2016 Issue

Brian Warner, S.E., M.S., ASCE Representative, SEAU Member, Part owner at McNeil Engineering Message from the Council’s Chair I have four daughters and I have the de- sire that they become what they want to become. It is early in their lives, the old- est 15 and the youngest 4, but not too early to help them search for what they want to be when they grow up. My daughters par- ticipate in school science fairs where they are introduced to science and physics. My 10-year-old is fascinated with engineering concepts and one of her favorite toys is K’nexs. She is able to create buildings, cars, roller coasters, whatever she can dream of. It is fun to spend time with her, helping her see how she can build taller buildings that can withstand being pushed around. When I was young, I would love to see construction workers build buildings. I was amazed at how they could use their skills to put buildings together; I always wanted to do that as well. During my school years, I was introduced to different professions, and that is where I learned about Structural Engineering. Structural engineers help in the creation of the construction documents that contrac- tors use to build the buildings: they take an idea from the Architect and design the building’s structural members for it to stand up; structural engineers are part of a design team. That was when I decided I wanted to be a structural engineer; so my high school class selection helped me get on the right path. I was also able to spend a day with engineers to see what they did and how they became engineers. They helped educate me on what it meant to be an engineer. That is what I want for my girls. This year is the 65th anniversary of Engi- neer’s Week. Engineers Week was founded by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) in 1951 and “is dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of, and interest in, engineer- ing and technology careers.” National Engineers Week programs target todays K-12 students and serve as recruitment opportunities for the engineers of tomor- row. Engineers Week is a time where the professional community and the Education community can come together and help encourage the next generation to become engineers. There are activities the kids can do to see what it means to be an engineer. The Utah Engineers Council (UEC) is here to help. The purpose of UEC is to “Advance the art and science of engineering for the general welfare of the people of Utah.” This includes helping the next generation to understand what engineers are and do. Many of the member societies have pro- grams during Engineers Week as well as other times during the year to help. UEC puts on an annual EngineersWeek banquet where we recognize outstanding engi- neers, engineering educators, and provide scholarships to students. Working together to help make the future brighter for the next generation. Engineering societies need to help of all of its members with the task of encouraging the next generation. I encourage all engineers to see how they can become involved. I amamember of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Structural Engineer Association of Utah (SEAU), both are member societies of UEC. There are many other members with UEC, and all societies work together to further the idea of Engineering. As I go to high schools and colleges, talk- ing about what a structural engineer is, I explain how I made it through college and how I started my career post-college. Col- lege years are about learning the most you can and gaining experience to help you get a job. When you have the job, we are sur- rounded by experienced engineers whose responsibility is to train us to become the engineering leaders of the next genera- tion and not just how to do our jobs. This is a big job and that is why the member societies are there to help. We as member societies are there to help educate the young engineers: to help mentor them to the full understanding of our professions. I encourage all to get involved and see what you can do to help; this may involve being a leader in the society or other form. This has the benefit of helping the next generation but also to increase our own understanding. Thank you all for all that you do and stand for in this ever changing field of engineering. 8