2 Exec. Director Letter
3 Council Members
4 Turning 100
6 Conference Highlights
8 Giving
9 Contact Information
10 Chapter Pride
12 Honor Members
13 Scholarship Winners
What a fantastic year it has been. XE post-pandemic has returned with a roar! Our scholarships program celebrated the accomplishments and successes of both awardee chapters and individuals, we recognized Chapter Honor Members, and had great attendance at our National Meeting. We look forward to more connections, more sociability, and a growth mindset as we usher in a new wave of Civil (and Environmental and Construction and Archi-
tectural and Marine and …) Engineering graduates to change our built environment. Please take time to celebrate your success in the great academic year 2022/2023 and for your membership in our organization. Chi Epsilon means something. Wear your pin with pride; you are part of a long legacy of excellence. Chi Delta Chi.
—Dr. Chadwell
President Great Lakes District Councilor University of Cincinnati
Vice President Cumberland District Councilor
University of Maryland
Marshal Rocky Mountain District Councilor
University of
Pacific District Councilor
University of California Berkeley
Southwest District Councilor
University of Hawai’i at Mānoa
Southern District Councilor University of Miami
Metropolitan District Councilor
Stevens Institute of Technology
101 Great years of Chi Epsilon
Northeast District Councilor
University of Rhode Island
145 University Chapters
North Central District Councilor
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Central District Councilor
Oklahoma State University
1,078 Newly Inducted Members
In 2022, Chi Epsilon celebrated its 100th anniversary of recognition as a civil engineering honor society. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, any formal celebration of this momentous achievement had to be postponed.
Now in 2023, we would like to take a moment to celebrate the success of this organization for its longevity and impact. In doing so, we seek to acknowledge both where we have been and where we are going. ■
Pictured Right: The 2014 edition of “The Transit.” The most recent print version of the publication to date.
to be
Ryan was admitted into the Chi Epsilon chapter at San Jose State University in the spring of 2014. As a commuter student, connectivity was difficult to come by. He discovered a home away from home when he joined Chi Epsilon. Following graduation, he revived the Pacific District Alumni Association, which is presently flourishing. He is passionate about giving back and mentoring others within the organization.
Glenn began serving as Executive Secretary and Treasurer of Chi Epsilon in 2013. In his nine years of service, he contributed to the success of the organization in countless ways. One such accomplishment included modifying the title of the position to “Executive Director”. Glenn used his platform to support chapters and students in any way he could. He still brings this level of dedication to his support of the organization today.
G.A. was recently appointed President of the National Council for Chi Epsilon. He first joined the organization during his postdoctoral research at the University of Minnesota and was initiated as a Faculty Advisor in 2010 at the University of Cincinnati. Chi Epsilon has allowed him to build rapport with academic and service-focused students, some of whom he is still in touch with twenty years later.
“I think we can provide a good path forward that is solid, promising, and that guarantees sustainability over not just the next few years, but the next hundred years.”
—Dr. Gian Rassati National President, Chi Epsilon
“I am so proud
the newly elected XE National President and to help shape what we do and who we are. I thank the National Council for trusting in my leadership and I look forward to serving the organization.”
—Dr. Gian Rassati National President, Chi Epsilon
“Raising up others is more important than focusing solely on my career trajectory.”
—Ryan MaGee Alumnus, Chi Epsilon
On March 10, more than 100 Chi Epsilon members from across the United States convened via Zoom for the 2023 National Conference, which included faculty advisers, student representatives, the administrative office, and our national council. This year’s National Conference focused on the present status of operational affairs, as well as the necessity of education, partnerships, and job creation to construct stronger cities, towns, and villages. The all-chapters conclave centered around how best to foster cooperation and continue to build team spirit among our chapters.
1 2 3
Dr. Gian Rassati, President, facilitated a discussion of best practices and chapter success stories. Over half of our chapters were present for this conversation, which resulted in an engaging and exciting collaborative experience for all. As a result of this conversation, cross-collaboration between chapters greatly increased. The national office is looking to construct a website for chapters that want to interact with others for advice on how to effectively engage with their members and build rapport with local companies to strengthen and/or expand their connections within their respective communities.
Dr. Charles Chadwell, Executive Director, led a discussion regarding our current bylaws and how they affect chapters. A bylaws committee was formed from those in attendance to analyze the streamlined bylaws that the national office hopes to offer at the conclusion of the Summer/beginning of the Fall 23 year. The goal is to reduce the current bylaws from 60 pages to 10 pages or less.
