Past Presidents' Message
Spring 2006 A Message from the 2006 ASCE Foundation Chair Dennis Martenson
It's a basic rule of politics, and of life, too: people like to be asked,
and they especially like to be thanked.Tim Russert—from his book, Big Russ and Me
All of us know that civil engineers develop the infrastructure that results in the quality of life which includes comfort and hope to our communities, our nation, and people throughout the world. But not until this past fall, when the southern part of the US was devastated by several hurricanes, did I truly realize how little the general public understands about civil engineering.
Never has the work of civil engineers been more on the minds of the general public than last August with Katrina, then in September with Rita, and finally, in October with Wilma. Until natural disasters of such magnitude, most people overlook or take for granted the contributions of civil engineers. These three hurricanes were so devastating to the infrastructure of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas that these areas are still struggling to recover today. Roads, levees, buildings, and homes still need to be rebuilt. And, the nation is working as fast as possible to restore these protections from future hurricanes.
As most of us watched the devastation of hurricane Katrina unfold on television, many of our fellow ASCE members were either embroiled in the disaster or were helping to feed and house those who were able to flee before the arrival of the second hurricane. I?ll never forget watching those seemingly endless lines of vehicles attempting to evacuate Houston before hurricane Rita struck.
As I listened each day to the news from New Orleans, Houston, Gulf Port, and elsewhere along the Coast, I knew that civil engineers would have years of work ahead rebuilding these areas. But, it was then that I also was reminded that ASCE is more than just an organization. These tragedies made me realize just how deeply supportive ASCE members are of their fellow members. When we were encouraged by ASCE headquarters to make donations to the Red Cross, we did so in record numbers. Then, when our fellow members in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi asked for direct assistance from us, we responded again by making donations to the ASCE Foundation to be used directly for ASCE members.
Our financial contributions immediately helped to make a difference in the lives of some of our members, and our recovery work will make a difference in improving the quality of life of those still waiting to return to their homes. Even though civil engineering may be overlooked, unappreciated, and taken for granted by many people, I think those living on the America?s Gulf Coast truly understand the value of our work. As you can see, through the power of philanthropy, the ASCE Foundation is making a difference in the lives of our members as well as helping to advance civil engineering.
As I paraphrase Tim Russert in his book, Big Russ and Me, we all like to be asked to make a difference and we all like to be thanked for what we've done. On behalf of the ASCE Foundation, I thank each and every donor listed on pages 2 and 6 of this newsletter for their generosity and support. Your gifts have directly helped ASCE members affected by the three hurricanes and your gifts also support the continued work of the ASCE Foundation.
If your name is not on one of these lists and you would like to make a charitable gift to the Foundation, please let me encourage you to start by making a gift to the 2006 Annual Appeal. I invite you to join me and the many ASCE members and friends who already have contributed this year. Together, we can make the world a better place through the power of civil engineering and the power of philanthropy.
Sincerely yours,
Dennis
Dennis R. Martenson, P.E., DEE, F.ASCE Chair, ASCE Foundation
President, ASCE
Related Articles
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