2009 school year, the Georgia Tech chapter of Chi Epsilon wasunder the leadership of Ryan Rowe, president; Shannon Zambetti (fall) and SamuelNg (spring), vice-president; Yunita Tjong Fu (fall) and Stephanie Box (spring),secretary; Lynne Schleiffarth, treasurer; Allison Tjong, associate editor; and KurtTyler, marshal.

On December 2, 2008, the chapter initiated the following 17 new members:Hunter Brown, Lindsay Bray, Aaron Greenwood, Anthony Reass, Shelly Cecil,Ryan Leary, Michael Deane, Timothy Yee, Tiernan Phillips, Elizabeth McGee,Gabriel Vega, Jorge Tafich, Sarah Fredrich, Brittany White, Ryan Ayesh,Alexander Sitt, and Taylor Pitelka. In the spring, the chapter initiated the following7 new members: Abigail Nelson, Ashleigh Griffin, Kathryn Colberg, Joel DelRosario, Joshua Gresham, Trai Nguyen, and David Franklin.

During the course of 2008-2009, the chapter held meetings with a variety ofcivil engineering companies such as Walter P. Moore and Haskell to connect GeorgiaTech students with potential employers.

The new elected officers for the 2009-2010 school year are Stephanie Box,president; Samuel Ng, vice-president; Abigail Nelson, secretary; James McNash,treasurer; Elise Norton, associate editor; and Elise Barrella, marshal.

University of Iowa

During the fall 2008 semester, Richard Valentine, the chapter’s facultyadvisor was ill, and no activities were planned that semester because of this. Onenew member, Matt Flannigan was initiated during this semester. The only activitythat occurred during the spring 2009 semester was the welcoming of the new membersafter the initiation and election of new officers.

The outgoing officers are: Cody Pump, marshal; Adam Keen, vice-president;Dan Gilles, associate editor; Anne Buschel, secretary; and Kyle Hudson, presidentand treasurer. The new officers are: Matt Flannigan, president; Riley Post,secretary; Timothy Schulz, marshal; Morgan Mays, treasurer; David Blanco,associate editor; and Jedidiah Snyder, vice-president.


Lamar University

The Lamar University chapter of Chi Epsilon had numerous achievementsduring the 2008-2009 academic year. As a result, our chapter had grown tremendously.In the fall 2008, the new initiates are as follows: Srinivas Rao, David Cowart,Jennet Toyjanova, Damien Broomes, Joseph Citizen, Tyler Henneke,Christopher Vasquez, Ryan Abraham, Ritchie Acosta, Mariantonieta GutierrezSoto, and Havier Bacerra. The officers installed to serve for the spring 2009 are:Jennet Toyjanova, president; Javier Bacerra, vice-president; MariantonietaGutierrez Soto, secretary/treasurer; Ritchie Acosta, associate editor; and TylerHenneke, marshal.

The end of the fall semester proved to be very challenging as many of ourmembers played vital roles in the completion of the ASCE steel bridge for our regionalcompetition. This teamwork paid off as the Lamar University chapter ranked 6th

place in the Texas/Mexico region of the bridge competition in College Station. InApril, we continued to thrive in membership by initiating nine new members. Theundergraduate initiates are Maricela Guerrero, Micheal Radi, Binod Dhakal,Brett Becker, Troy Bryan, Prashant KC, Biplesh Niroula, Matthew Hillin,and Kenneth Heisner. The officers installed to serve fall 2009 are: MariantonietaGuiterrez Soto, president; Ritchie Acosta, vice-president; Maricela Guerrero,secretary/treasurer; Brett Becker, associate editor; and Tyler Henneke, marshal.

The students and faculty are thrilled to have Dr. Mien Jao continue to serveas the faculty advisor. He has been of great help to them in all aspects in and out ofthe classroom.

University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky chapter had its fall initations on December 10th2008. The new initiates were: Chou-Yu Yong, Robert Brandon Howe, AlirezaZeinalisiavashani, Christopher Jeffrey Jones, Kishore Acharya, NisalAbheetha Peiris, Yongwei Shan, Kelly Rose Hoeksema, Allison DanielleWestcote, and Dong Zhai.

During E-Day of the College of Engineering, the very popular popsicle bridgecompletion was conducted successfullyl. On the 8th of April new initiations for springwere held. The new initiates were: Nicholas Adam Bender-Saunders, JacobNoel McNutt, and Justin R. Greenwell.

New officers of the chapter are Will Stevens, president, Nicholas Bender-Sanders, vice-president, Alireza Zeinalisiavashani, treasurer, Kelly RoseHoeksema, treasurer/secretary, NisalAbheetha Peiris, associate editor and

Yongwel Shen as marshal.


Lamar University’s new initiates and officers spring 2009

University of Louisville

The Chi Epsilon chapter of the University of Louisville welcomed 14 newmembers this spring. Our new members include Richard Book, Trey Fletcher,Alex Frommeyer, Andrew McGaha, Dakotah Parker, Timothy Ruhland, andRobert Shaw. A new group of officers was also installed: Erin Cummings, president;Christina Allgeier, vice-president; Alex Frommeyer, secretary/associate editor;Dakotah Parker, treasurer; and Robert Shaw, marshal. Our faculty advisor is Dr.N. R. Bhaskar.


Marquette University

The 2008-2009 academic year was very happy and productive for theMarquette University chapter of Chi Epsilon. During the fall semester, five newstudent members were initiated, including Ryan Borghoff, Benjamin Borowicz,Andrew Genz, Sean Howell, and Gregory Mercurio. In the spring semester, sixnew student members were initiated, including Parwinder Virk, Christie Nguyen,Christopher Cromos, Paul Stuckey, Joseph Blanchard and Emma LeeRiesterer. After each initiation ceremony, high levels of sociability were enjoyedwhen the new initiates joined the other Chi Epsilon members, faculty, and guests foran informal dinner at a local restaurant.

Each semester, the chapter members held meetings regularly and participatedin social events such as bowling. In the fall semester, members of the chapterregistered as a group and participated in Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk, a fundraiser forChildren’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

During the year, the chapter held a service auction, where faculty memberscould bid to have student members do tasks such as grocery shopping, babysitting,and yard work, in exchange for a donation to the chapter. Many of the active membersof the chapter volunteered their time and energy to help the Department of Civil andEnvironmental Engineering at Marquette University with the open house.

University of Maryland

The University of Maryland chapter of Chi Epsilon enjoyed a productive2008-2009 school year, highlighted by the annual fall career fair and two inductionceremonies.

The 2008 Chi Epsilon Civil Engineering Career Fair was held on October 29and marked by the attendance of representatives from 36 local land developmentfirms, environmental companies and agencies, construction firms, general contractors,and multidisciplinary firms. The fair serves as a showcase for local engineeringcompanies and a tremendous opportunity for students to earn internships and jobsfollowing graduation.

The chapter inducted twenty-four members during its December 10, 2008initiation ceremony, including Doug Asplen, Kevin Biringer, Mark Clifford, LaurenCook, Brandon Davis, Raina Dwivedi, Kenneth Fabian, Brad Fallon, ChrisFike, Robin Fish, Jeff Goodwin, Katie Green, Jill Holian, Jeff Krummel, AdamLeith, John Maresco, Kristen Markham, Jared McGrath, Michael Mercado,Elizabeth Nolder, Andrew Roseman-Hanauer, Margaret Sharkey, Wesley Tse,and Alicia Walker, and eight members during its May 08, 2009 ceremony, includingHaralamb Braileanu, Kehat Falik, Ryan Hurley, Steven Losin, John Thornton,Laura Wachs, Melanie Wong, and Semme Yilma.


