Another (Academic) Year in the Books!
Not only do I have the privilege of serving you as the President of T&DI, but am also blessed with serving the students of the College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As I write this message, I am looking out of my office window noticing large groups of graduating students dressed beautifully in their cap and gown taking photographs in front of our iconic engineering mall monument. What a wonderful time of year this is!
Most of these graduating students will be entering the workforce at a time when the world desperately needs engineers in transportation and development. Nearly every sector of our industry is looking for engineering leaders to join their organization. The graduating class at Wisconsin is approaching 100 percent employment – that is every student looking for an opportunity has been offered or has accepted a position. I’m quite sure these incredible numbers are similar at most universities across the country. Importantly, we need all of these graduating and newly employed students to become contributing members of T&DI.
I’m very proud of the many opportunities that T&DI has created to attract and engage new graduates and young professionals. Our Local and Student Chapter Council under the leadership of Matt Kirby and our Committee on Younger Members led by Cole Kopca have done a tremendous job engaging our student and young members and demonstrating the value of being part of T&DI. The end of the academic year is a reminder that now is the time for all of us to support Matt and Cole. Please take a little extra time to engage with young members, visit your local university ASCE student chapters and talk with young professionals about T&DI. There are opportunities for everyone to help this Institute move forward. Many individuals simply need your invitation.
As we all gather in a few days at the International Conference on Transportation & Development (ICTD) in Seattle, Washington please take the time to talk with everyone at the conference, especially our young and student members. Tell them why T&DI has made a difference for you. And by the way, it is not to late to bring a student or young member with you. I very much look forward to visiting with all of our students and young members and spending time with all of you in Seattle!
As always, your thoughts and feedback are welcome. Please reach out to me if you would like to learn more or need assistance finding an active role in our Institute. Thank you for all you do and will do for this wonderful Institute we call T&DI. Stay healthy and safe!
Best wishes,
David A. Noyce, Ph.D., P.E.
President, Transportation & Development Institute (T&DI)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)