Jaspers Speeding the Way for the Second Avenue Subway
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HE SECOND AVENUE SUBWAY is one of the most high-profile infrastructure projects currently being built in New York City, and many Manhattan alumni are playing key roles in its construction. Several of these key players took part in a panel discussion hosted by the Alumni Society and the New York City Club at the Con Edison auditorium on Nov. 4. Chase DeRose ’79, vice president at AECOM, moderated the panel comprised of three engineering alumni — Balbir Sood ’94, design manager at MTA Capital Construction, Richard Paupst ’80, vice president and project manager at AECOM, and Michael McHugh ’80, vice president at Moretrench American Corporation. The Second Avenue subway project is the first major expansion of the subway system to be built in more than 50 years. When completed in 2016, the line will add 8.5 miles of track and 16 stations to what is already the
world’s largest mass transit system. The presentation focused on phase one of the project, which includes tunnels from 105th Street and Second Avenue to 63rd Street and Third Avenue, with new stations along Second Avenue at 96th, 86th and 72nd Streets, and new entrances to the existing Lexington Ave./63 Street Station at 63rd Street and Third Avenue. The panelists represented the whole gamut of civil engineering disciplines across the project spectrum from design to contractors to client. They discussed the various aspects of the construction, including the tunnel boring machine and the cut and cover excavation method. “In addition to the people who were on the panel, there are many, many more Manhattan alumni working on this project,” DeRose says. “In New York, Manhattan College civil engineers are one of the most prominent groups of engineers who are
working on infrastructure projects to build this great city.” Following the panel discussion, attendees gathered for a reception. The event was co-chaired by Bill Chandler ’70, managing director of Spectrum Consulting Partners, LLC, and Nancy Maksomski ’98, recruiting manager at AXA Equitable. The NYC Club hosts networking receptions each fall and spring, which gives alumni the opportunity to reconnect and mingle. The next event will be held this fall, and is open to all alumni, including those outside of New York City.
(From left to right) Chase DeRose ’79, Balbir Sood ’94, Richard Paubst ’80 and Michael McHugh ’80 discuss the Second Avenue subway project at the New York City Club reception.
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