At the end of the year, officers were elected for the fall 2009 semester.These officers are Jeff Krummel, president; Brad Fallon, vice-president; SemmeYilma, secretary/treasurer; Wesley Tse, associate editor; and Jared McGrath,marshal. As we look forward to the 2009-2010 school year, we are all excited aboutthe opportunities along the road ahead, including the 2010 career fair and numerousplanned social and community events for our Maryland chapter.

University of Massachusetts, Amherst

The University of Massachusetts, Amherst chapter initiated eleven newundergraduate student members including: Morgan Welch, president; John Briand,vice-president; Justin Seltzer, secretary; Omar Swei, treasurer; Eric Magazu,marshal; Allen Sit, associate editor; Matthew Doyon, Koby Lemrise, KellyShanahan, Joshua Soares, and Melissa Trombley. The chapter also initiatedStephen Kellogg as Chapter Honor Member. As a former UMass Amherst graduateand current senior vice-president for Camp, Dresser & McKee, Inc., Mr. Kellogghas shown great dedication to his profession and to his alma mater throughout hiscareer. Our chapter is honored to count him among our membership.

The chapter has been active in promoting interests of students in ourengineering program. The chapter hosted bi-weekly FE exam review sessions taughtby faculty members. The chapter also sponsored a graduate school forum whereundergraduate students could converse freely and ask questions of current graduatestudents, faculty, and administrators.

The chapter would like to thank the following former officers for their hardwork and wish them the best in their future endeavors: Steven Tupper, president;Yesher Larsen, vice-president; Scott Borecki, secretary; Andy Berthaume,treasurer; and Kim Rudy, marshal.

University of Massachusetts at Amherst chapter members


University of Miami

Several milestones have been achieved due to the collaboration between themembers of Chi Epsilon’s University of Miami chapter. During the 2008-2009 academicyear, the officers of Chi Epsilon met monthly to discuss chapter goals, as well as theelection of future initiates and new officers to carry on the positions held by graduatingmembers.

Throughout the course of the past year Patrick Kelly, our president, dedicatedhis time and effort, bringing the University of Miami’s chapter to a new level of

University of Massachusetts, Lowell

Another successful year has come and gone for the University ofMassachusetts, Lowell chapter of Chi Epsilon. We were able to work with the HumaneSociety by volunteering our services in a dog wash at the Grooming Emporium herein Lowell. The proceeds were donated to the Massachusetts Society for the Preventionof Cruelty to Animals, or MSPCA. Also, we were able to lend a hand with theengineering orientation on campus to help up and coming students get a feel for whatUML has to offer.

We were honored to induct twenty new member on May 11th, expanding ournumbers to twenty-eight. The initiates for spring of 2009 were: Michael Gu, Peter,Bonneau, Matthew Dusenberry, Dary So, Ashley Dumais, Sean Gordon, NinaCarpico, Jordan Aro, Dimitrios Palantza, Mark Champagne, Mark Hollis,Rayan Shamas, Rudolf Kocandrle, Nathaniel Blake, Michael Chapman, MenaSliman, Gregory Attard, Abdelkader Merazka, Simon Lin, and RobertReinhart.

Carrying out the induction ceremony were all of our current Chi Epsilonmembers, being: Chronis Stamatiadis, faculty advisor; Craig Marchionda,president; Amy Musgrave, vice-president; Joe McCarthy, treasurer; Mark Grady,secretary; Alan Robertson, associate editor; Erik Gitschier, marshal; and ChrisJones.

The newly installed officers for fall 2009 are: Chris Jones, president; AmyMusgrave, vice-president; Alan Robertson, treasurer; Mark Grady, secretary;Nathaniel Blake, associate editor; and Rayan Shamas, marshal. With the installationof these new officers, we are eager to embark on what will surely be a productiveyear.

Although the new members and officers are still settling in, we do have plansfor next year. The 2010 Chi Epsilon National Conclave has already made its way toour agenda. We also plan to continue our efforts in the community by volunteeringwhere help is needed both on and off campus. We can only hope that the year tocome is as rewarding as the year we have just concluded.


University of Miami chapter officers

prestige. Patrick was deeply involved in organizing officer meetings to optimize thetalent and creativity of the chapter. In addition, Patrick is responsible for coordinatingthe construction of the future steel sculpture that will be located in front of the UMCollege of Engineering. Only a small number of engineering schools across the nationhave such a sculpture.

Both the fall and spring initiation ceremonies were successful in expandingthe chapter with talented students to uphold the legacy of the honor society. InDecember 2008, new initiates included Thomas Makowski, Omar De Leon,Kumiko Tanizaki, Vanessa Pino, Matthew Poling, Reuben Ross, and PabloGarcia. Another successful initiation ceremony held on May 2, 2009, brought inStephanos Stephanie, Maria Ronderos, and David Case to the Miami chapter.The induction also held a ceremony to pass the officer positions of graduating seniorsto the new elected officers. The officers serving the academic term of 2009-2010include Patrick Kaimrajh, president; Omar De Leon, vice-president; Jose Cueto,treasurer; Ashley Malinowski, secretary; and David Case, marshal.

With the 2008-2009 academic year coming to an end, several great memberswill be concluding their careers at the University of Miami on May 15. Membersobtaining degrees in civil engineering include: Patrick Kelly, Evan Fishgrund, JanieChristianson, John Heitmann, Pablo Garcia, Vanessa Pino, Karen Kajder,and Christina Ortega.

The newly elected officers are already compiling plans for the upcomingsemester. With future initiation ceremonies and the installment of the steel sculptureapproaching shortly, there will be much to look forward to for the upcoming academicyear.


Michigan State fall Initiation Ceremony Attendees

Michigan State University

The Michigan State University (MSU) chapter of Chi Epsilon was pleased toinitiate 18 new members on November 16, 2008, and 9 new members on March 29,2009, all of whom display the high qualities of Chi Epsilon membership. The new fallsemester initiates to the MSU chapter are Kevin Barton, Nick Cerullo, CoreyDenuyl, Lauren Fedak, Christopher Fournier, Brian Goldberg, JosephJohnston, Kyle Korson, Nicholas Kuelske, Brent Leverett, Neil O’Brien,Joseph Primeau, Thomas Speer, Terry Stines, David Jonathan Stringer, AbigailR Varner, George Harry Wimbrow II, and Erik Zuker (picture is included). Mr.Roger D. Till was also initiated as Chapter Honor Member. The new spring initiatesto the MSU chapter are Matthew Chaperon, Kris Hammerle, Benjamin Jenks,Ashvani Kumar, Sri Kumar, Steven Parse, Kelly Roulier, Danny Strayer, andBrian Wybrecht (picture is included). Congratulations to the new initiates and theChapter Honor Members.

