Legacy - Volume 3, Number 2 - (Page 20)

Dialogue Professional A dedication to development Two ASCE presidents-elect discuss what it means to make a difference W ith a history stretching back to 1852 and more than 140,000 members in ten regions throughout the United States and the world, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is one of the largest and most prestigious professional organizations within the engineering industry. >> >> DMJM Harris and its employees help continue ASCE’s tradition through active membership across the country as well as a first-of-its-kind corporate sponsorship agreement. Two of these members are Michael Lorczak, P .E., associate vice president and presidentelect of ASCE’s New York metropolitan section, and Don Sepulveda, P .E., associate vice president and president-elect of ASCE’s Los Angeles section—each of whom will soon become president of their respective sections. Mike and Don recently sat down to discuss the benefits of membership in ASCE, and its influence on their careers. 20 Legacy—VOLUME 3: NUMBER 2, 2008 When did you join ASCE and what benefits has it offered? Mike: I’ve been a member for about 20 years, ever since I was in college and was in the student chapter. I started out in the Metro section Air Transport technical group helping out Bill Fife, vice president, and eventually I became the co-chair of the group. After looking out for the interests of the group’s finances at the board level, I was appointed to the board of directors. At that point, I worked toward one of my main objectives, starting a scholarship committee within the section. Don: I’ve also been involved since I was a student. I joined because I wanted to make a difference in the world. When I first got involved, I promised myself I would give back and help others succeed. The programs ASCE offered me as a student and young engineer have played a large part in where I am right now. We all want to make a difference, and with the help of ASCE’s on-site training, mentoring and student programs, it is possible. Mike: Without mentoring and professional support, you can easily fall by the wayside, and I almost did. I earned a two-year degree and wasn’t planning to get my bachelor’s degree. It was my former boss, Frank Vaccaro, who convinced me to go on. I always said that when I

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Legacy - Volume 3, Number 2

Legacy - Volume 3, Number 2 Contents In the Zone Gaining Altitude Six to Go: Planning Projects Promise Increased Mobility Women's Development Forum On the Move in the Southeast Protecting the World's Future Making the Grade Coming to America A Dedication to Development Looking to the Skies Spotlight on People and Projects An Aviation Innovation

Legacy - Volume 3, Number 2

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