As I have said, it has truly been a year to remember. Before I get too far, I should begin with a heartful Happy New Year!! I, for one, am excited about what is to come, but also cautious that Structural Engineering sees both its ups and downs. It will be in these times that our ties to each other will be the most important.
I hope that you have cherished the last year and had a fulfilling holiday. Everyone seems to think these days are restful, but we all know the truth… that we are more likely to cram as much as possible into our time off. Whether it is traveling to a far off destination or even staying put with your family, I am grateful to get a chance to reconnect with everyone I hold dear. For me, the holidays are about family and a time to reflect on the year that has been. I am sure you all are buried under the end of year lists and countdowns, though, I would like to share a few with you, SEAONC style. Like old Ebenezer Scrooge (yes I am really dating myself) I would like to take you through a journey, looking at our honored Past and talk about the Future. Reflecting on the past, I have my list of what I am thankful for.
First on my list are all the fantastic Association meetings we have had. The breadth of knowledge that is structural engineering is mind boggling. Top of mind, I wanted to recap the December Meeting we had at the U.C. Berkeley Faculty Club. It was our first visit to CAL since 2019 and the joint meeting with the Berkeley SEAONC Student Chapter was, in one word: “Electric.” We had over 35 students and two professors from CAL join the 70 regular members. It was standing room only and I could not help, but be touched by everyone in the room. There are many people to thank, our student Chapter co-Presidents, Jen Terada and Camille Roberts, our faculty boosters Alan Kren and Sanjay Govindjee, and especially the Pacific Engineering Earthquake Research Center (PEER) who graciously sponsored the students. It was an awesome meeting with a great presentation from Geoff Bomba and Steve Earl of Forell.
Second, I am thankful for the dedicated group of
companies who have come together to support SEAONC and our structural engineering mission. It is not an understatement, that SEAONC cannot support our mission or the structural engineering profession, without you. Many of our sponsors have a long history of supporting SEAONC and we are grateful that we share the same mission. I would especially be amiss, if I did not acknowledge the renewal of our new Anchor Sponsor,
CSI, whose generous support is key to SEAONC’s future.
Lastly, I am most thankful for you, the members of SEAONC. Over the last 6 months, there have been many opportunities to collaborate and chat with many of you. It has left me humbled, when I see the passion we all have for the greatest profession. For those who missed the ATC 50
th anniversary event, it left me with a lasting impression. The celebration reminded us of our illustrious history, of what structural engineering has achieved, and it was awe inspiring to see the giants of our profession in one room. What I have learned over my 30 years as a structural engineer is that the camaraderie that comes so easily in Northern California, where engineers from all firms work together, is quite unique and speaks of a higher purpose that we see for ourselves. Our future is bright and I am excited to see what we can accomplish in the years to come.
SEAONC has fun things planned. We are continuing with our efforts to reach out to the next generation, and will host a student night with Stanford, San Francisco State, San Jose State, and Santa Clara. The board continues the efforts to reach new members and to build bonds with the Pathways Group. Our Continuing Education Committee is planning a larger event to help us all stay on the forefront of engineering.
As you move forward on your New Year's Resolutions, I challenge you to remember SEAONC and ask you to make a pledge to get more involved. Our committees need you and there is so much more to come. I have done a lot of looking back today and in hindsight, I can tell you all that being active in SEAONC is one of the best decisions I have made. It is my sincere hope that 2024 will be a year of Joy and that you all will have good fortune and health. I, for one, will jump into this new year rested and motivated about the future. Hold on SEAONC, it will be a blast. In the next months, we will have the first ever SEAONC Trivia Night, as well as a committee appreciation event, Scholarship Program and Honor Awards, and a celebration of the Structural Engineering Excellence (SEE) Awards, which includes new categories.
Our next association meeting is on Tuesday, January 9 to give everyone a chance to recover from the Holidays. The meeting is hosted at the 375 Beale Building by Degenkolb and will feature a discussion by the SEAOC Pathways Committee and how we can focus our efforts to entice new Structural Engineers and help them achieve career success. The event will also have a special invitation to the last two Pathways Cohorts. Come and hear about all the SEAOC efforts to connect and foster the next generation. Details for registration are below. We are looking forward to seeing you all in person. Happy 2024 and best wishes!