The MSU chapter of Chi Epsilon was involved in several activities throughoutthe year. On October 4, members represented the organization at the College ofEngineering alumni breakfast, and again at the Future Engineers Open House onOctober 11. Chapter officers guest-grilled at a local restaurant as part of a Chi Epsilonfund raiser and social event, and the chapter also held its bi-annual book sales asfundraisers. The MSU chapter members would like to thank the MSU faculty andstaff who donated the majority of the books that were sold to students.

During the fall semester initiation, the Chi Epsilon chapter elected one newofficer, Lauren Fedak, as SEC representative. Timothy Francisco moved fromchapter treasurer to chapter vice-president, and Stephan Maxe, the previous SECrepresentative, became the new chapter treasurer. Angela Lierman was the onlyoutgoing officer.

During the spring semester initiation, the chapter elected six officers: TimothyFrancisco, president, previously vice-president; Lauren Fedak, vice-president(previously SEC representative); Stephen Parse, secretary; David Stringer,treasurer; Matthew Chaperon, marshal; and Sri Kumar, associate editor. Outgoing


Michigan State spring Initiation Ceremony Attendees

officers are Jason Provines, president; Elizabeth Cramer, secretary; StephanMaxe, treasurer; Stephen Remias, marshal; and Edward Kantz, associate editor.

Based upon his continuous services to Chi Epsilon and the community, includinghis successful term as chapter president, the officers of the Chi Epsilon MSU chapterselected Jason Provines to receive the annual Conrad Award. Congratulations toMr. Provines.

The entire membership would like to thank our faculty advisor, Dr. GilbertY. Baladi, for another year of exceptional service and guidance.

University of Mississippi

During the 2008 fall semester, the University of Mississippi chapter wasdelighted to welcome Dr. Robert Henry, the National Councillor for the SouthwestDistrict. We all gathered at Johnson Commons for lunch; where he informed us aboutmultiple Chi Epsilon scholarships that were available. He discussed the annual reportwith us and suggested ideas on how we could become more involved as a group.This meeting was very beneficial for us and we thank Dr. Robert Henry for takingthe time to come and talk.

As individuals, we all took the time to perform activities inside and outsidethe engineering school, big and small. Some members participated in the annual ASCEconcrete canoe and steel bridge competitions. Other members took the time to be anengineering mentor, volunteer to help with judging the annual catapult competition, oreven take a few minutes to help out during high school and middle school engineeringvisits. Also, there was one member who even held the office of president of the


University of Missouri, Columbia

The University of Missouri-Columbia chapter of Chi Epsilon initiated ninenew members. Those initiated include Adam Frankenberg, Chelsea Smith, JamesHammond, Adam Wood, Jeremiah Kasinger, Brendan Abberton and KyleAllen. We held our initiation on April 24, 2009 in Eckles Hall. Jeremiah Kasingerwon the award for best painted transit and James Hammond scored the highest onthe initiation exam.

The officers for spring 2009 were Aaron Hugenberg, president; RachelBurnham, vice-president; Seth Scheilz, marshal; Alyssa Singleton, treasurer;Kimberly Suhre, secretary; and Stephen Stinger, associate editor. Our facultyadvisor for the fall 2009 semester was Dr. Carlos Sun. The new officers for fall 2009

engineering student body during the 2008-2009 school year, Lauren Haney. Therewere several other Chi Epsilon members who also obtained an office in variousengineering clubs and student organizations.

As a group, we all brainstormed who should be nominated for the RobbinsExcellence in Teaching Award. We felt that Dr. Chung Song, our Chi Epsilonfaculty advisor, deserved this honor. He is a great teacher and a great leader, and wethought he was very qualified for this award.

On April 6, 2009, the University of Mississippi inducted 13 new members intoits chapter of Chi Epsilon. These new members all have developed great academicand leadership qualities. The newly initiated members include: John Larry BarnettJr., Taylor Carrington Bradley, Hannie Parker Capps, Annie Claire Chapman,William Durham Finn , Miles Coleman Fowler, Eames Henley, BaileyAbernathy Hewes, Brain Thomas Hovanec, Mary Alexandra McCaskill, MarkWesley Phillips, Melissa Banister Russell, and Michael Patrick Stasny. Afterthese members were inducted, elections for new officers were held. The followingofficers for the 2009-2010 term are as follows: Christine Frost, president; MarkWesley Phillips, vice-president; William Durham Finn, treasurer; MelissaBanister Russell, secretary; Mary Alexandra McCaskill, associate editor; andfinally Eames Henley, the marshal. The chapter says good-bye to the 2008 officers:MacKenzie White, president; Lauren Haney, vice-president; Andrew Greaser,treasurer; Tyler Kidd, secretary; Jared Case, associate editor; and Leyton Proctor,marshal.

We hope that these new members can pick up where the 2008 members left off.With our civil engineering school growing, this just means that the Chi Epsilon organizationwill continue to grow as a whole. With more people involved in Chi Epsilon, we have theability to become more involved with our community and our school.


Montana State University

The Montana State University chapter of Chi Epsilon has been active instudent support this past year. We provide several programs which many engineeringstudents find helpful; the main two being FE review sessions and a weekly tutoringprogram.

The FE review sessions have been our most successful program. Our chapterexamined the FE exam specifications and determined nine general topic areas andfive specific areas that could be reviewed. Our chapter then contacted variousprofessors within the College of Engineering at Montana State University. Theseprofessors then donated their time to develop and present a review lecture for studentsplanning to take the FE to help them become familiar with the exam topic areas. Thereview sessions concentrated on solving problems with the supplied FE manual sostudents can effectively use this manual during test time.

The weekly tutoring program also was successful. Members of our chaptervolunteer for two hour long slots on Tuesday nights to provide assistance for studentsstruggling with engineering mechanics course work. These sessions provide strugglingstudents with one-on-one assistance. Emphasis is placed on helping students developproblem solving techniques which the struggling students can apply to other engineeringmechanics problems and tests.

In addition to our student support activities, we have initiated twenty-threenew members. Our chapter also had successful elections of new officers for the2009-2010 school year. The new officers are as follows: Brett Larabee, president;Kalen Ramey, vice-president; Ryan Ford, marshal; Jake Gunther, treasurer; DylanLarson, secretary; and Brian Church, associate editor.

are Seth Scheilz, president; Chelsea Smith, vice-president; Adam Frankenberg,marshal; Alyssa Singleton, treasurer; and Kimberly Suhre, secretary.

We had our semi-annual trash pick-up along Providence Road on April 26 aspart of Missouri’s Adopt-A-Highway program. There were a number of membersthat were part of the steel bridge and concrete canoe teams, both of which participatedin the Regional ASCE Competition in Carbondale, IL.

New Jersey Institute of Technology

The officers for the 2007 – 2008 year included: Kati DiRaimondo, president;Bertha Alfaro, vice-president; Vanessa Jorge, treasurer; Hertzler Awuy, secretary;Alberto Rodriguez, associate editor; and Jacqueline Bunner, marshal. On March4, 2009, the NJIT Chi Epsilon chapter held its spring initiation for new members. The


NJIT Chi Epsilon Members in spring 2009

members initiated included: Ahmad Ahmad, Syed Bilgrami, Ashish Borgaonkar,Bryan Ehnes, Michael Fisher, Ross Flores, Gregory Gashlin, MichaelGreendyk, Phillip Ince, Joseph Juzwin, Mohammad Khan, Divya Kumar, PiotrKurcon, Carlos Lopez, Kyrillos Meseha, Moises Orbe, Elizabeth Quagliano,Tiago Rodrigues, Angelica Rodriguez, Faraz Safaie, Jaime Venegas, FabianVieira, Johanna Yarleque, Matthew Young, and Luz Zidziunas. Officers for the2009-2010 academic year were also elected. The officers elected included: TiagoRodrigues, president; Johanna Yarleque, vice-president; Carlos Lopez, secretary;Moises Orbe, associate editor; Joseph Juzwin, treasurer; and Syed Bilgrami,marshal.

