Each year, ASCE’s Outstanding Projects And Leaders awards honor some of the most accomplished civil engineers in the industry. The 2023 OPALs recognize engineers in four different categories – construction, education, government, and management – and will be bestowed during the OPAL Gala, Friday, Oct. 20, at the ASCE 2023 Convention in Chicago.
This year’s OPAL Award winners:
Construction: James E. Rowings Jr., Ph.D., P.E., NAC, F.ASCE, professional development director, Kiewit University – for innovation and excellence in construction of civil engineering projects and programs.
Design: Edward M. DePaola, P.E., F.SEI, M.ASCE, president and CEO, Severud Associates – for innovation and excellence in civil engineering design.
Education: Kumares C. Sinha, Ph.D., P.E., NAE, Hon.M.ASCE, the Edgar B. and Hedwig M. Olson Distinguished Professor of Civil Engineering, Purdue University – for demonstrated excellence in furthering civil engineering education.
Government: Karen Durham-Aguilera, P.E., M.ASCE, executive director of Army National Military Cemeteries and Arlington National Cemetery – for demonstrated leadership of public sector projects and programs.
Management: Mary Ellen Bruce Large, P.E., D.GE, M.ASCE, client care manager, Nicholson Construction Company – for exceptional management skills in her professional career.
Learn more about the 2023 OPAL Gala and see past OPAL winners.