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Happy February!

February is often known as the month of “love,” and I love what is going on within the Branch.

To kick things off, several of our members volunteered at this year’s Dallas ISD STEM EXPO on Saturday, February 3^rd. This is the largest STEM exposition in Texas, drawing an annual attendance of over 5,000 individuals. Our volunteers, under the leadership of our Education Committee Chair, Samantha Vail, led students in a Penny Bridge Activity. Read all about it in our Newsletter.

On Monday, February 12^th, we’ll welcome Mr. Aaron Mann, Esq., Senior Principal of Terracon, as our keynote speaker for our membership meeting presenting on the topic, “Ethical Lessons from the Florida International University Bridge Collapse.” As the topic indicates, this presentation will qualify as an ethics professional hour, so don’t miss it. Immediately prior to our luncheon keynote presentation, beginning at 11:00 AM, Mr. Randy Bowers, P.E. of Cement Council of Texas will present on, “Cement Stabilization for Road Base & Soils.” Please visit our website to register.

Immediately after our keynote luncheon, ASCE Texas Section President Kimberly Cornett is offering to share information regarding the Society’s Government Affairs Committee (GAC) and how we can get active at the local and state level. The purpose of her presentation is to educate and encourage interested individuals to actively participate in future GAC calls and activities. If able and interested, please join us – the meeting should only be 20 to 30 minutes long.

Later this month, please join me and others at the TSPE Engineering Week Awards Luncheon, scheduled for Wednesday, February 21^st at the Plano Events Center, to honor and recognize our 2023 and 2024 Dallas Branch Engineer of the Year and Young Engineer of the Year Awardees. Visit the Dallas Chapter of TSPE’s website for additional information, and to register.

If you’re looking for a way to get involved, join us on Thursday, February 22^nd, from 9:30 am to 12:30 am, at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Our Branch will be volunteering to celebrate Engineers Week by encouraging curious minds to participate in various activities geared towards introducing participants to engineering concepts. Please contact Nalah Williams (our Bridge Champion) and Jomes Isac (Public Relations & Outreach Committee Chair) for additional details and to participate.

February is Black History Month, a tradition that started in the Jim Crow era and was officially recognized in 1976 as part of the nation's bicentennial celebrations. It aims to honor the contributions African Americans have made and to recognize their sacrifices. A few years ago, the Oregon Section of ASCE published an article honoring the contributions of several African American civil engineers who had an impact on our profession and helped pave the way for future generations. These engineers include Howard Grant (1925-1997,) the first known black member to join the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1948, Shelly Nathan Bailey (1928-2012,) George Biddle Kelley (1884-1962,) Elijah McCoy (1844-1929,) William H. Dammond (1873-1956,) Archie Alexander (1888-1958,) and General Hugh G. Robinson (1932-2010.)  I encourage you to visit this link to read the article.

We continue to celebrate our Centennial by “Honoring our Past, Celebrating our Present, and Engineering our Future!” This month, Past President Jonathan Brower, P.E. will share some interesting facts related to the history and heritage of White Rock Lake, Dam and Pump Station. Not only will this information be shared at our membership meeting, but also on our social media platforms. If you are not already following us on social media, I invite you to do so. You can find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

Lastly, “Happy New Year” to those of you celebrating the Chinese New Year. May you prosper in the Year of the Tiger. 

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with your ideas, questions, and feedback. I am here to serve you and the Dallas Branch to the best of my abilities. If you are looking for ways to get involved, I’d love to speak with you. Together, we can do our part to advance the Dallas Branch for the next 100 years.

 My best!

Reece E. Taylor, P.E.

ASCE Dallas Branch | President ’23-‘24