New Mexico State University

The New Mexico State University chapter had active fall 2008 and spring2009 semesters, and its membership continues to increase steadily. The chaptermembers completed several community service projects and participated in chaptersocial events. In fall 2008, the officers were Christopher W. Taylor, president; JonathanFrosch, vice-president; Jonathan S. Pink secretary; Eunice Cazares, treasurer;Gabriel Lucero, marshal; and Zack Huff, associate editor. Ten members wereinitiated in fall 2008: Raquel Barrera, Jessica Bush, Celina Dahlin, StephanieGates, Balachandran Ketheesan (graduate student), James Martinez, JamieRodriguez, Monica Valverde, Luis Villarreal, and Emily Budagher. Eight new members were initiated in spring 2009: Katrina Horstmann, JoyeMoore, Brittany Patterson, Adela Tapia, Juan Solis, Jaime Saenz, HectorCampos, and John Woods (Photos 1 and 2). The chapter officers in spring 2009were Jonathan Frosch, president; Raquel Barrera, vice-president; Stephanie


NMSU chapter members and initiates – spring 2009 initiation

Spring 2009 initiates: (from left) Katrina Horstmann, Joye Moore, Brittany Patterson,Adela Tapia, Juan Solis, Jaime Saenz, Hector Campos, and John Woods.

Gates, secretary; James Martinez, treasurer; Celina Dahlin, marshal; and MonicaValverde, associate editor.

The new chapter officers in fall 2009 (Photo 3) are Raquel Barrera,president; Luis Villarreal, vice-president; Katrina Horstmann, secretary; HectorCampos, treasurer; Adela Tapia, marshal; and Isaac Harder, associate editor.Seventeen new members will be initiated this fall 2009.


Incoming officers for fall 2009: (from left) Katrina Horstmann, Adela Tapia, HectorCampos, Luis Villarreal, Raquel Barrera, and Isaac Harder.

NMSU Chapter Honor Members attending the spring 2009 initiation ceremony:(from left) Dr. Ricardo Jacquez, Dr. Jorge Garcia (initiated in spring 2009), Mr.

Stephen Hardin, Mr. Jerry Paz, Dr. Conrad G. Keyes Jr., and Mr. Tim Cynova(initiated in fall 2008).

In the fall of 2008, Mr. Tim Cynova, PE was initiated as a Chapter HonorMember. Mr. Cynova is the current president of the New Mexico section of theAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and is a senior engineer for the WaterSystems Division of the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority inAlbuquerque, New Mexico. In the spring of 2009, Dr. Jorge Garcia, PE was initiatedas a Chapter Honor Member. Dr. Garcia is the director of the Utilities Departmentfor the City of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Several Chapter Honor Members, includingDr. Garcia are shown in Photo 4.


Northeastern University

The past year has been an exciting one for the Northeastern University ChiEpsilon chapter. The chapter continues to dedicate time towards assisting undergraduatepeers in their civil engineering courses such as soil mechanics, fluid mechanics,structural analysis I, and statics and strengths of materials. Chi Epsilon also continuedorganizing the semi-annual FE review sessions. Chapter members arranged for civilengineering faculty to instruct evening review sessions in civil subjects including soilsand materials, steel design, hydrology, concrete design, structural analysis and statics,environmental engineering, and construction management to seniors preparing to takethe FE exam. Students took very well to the review sessions and agreed that theywere extremely accommodating.

Another recurring event the chapter holds each semester is the graduateschool information session for undergraduates. The presentation was given by currentchapter officers who had recently gone through the process of applying to graduateschool and offered insight and tips to undergraduates considering advancing theireducation.

More presentations that the chapter is looking to make regular are professordemonstration sessions, where Northeastern professors present to students theirresearch projects. This fall, Professor Sasani presented on progressive collapse.Sasani also introduced students to the commonly used Structural Analysis Program(SAP).

The annual initiation ceremony was held on April 4, 2009 with great success.The day included a lunch and the initiation of 15 new members! The 15 newly initiatedmembers are Gary O’Connell, Travis Mitchell, Ezra Jampole, Sara Coyle,Brian Briselli, Erica Swansen, Dana Peck, Ryan White, Anthony Campagna,Joshua Gregorio, Quincy Pratt, Brian Estrich, Jen Mitchell, Matt Quigley,and Darrel Barone.

In May, the chapter also saw the graduation of three of its former officers:Ryan Seiber, Jaclyn Lee, and Angela Joly. The chapter thanks them and all theother graduating members of Chi Epsilon for their commitment to the chapter andwishes them all the best of luck in the future. The new officers elected for the 2009-2010 year are Caroline Fischer, president; Jen Ciofolo, vice-president; JoshGregorio and Erica Swansen, secretaries; Ryan White, treasurer; Travis St. Louis,associate editor; and Garry O’Connel and Ezara Jampole, marshals.

In fall of 2008, the chapter members and initiates participated in the traditionalHalloween Howl hosted by the NMSU student government organization. At thisevent, the members organized a fun kickball bowling game for young children of thecommunity. In spring of 2009, the chapter members volunteered helping as gradersfor the local chapter of the MathCounts competition for middle school students. Eachsemester, members and initiates participated in the traditional Adopt-a-Highway serviceproject and a food drive to benefit a local food bank.


University of Notre Dame

The Notre Dame chapter of Chi Epsilonhad a successful year with many events in boththe fall and spring semesters of 2008-2009. InMarch, the chapter inducted 13 new members:Sarah Bobby (associate editor-elect), CraigBorchard, Catherine Boris (marshal-elect),Matthew Camus (treasurer-elect), BethanyComfort, Matthew Dobbertien, MatthewHopke, Megan LaDriere, Rafael DehezaLandivar , Daniel Mullaney (secretary-elect), Jeremy Tamargo (president-elect),Kevin Vega, and Christopher Vetter (vice-president-elect). Great Lakes Councillor Prof.Eugene Glysson also attended the inductionceremony. This marked the official transitionof power from outgoing officers Kyle Pawlak, president; Jessica Winschel,vice-president; Anna Lacey, secretary; Adam Ossola, treasurer; KathrynSushinsky, associate editor and Patrick Brewick, marshal. The chapter isgrateful for the leadership they have shown!

This year, the chapter attempted to reach out to all of the civil engineeringstudents at Notre Dame through various activities and fundraisers. Study breakswere sponsored by the chapter in both semesters, and civil engineeringmerchandise (long sleeved T-shirts and engraved picture frames) were sold sothat students could proudly display their major. In addition, Chi Epsilon contributedto the Tau Beta Pi engineering honors society garden, which now proudly displaysthe Chi Epsilon Transit prominently in South Quad.

