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Hello ASCE Dallas Branch Members:

April is Earth Month – how appropriate as we increasingly find ourselves outside enjoying the outdoors this time of year. Are you aware ASCE has a Committee on Sustainability (COS)? The COS is dedicated to ensuring a sustainable future through actionable initiatives, projects, and products, that offer human society the capacity and opportunity to maintain and improve its quality of life indefinitely, without degrading quantity, quality, or the availability of natural, economic, and social resources. This month, I encourage you to seek out opportunities to volunteer on Earth Day, Monday, April 22^nd, within your respective communities, and to explore ASCE’s, “Roadmap to Sustainable Development,” to learn more about what ASCE is doing to address the challenging issues of climate change, urbanization, and the rapid pace of technological advancement impacting our planet.

 Exciting News! On Monday, April 15^th, our Environmental and Water Resources (EWRI) and Construction (CI) Institutes will host our “Spring Technical Seminar,” offering both an EWRI and CI technical track. The seminar immediately precedes our April Branch Membership Meeting and will begin at 8:00 AM with a hot breakfast, sponsored by The Rios Group. Our keynote presentation, sponsored by Consor, features Ms. Tammy Huddleston, Vice President of Design, Code and Construction at DFW International Airport. Ms. Huddleston will be sharing with us all the exciting activities occurring at the airport. You can earn up to four professional development hours by attending the seminar and keynote luncheon. Check out our website and social media accounts for more details; you can find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

We will continue to celebrate our Centennial by sharing some interesting, historical information about civil engineering projects, and how civil engineers delivered those projects, during the third decade of our Branch’s existence (1944-1953.) Interestingly enough (given our keynote presentation topic,) the expansion of serval airfields occurred during this decade.

 Save the Date! Mark your calendars now. On Friday, July 19^th, the Dallas Branch will host the 2024 Dallas and Fort Worth Branch’s Joint Meeting. Like years past, the program will include numerous technical sessions, a keynote presentation during a plated lunch, and plenty of networking opportunities. More information to follow in the coming months.

 Lastly, I’m very excited to share that Amanda Koif, P.E., our Branch Director, and recipient of our 2024 Young Engineer of the Year Award, will lead all aspects of Branch activities next month. Why, you ask? Because May is Younger Member (YM) Month! Ms. Koif will write next month’s President’s Message, chair our Board Meeting, and serve as “Master of Ceremonies” for our Branch Membership Meeting. Make plans now to attend and support Ms. Koif and our Younger Members. They’re going to do a great job!

 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 are “Honoring our Past, Celebrating our Present and Engineering our Future.”

My best!

Reece E. Taylor, P.E.

ASCE Dallas Branch | President ’23-‘24

 Reece E. Taylor, P.E.

ASCE Dallas Branch | President ’23-‘24