Notre Dame Chi Epsilon members competing in 2009 ASCI concrete canoe race


This spring was an especially eventful time for Chi Epsilon and its members.In February, the chapter’s president and advisor traveled to Cincinnati for theGreat Lakes District Conference. This was a great opportunity to bond withother Chi Epsilon members and to hear about what other chapters in the regionare doing at their respective universities. Also this spring, Notre Dame chapterChi Epsilon member Robert M. Moran and Professor of Civil Engineering AhsanKareem were inducted into the National Academy of Engineering. Later in April,

Notre Dame civil engineering students relaxing at a Chi Epsilon sponsored study break

Notre Dame New Officers - February 2009


The Pennsylvania State University

During the 2008-2009 academic year, the Penn State chapter of Chi Epsiloninitiated 42 new members. The fall initiation was held on December 2, 2008, at theAtherton Hotel in State College, inducting 38 new members. Those initiated included:Adam Stettler, Adolfo Guinard, Amanda King, Anatoliy Palashnyuk, Andrewde Morais, Andrew Nagle, Anthony Shulde, Brad Zelonis, Brian Gawthrop,Bryce Miller, Chad Martin, Chris Moyer, Corinne Seifert, David Breindel,Derek Sweeney, Eric Robinson, Eric Wickware, James Smith, JasonMachuga, Josh Lesher, Lauren Palko, Lindsey Ulizio, Lucas Perry, MackenzieMuryn, Matt Lumadue, Mike Greenwald, Mike Race, Mike Taptich, NicholasStreets, Nick Panick, Patrick Corbitt Kerr, Rachel Urban, Samantha Linder,Scott Trout, Steven Gibson, Tony Carta, Vincent DeRosa, and Yair Wainberg.The initiation ceremony was followed by dinner and a speech by Dr. MartinPietrucha, a professor specializing in transportation engineering. Dr. Pietrucha spoke

Notre Dame hosted the ASCE Great Lakes Regional Conference, with a number ofChi Epsilon members participating.

Next year, the Notre Dame chapter of Chi Epsilon is looking to continue itsinvolvement in sponsoring civil engineering events and fundraisers, particularly inconjunction with our ASCE student chapter, and hopes to become involved with aservice project.

Notre Dame inducted class - 2009


about the profession of civil engineering, one’s responsibilities as a professional civilengineer, and the value of becoming involved in each person’s community as well asbeing a productive member of society.

The spring semester initiation was held on April 22, 2009, at the AthertonHotel in State College, inducting four new members. Those initiated included: VincentGuiliani, Andrew Menyo, Daniel Weida, and Robert Zozula. The initiationceremony was followed by dinner and a speech by Dr. Harry West, professoremeritus. Dr. West spoke about the concept of a civil engineer in more than anengineering sense, that it can be described as a civil service, and upholding the valuesof Chi Epsilon within the field to honor the engineering profession.

The chapter is pleased to congratulate this year’s president, Kelly Bird,who was honored with the Joseph Brandes Chi Epsilon National Scholarship.Chi Epsilon members continued to host tours of the department to interested highschool students and their families throughout the school year. Members representedthe Civil and Environmental Engineering Department for the university’s engineeringopen house on February 28, 2009. Chi Epsilon also arranged the review sessions forthe FE, successfully scheduling faculty support for review problem sessions prior toboth the fall and spring FE exams. In addition, our chapter facilitated making reviewmanuals for the FE exam available at a discount to students leading up to both exams.

New officers for the upcoming academic year were also installed. AlbertoLao was selected as the new president; Mike Race, vice-president; Matt Lumadue,secretary; Samantha Linder, treasurer; David Breindel, marshal; and Tony Carta,associate editor. The entire Penn State chapter would like to wish the outgoingofficers all the best as they pursue their futures beyond graduation, and thank themfor a wonderful year.

Rice University

This year in the Rice University Chi Epsilon chapter, we had two gatherings/events; they were both successes. First, we co-hosted a banquet at the end of thespring semester with the American Society of Civil Engineers chapter. At this banquet,we had a speaker talk to all the civil engineering students about the important lifelessons he has learned as an engineer. We also gave out several awards for exceptionalundergraduate students and announced the outstanding professor award.

Our second event of the year was the official induction of new members intoChi Epsilon. The current officers graduated and new officers took their places to runChi Epsilon for another year. Four student members were inducted this year andthree were elected to officer positions; Candase Arnold as president, Huda Khalidas vice-president, and Dharma Theja as secretary and treasurer. Agathoklis Girialis,graduate student, was also initiated.


San Diego State University

San Diego State University chapter initiated six new members in the fall of2008. New inductees include: Scott Wieser, Spenser Lank, Jose Serrato,Anothony Pasek, John Murphy, and Chris Manriquez. San Diego State Universityalso initiated three new members in the spring of 2009. New inductees include:Justin Barrow, Ivan Castro, and Elham Lotfi. The newly elected officers areScott Wieser, president; Justin Barrow, vice-president; Elham Lotfi, secretary;Anothony Pasek, treasurer; Ivan Castro, marshal; and Roxanne Sepehri, associateeditor. Outgoing officers are Michelle Luna, president; Scott Wieser, vice-president;Jafet Aquilar, secretary; Jose Serrato, treasurer; Richard Fernandez, marshal,and Spenser Lank, associate editor.

Chapter activities during the fall 2008-spring 2009 year included organizationof a tour of David Kreitzer Lake Hodges Bicycle Pedestrian Bridge, participation in

Rutgers University

Rutgers University proudly welcomed a new class of members to its chapteron April 20, 2009. The ceremony was held at the Rutgers Club Restaurant, wherethe group of family, friends, and acknowledged professors shared the evening ofcelebration. During the ceremony, new officers were installed into their respectivepositions for the upcoming 2009-2010 school year. They are: Taylor Bottar,president; Eugene Mirsky, vice-president; Thomas Aslanian, secretary; JamesMcCarten, treasurer; Jonathan Buhangin, associate editor; Kristen Derewecki,marshal, and Jason Hupp, engineering council representative. In addition to theinduction ceremonies that commenced that evening, the attendees were honored tohear a speech from Dr. Trefor Williams of the Rutgers University Center forAdvanced Infrastructure and Transportation. He shared his experiences with civilengineering and accentuated the importance of the field in the world today. The pastyear was a rebuilding year for the Rutgers Chi Epsilon chapter as the membersworked toward reorganizing the society. Their hard work proved to be successful,and Chi Epsilon is ready to move forward as an organization. The new inducteeshave many new ideas and events that they are currently planning for this upcomingyear and are excited to become strongly supportive of the Rutgers University civilengineering community.

Over the next year, we hope to work hand in hand with the ASCE group oncampus to promote civil engineering and the ethics involved in being a productiveengineer in today’s society.


a beach cleanup, a brush clearing, an engineering building clean up, and a Cowelsmountain hike. These events were successful in that they increased bonding betweenthe members while helping the community. The initiates also participated a projectwhich consisted of changing a patch of garden near the engineering building into asustainable xeroscape garden.

The recipients of the Charles McMahon scholarship were Jose Serrato forfall 2008 and Elham Lotfi for spring 2009.

We would like to extend a special thanks to our latest Chapter Honor Member,James Strayer, associate vice-president and the director of infrastructure planningfor Black and Veatch for serving as the guest speaker at the spring 2009 initiationceremony.

Incoming officers (from left to right): Justin Barrow, Elham Lotfi, Scott Wieser,Roxanne Sepehri, Anthony Pasek, and Ivan Castro

University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina chapter of Chi Epsilon would like to an-nounce that fourteen new members were inducted on May 7, 2008. These newmembers are: Josh Atria, Tyler Davis, Eric DiFatta, Chris Houston, WilliamMcIntosh, Daniel Smith, Ryan Waring, and Justin Waymer. The newly electedofficers for the 2008 academic year are: Joshua Atria, president; Tyler Davis,vice-president; William McIntosh, treasurer; and Ryan Waring, secretary and as-sociate editor. The outgoing officers that served during the 2007 academic year were:Megan Hyman, president; Kari Morrison, vice-president; Andrew Vickery, sec-retary; and Shannon Crownover, treasurer.


Southern Methodist University

The SMU chapter of Chi Epsilon successfully conducted their second inductionceremony on March 27, 2009. The induction ceremony was held on the SMU campus,in the Jerry R. Junkins Engineering building. Chi Epsilon alumni, members of the

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California chapter of Chi Epsilon had a tough, yetrewarding, 2009 school year.

The beginning of the school year offered a challenging opportunity for theUSC Chi Epsilon chapter as they hosted the 22nd annual Chi Epsilon Pacific DistrictConference (PDC). This weekend in November presented 13 schools from Californiaand Hawaii the opportunity to develop relationships amongst the different conferencechapters, and discuss ways to improve the society’s overall performance. The PDCgave attendees the chance to discuss the issues that each chapter deals with, to shareideas on ways to raise funds and increase membership, and to provide Chi Epsilonmembers with exposure to the industry, allowing students to network with companiesfrom around the state.

After the conference, USC returned its focus to internal affairs, initiating 13new members into its society. During the course of the semester, we organized anarray of initiation activities which aimed to accomplish Chi Epsilon’s objectives. Theinitiates were also imperative to the success of the PDC as they provided the muchneeded manpower to fuel the achievement of the conference. As the semesterconcluded, we also introduced our new Chi Epsilon officers: Amanda Tanaka,president; Laura Klein, vice-president; Andrew Change, secretary; GabrielleLaPorte, treasurer; Edward Bullard, marshal; and Trevor DeLuca, associate editor,who plan on continuing their duties through the fall semester of 2009.

The new officers welcomed in the next semester by offering 12 initiates theopportunity to join the society. The new initiates, along with other Chi Epsilon members,participated in multiple community service projects throughout the semester, both onand off campus. One of the events we took part in was helping out with theMathematics Engineering Science and Achievement (MESA) competition and thetallest tower competition during USC’s engineering week. During these competitions,the initiates and officers judged different science and engineering projects while alsooffering advice to students from local high schools. Initiates and current membersalso helped out with Rebuilding Together, a local effort to help restore houses ofpeople in need.

The hosting of the PDC conference, along with initiating one of our largestclasses, and a better effort to serve our local community, is an indication of USC ChiEpsilon’s growth and its effort to better follow the traits of the ideal engineer.


Tennessee Technological University

The Chi Epsilon chapter at Tennessee Tech has had somewhat of a rebuildingyear. The year started off on a great note at the fall of 2008 initiation ceremony, asnine new members were initiated into the chapter. The ceremony was followed by awonderful dinner and fellowship opportunity, for new and old members alike, graciouslyprovided by our chapter sponsor’s family.

The following members were initiated during the fall 2008 initiation: TimHarrel, Brittany Harris, Daniel Brough, Nick Ethridge, Caitlin Balthrop, JimWeakly, Ryan Clark, Nathan Melson, and Lindsay Smith.

The chapter says good-bye to several members this year, but is pleased toannounce that Matt Yeager finished his graduate studies at Tennessee Tech.Additionally, Caitlin Balthrop and Beth Boden both have begun their graduatestudies at Tech.

New officers were elected after the 2008 initiation and are as follows: TimHarrel, president; Nathan Melson, vice-president; Brittany Harris, treasurer;Lindsay Smith, secretary; Daniel Brough, associate editor.

SMU Department of Environmental and Civil Engineering, and the new member’sparents attended the induction ceremony.

The SMU chapter plans to raise awareness of the chapter, to encourageother civil engineering majors to strive to become a member of the chapter, by takingpart in school-sponsored events, especially volunteer opportunities. The SMU chapteralso plans to hold several events to build intra-chapter relations.

Outgoing officers: Angellia Chandler, president; Osman DeLeon, vice-president; Drew Aleto, treasurer; Markus Neubauer, marshal; Emily Long,associate editor (graduated); Christie Chermak, secretary (graduated).

Incoming Officers: Kristin Altena, president; Valerie Lemmons, vice-president; Jennifer Broyles, treasurer/secretary; Stefanie Tracy, marshal; ChristinaSalchow, associate editor.

Texas A&M University

Another successful year for our chapter has passed here at Texas A&M.We initiated 18 new members in the fall: Madison James Bussey, John Paul Orsak,Jack Wesley Soape, Mary Kathleen Eck, Blake Andrew Sills, Emad A.Kassem, Enad M. Mahmoud, Rebecca Rae Korzenewski, Joshua LeighTonn, Heather C. McNeal, Douglas William Bradford, David Ross Kahlich,Mark I. Lane, Kimberly Ann Owens, Rachel Lynn Thompson, Mark S. Kranz,and Stephanie Plugge. The officers for the fall of 2008 were: Julie Samuels,


University of Toledo

The University of Toledo had another great fall 2008 and spring 2009. TheToledo chapter has welcomed nine new members over the past two semesters. Thesenine new Rocket members include: Laura Cardwell, Michael Endredi, AndrewKulikowski, Josh Quinlan, Bradley Kahn, Kyle Kreft, Kyle Kuhlman, ColeMarburger, and Colin Serne. All initiates have demonstrated their dedication tomaintain and promote the status of civil engineering as an ideal profession.

The past year has seen two sets of officers. The fall 2008 officers included:Dustin Collins, president; Marguerite Johnson, vice-president; Brad Taylor,secretary/treasurer; Joel Kozlesky, associate editor; and Mark Gase, marshal.Through the spring of 2009, the officers included: Joel Kozlesky, president; DustinCollins, vice-president; Blake Gerken, secretary/treasurer; Josh Quinlan,associate editor; and Michael Endredi, marshal.

The chapter kept busy by being involved in several activities. To raise money,our president contacted a local printer in order to make and sell graph paper to allengineering students around campus. Members volunteered their time at Technorama,where newspaper bridges were built, and also making blankets to donate to Children’s

president; Kristen Wallin, vice-president; Leslie Gates, treasurer; Sean Ray,secretary; Michael Brackin; marshal; and Marcelo Galvan III, associate editor.

In the spring of 2009, the chapter initiated 23 new members: RolandoArnoldo Ayala, II, William David Boothe, Madison Suzann Burns, JamesTravis Campbell, Nicholas Scott Colson, Tyler Jordan Garrett, Coby ColinGee, Nicholas Lloyd Gilmore, Jonathan Christopher Green, Jamie MornayHill, Ryan James Koch, Jordan Michael Main, Ryan Daniel Milligan, FayezMahmoud Morjan, Dominic Wayne Novak, Ryan Matthew Opegenorth,Shonario Leron Outten, Matthew Stuart Pittman, Mathew Dale Stevens, BryanMichael Tyson, Maria Belen Valdovinos, Rachel Claire Veteto, and La’TonyaNicole Walker. The officers for the spring of 2009 were: Julie Samuels, president;Kristen Wallin, vice-president; Leslie Gates, treasurer; Sean Ray, secretary;Michael Brackin; pledge marshal; and Marcelo Galvan III, associate editor.

Our chapter is pleased to announce that our outgoing chapter president, JulieSamuels, received a very great honor this spring. She was named the 2008-2009Allen C. Ludwig, Jr. Award recipient, which recognizes her academic achievements.

This year, the chapter held activities that included lunchtime socials, bowling,and having a barbecue cookout prior to a Texas A&M men’s baseball game. Thechapter also participated in many outside events including volunteering at the localfood bank, REPLANT, which is a campus-recognized tree planting event, and helpingat a city-wide community service project called Big Event.


University of Toledo Chi Epsilon spring 2009 chapter Back row (from left to right):Blake Gerken, Kyle Kreft, Josh Quinlan, Kyle Kuhlman, Brad Kahn, and Colin Serne.

Front row (from left to right): Dustin Collins, Mike Endredi, Laura Cardwell, JennFeasby, Cole Marburger, Joel Kozlesky, and Prof. Eugene Glysson

Hospital. Some members joined with the Toledo ASCE chapter competing in the2009 North Central Regional Conference concrete canoe race held by LawrenceTechnological University.

The Toledo chapter is looking forward to the upcoming year. Plans are alreadyforming to perform service projects and sponsor speakers that will enhance the campusand local community.

Trine University

Trine University enjoyed another great year. Our chapter welcomed ninenew members through the year. During the fall semester, the officers elected were:Stephen Rushfeldt, president; Kyle Silveus, vice-president; Steven Mitchell,treasurer; Megan Rowe, secretary; Curt Daniels, associate editor; and Issa Salsa,marshal. Justin Kurtz and Brad Laucher were also inducted as new members inthe fall. In the spring semester, the new officers elected were: Thomas McNicholas,president; Eric Everett, vice-president; Katlyn Pero, treasurer; Megan Rowe,secretary; Brad Laucher, associate editor; and Ivan Toliver, marshal. The followingwere also inducted but not board members: Kerry Johnson, Matthew Murray,and Travis Skaggs. Dr. Timothy Tyler is our faculty advisor.


University of Utah

The University of Utah (U of U) chapter had a great year during the 2008-2009 academic year. The induction ceremony was held on April 15, 2009.

Ten new members were initiated into Chi Epsilon. The new initiates are:David Smyth, Jason Peterson, Immanuel Aswandi, Brett Raddon, Brian Higley,Crystal Clendennen, Shannon Hanson, James Ries, Rachel Bytheway, andAustin Orr.

Trine University Chi Epsilon members are involved in several activities onand around campus. Some of our members joined ASCE in competing in the concretecanoe and steel bridge competitions, presenting engineering to local 5th graders, andorganizing a social banquet to interact with local professionals. Our plans for the nextyear are to again team up with ASCE to compete in the Regional Great LakesConference. We also plan to work with Habitat for Humanity in an effort to serve ourcommunity and mentor our fellow younger engineers in courses and get them involvedin campus events.

University of Utah chapter initiates, current members and the faculty advisor


Villanova University

On February 21, 2009, the Villanova University chapter of Chi Epsilon initiatedits incoming members. Incoming officers were Nick Tumolo, president; StephenErnst, vice-president; Maria Inneo, secretary; Brett Madres, treasurer; AllierTerpeluk, marshal; and Matt Bandelt, associate editor.

Over the past year, Villanova’s chapter established a tutoring program forcivil engineering students in lower class levels. This program included open officehours during the business week and individual in-depth sessions. The chapter alsoworked with Villanova’s VESTED program which exposes high school students toengineering. Chi Epsilon members taught the VESTED students how to use thetransits during one weekend session and took them outside for the next session wherethey competed to most accurately determine the height of a building.

The outgoing officers of the chapter are: Byron Foster, president; T.J.Gillespie, vice-president; Michael Gibbons, secretary; and Alfred Kalyanapu,associate editor. The new inductees filled most of the officer positions. The newlyelected officers are: James Ries, president; Rachel Bytheway, vice-president;Stephan Woll, secretary; Megan Crump, treasurer; Brandon Besser, marshal;and Brett Raddon, associate editor.

During the fall semester, 2008, the University of Utah chapter held a social atthe home of its faculty advisor, Janice Chambers, to garner interest in Chi Epsilon.Delicious food and karaoke were enjoyed by all attendees. The U of U chapteroutgoing President Byron Foster was granted the Departmental Service Award bythe Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CVEEN), in recognition ofhis service and leadership in CVEEN and the U of U for the 2008-2009 academicyear, in April 2009. The final event of the year was the banquet following the inductionceremony. Andy Powell was the guest speaker and he spoke to the students abouthis experience as a civil engineer. He also encouraged the students to pursue civilengineering and explained the future and benefits of the civil engineering profession.Chi Epsilon at Utah continues to encourage students as they pursue higher degreesand enter the field of civil engineering.

Virgina Tech

The Chi Epsilon chapter at Virginia Tech has enjoyed another year of membership.In the fall semester, twenty-three initiates were brought into the chapter while the springinducted twenty-two members into Chi Epsilon. Both semesters elevated Chapter HonorMember into the Virginia Tech chapter. The fall semester’s Chapter Honor Member wasMr. John Hildebrand and the spring semester’s Chapter Honor Member was retiredprofessor and past Chi Epsilon advisor, Dr. Raymond Plaut.


University of Virginia

On May 4, 2009, five new members were initiated and new officers elected.Angelica Perez-De La Rosa will continue as our chapter president. The other fiveofficer slots are filled by new initiates as described below.

In the fall semester, the chapter participated in the bi-annual Adopt-A-Spot inwhich a section of highway dedicated to Chi Epsilon is cleaned up. In the fall semester,Chi Epsilon organized the composite pictures to be taken for the graduating civilengineering students. The spring semester saw many of the similar activities performedand added a few more. We performed the Adopt-A-Spot event and had a social, butalso started tutoring sections for selective undergraduate classes in civil engineering.Many students attended the Big Event, a community service project, which was madeopen for initiates and current members. The officers of this semester decided to addan officer position of tutoring coordinator in order to facilitate the program that wasrecently created. Roger Arnold, current Chi Epsilon member, stepped up to fill theposition.

The outgoing officers from the 2008-2009 Virginia Tech chapter of Chi Epsilonwere: Chris Cholko, president; Thomas Ripley, vice-president; John Granthamand Paul Zheng, secretaries; Eric Duvall, treasurer and associate editor; CarenaCassell, marshal; and Peter Kauffman, webmaster.

The incoming officers who were installed in the spring semester are as follows:Paul Zheng, president; Kyle White, vice-president; Stephen Litsas, treasurer; NashPleasant, marshal; Francis Pesce, secretary; Trish Merrill, associate editor; andRoger Arnold, tutoring coordinator.

At the traditional officers’ dinner at the end of the spring semester, the dutiesof each officer was handed off to the new officer and general guidelines were givenfor the next year.

Virginia Tech new incoming officers at initiation ceremony from left to right: Kyle White,Paul Zheng, Francis Pesce, Stephen Litsas and Trish Merrill.


Washington University, St. Louis

In the spring of 2009, the Washington University, St. Louis chapter of ChiEpsilon welcomed five new undergraduate members: Nora Palitz, William Fischer,Hana Launla, Paula Davis, and Emily Greenseth. The following new memberswere elected as officers: Hana Laurila, president; Emily Greenseth, vice-presi-dent and treasurer; William Fischer, marshal; and Paula Davis, secretary and as-sociate editor. After initiation, which took place on Sunday, April 19th, the new mem-bers enjoyed a social dinner with the graduating Chi Epsilon members. This yearmarks Dr. Thomas Harmon’s second as faculty advisor.

Angelica Perez-De La Rosa, Daniel HaileSelassie, Luke Wildfire, John Millspaugh, CaraMagoon, Lindsey Jones, and Jennifer Diggs

2009-2010 University of Virginia Chi Epsilon Officers Angelica Perez-De LaRosa, president; Cara Magoon, vice-president; Jennifer Diggs, associate editor;Lindsey Jones, secretary; Daniel HaileSelassie, treasurer; and Luke Wildfire,marshal.

Member John Millspaugh graduated in May 2009. He joined the civil andenvironmental engineering Master’s program at MIT this fall.


Wayne State University

This year the Wayne State University chapter of Chi Epsilon has made someexcellent achievements. On April 24, 2009, new members were initiated and followingwith the tradition formed last year, initiates from the University of Detroit Mercy(UDM) were received. The elected officers installed are Alexander Lamb, president;Bryan Kennedy , vice-president; Renee Thomas, secretary; Adam Lacey,treasurer; Robert Feister, associate editor; and Kishan Patel, marshal. Together atotal of sixteen people were initiated. The remaining initiates are Abulgasem Elarbi,Christopher Bradshaw, Justin Rose, Kakan Dey, Roland Bogdani, SindurahVuyyuru, Teja L N Karra, Asmaiel Kodan Naiel, Jacob Munchiando (UDM),Matthew Duffy (UDM) and Patrick Andridge (UDM). James Selegean PhD,WSU adjunct faculty member, was elevated to Chapter Honor Member. Followingthe initiation ceremony, a banquet was held at the Rattle Snake Club in downtownDetroit. At the banquet, all members initiated along with past members and familyfrom around the area and local industry joined in the celebration. Also in attendancewas Great Lakes District Councilor, Prof. Glysson.

Earlier in the year, the chapter sent President Luke Mackewich andAssociate Editor Alexander Lamb to the district conference at the University ofCincinnati. The event featured several guest speakers along with a field trip to aconstruction site where a tour was provided. The conference was a great learningexperience for Luke and Alexander. Next year the chapter plans to send officers tothe National Conclave in Alabama.

A project that the chapter participated in along with WSU’s ASCE chapterwas the NCCC concrete canoe competition. This was the first year the chapters

WSU Chi Epsilon New Initiates 2009


have attempted to do this competition and had great success. The team was made upof approximately 25 members. The event was held at Kensington Metro Park inMilford, MI on April 4th, and hosted by Lawrence Technological University. Throughtwo semesters of tireless work, the team managed to take 5th place overall in thecompetition and 3rd place in the oral-technical paper presentation. Working togetherwith the ASCE, Chi Epsilon at WSU hopes to make the competition a tradition atWayne State.

This year has been a big success for Wayne State’s Chi Epsilon chapter.Through hard work and participation in regional events, the chapter hopes to gain astronger foundation in the civil engineering community both locally and nationally.

WSU Chi Epsilon current members 2009

2009 District Conference representatives


WSU Chi Epsilon and ASCE concrete canoe team

West Virginia University

On April 30, 2009, six new elected officers were installed. These new officersinclude John Crane, president; Anna Klenke, vice-president; John Wattick,treasurer; Emily Rengers, secretary; Nina Viola, associate editor; and Lisa Hough,marshal. Our faculty advisor and department head are Roger Chen and RadheySharma, respectively.

At the beginning of this school year, our chapter attended the FreshmanEngineering Fest where we met and spoke with prospective civil engineering freshman

West Virginia chapter members enjoying Sociability


University of Wisconsin, Madison

During the 2008-2009 school year, the University of Wisconsin, Madison ChiEpsilon chapter saw their group transform as new members took the reins. The groupas a whole participated in many volunteer events as well as began some new practicesgeared at informing the entire civil engineering department, faculty, and students aboutthe practices and focus of Chi Epsilon.

students about Chi Epsilon. Interested students were told about qualificationrequirements, benefits of joining the society, and were given our latest news booklet.

With the FE exam coming up quickly around the corner, our president, John,is trying to organize a few civil-specific review sessions. Review sessions for thegeneral morning exam have already been set up, but as the honors civil society, wefeel it is our duty to help all of the civil engineering students excel in the afternoonsession.

As a completely new board of officers, we realize our experience is limited,but we are the elected leaders of our chapter and will do our very best to assist in thegrowth and production of the West Virginia University chapter of Chi Epsilon.

West Virginia chapter members take a break from chapter activities


During the fall semester, Chi Epsilon focused its energy on Trick-or-Treat forCanned Goods. The event is hosted by the Madison chapter with participation fromseveral other engineering student organizations, such as ASCE. The event raisedand donated just over 5000 lbs of food to our local branch of Second Harvest.

The initiation banquet was held December 7, 2008, where Chi Epsilonwelcomed: Alexander Rexrode, Paul Lang, Adam Crook, Derrick Anderson,Edward Sippel, Andrew Larkin, Bryan Pitterle, Godine Chan, and JosiahHawley. The officers elected to lead during the spring 2009 semester were: KylePeschel, president; Preston Judkins, vice-president; Nick Matthews, secretary;Paul Lang, treasurer; Paul Pebler, marshal; and Ross Tillman, associate editor.

In the spring semester, Chi Epsilon volunteered to help grade tests forMathCounts!, a local math contest for middle school children, as well as volunteer forthe YSA Middle School Scientific Olympiad as tutors/guides for a local participatingschool. Our chapter also began a biannual newsletter to be sent out to civil engineeringfaculty as well as an informational handout for civil engineering students to learnmore about our organization.

Chi Epsilon also held a spring initiation on May 3, 2009, adding Brent Ellifson,Chelsea Morrison, Tal Sztainer, Mitchell Patoka, Jason Lyons, ConnerFischer, Sean Scott, and Kevin Lee as members. The newly elected officers forthe fall 2009 semester are: Kyle Peschel, president; Connor Fischer, vice-president;Brent Ellifson, secretary; Jason Lyons, treasurer; Amanda Winters, marshal;and Bryan Pitterle, associate editor.

The UW-Madison chapter is also proud to announce the installation ofProfessor Steven Loheide as our new faculty advisor. Prof. Loheide will act as aconstant in our chapter to help make the frequent turnovers between old and newmembers run smoothly as well as provide advice from a professional perspective.

Documents

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