The initiation procedure was presented by Dr. Dee Ann Sanders and Dr. Kaye Brubaker as practical assistance for chapters. To remove any confusion surrounding the process, a short video on how to introduce students was created for the demo itself. Chi Epsilon presently offers both on-site and virtual initiation. Dr. Kaye Brubaker, Vice President, has taken on the duty of analyzing and updating our current initiation protocols to address any existing differences between the two rites and maintain their inclusivity for all members. ■
Chi Epsilon bestows the Harold T. Larsen Award in honor of Harold T. Larsen, a founding member of Chi Epsilon. To be eligible for this honor, the nominee must be a Chi Epsilon member who has provided great service to the organization while adhering to the four pillars of Scholarship, Character, Practicality, and Sociability.
The Harold T. Larson Award was presented to Chi Epsilon’s previous Executive Director, Dr. Glenn Goss, for his service to the organization. Congratulations to Dr. Goss.
Check out page 5 to read more about Dr. Glenn Goss and his service to Chi Epsilon.
Auburn University
Boise State University
Bradley University
Bucknell University
Cal Poly Pomona
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
California State University
Fresno
Carnegie Mellon University
Chico State University
Cornell University
Florida International University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Iowa State University
Kansas State University
Lamar University
Lawrence Technological University
Louisiana State University
Manhattan College
Michigan Technological University
Missouri University of Science and Technology
New Jersey Institute of Technology
New Mexico State University
New York University
North Carolina State University
Northeastern University
Ohio State University
Oklahoma State University
Old Dominion University
Purdue University
Rutgers University
San Jose State University
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
South Dakota State
University
Southern Illinois
University Edwardsville
Stevens Institute
Texas A&M University -
Kingsville
Texas Tech University
The College of New Jersey
Trine University
University of Alabama
Birmingham
University of California
Berkeley
University of California
Davis
University of Cincinnati
University of Colorado
Boulder
University of Delaware
University of Florida
University of Hawai’i at Mānoa
As guest speaker for the 2023 Chi Epsilon National Conference, Maria Lehman, President of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), delivered an informative and inspiring presentation. The conference was pleased to welcome such an enthusiastic speaker and experienced professional.
One topic extensively covered in Lehman’s presentation was the “Future World Vision,” an ASCE initiative that includes a fifty-year projection of how cities might develop based on current research and emerging ideation. In showcasing this plan, Lehman reminded attendees that as Civil Engineers, we are stewards of Infrastructure with the incredible responsibility and opportunity to define the future. Lehman encourages both students and early-career alumni to “Get
University of Louisiana
University of Louisville
University of Maine
University of Maryland
University of Massachusetts
Amherst
University of Massachusetts
Lowell
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of MinnesotaTwin Cities
University of New Mexico
University of Notre Dame
University of Oklahoma
University of Rhode Island
University of Southern California
University of Tennessee
Virginia Tech
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
comfortable with being uncomfortable.” This advice was meant to inspire attendees to initiate change in their future workplaces and beyond.
As Lehman stated in a recent meeting with Dr. Chadwell while speaking on initiating change, “If it’s not broke, break it.” Lehman’s talk invited us to reimagine reality to create a better future: both for industry and the world. Her participation served as a highlight of the conference and a reminder of the ongoing discussion of a potential future merger for XE and ASCE. ■
“If
Maria Lehman, President of the American Society of Civil Engineers, shares inspiring presentation:
“we can define the future.”
Giving is a privilege - Please help us boost up the next generation of engineers by donating:
“Engineering stimulates the mind. Kids get bored easily. They have got to get out and get their hands dirty: make things, dismantle things, fix things. When the schools can offer that, you’ll have an engineer for life.”
—Bruce Dickinson Musician, Author, EntrepreneurThis word cloud was constructed from the Fall 22 transit survey, with a specific focus on what Chi Epsilon means to the students who submitted their reports. If you look closely, you can see that the four pillars that comprise the organization are aligning with our chapters’ thinking today, at a local level. Chi Delta Chi! ■
Contact Us
URL: https://www.chi-epsilon.org/
Email: info@chi-epsilon.org
Mailing Address:
Chi Epsilon National Office
College of Engineering
Cal Poly State University
1 Grand Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
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When it’s present at work, it inspires individuals and teams to achieve more, communicate better, and build upon each other’s strengths. When it’s not present, things can get ugly. Really ugly. And what is “it”? It’s the often abstract yet extremely powerful feeling of “pride.”
Pride is deeply personal, and yet it also acts as a sort of currency in relationships; if you care for and trust the people you work with, you’re naturally inclined to go the extra mile. Whereas if you don’t have pride in your company or colleagues, things fall apart fast.
We do a semi-annual Networking Night with departmental faculty at the house of our department chair. This is typically the most anticipated event of the semester, with strong attendance, and it is an excellent opportunity for our initiates to meet CE faculty in a more intimate setting!
While I am happy about many things our chapter accomplishes, one item we adopted this year that has helped make our pledge process run more smoothly is regular one-on-one check-ins between marshals and pledges. This helps us to confirm that pledges are on schedule to initiate, and if they aren’t, they may work with our marshals to develop a plan to get back on track.
I am especially proud of our chapter’s hosting of a faculty breakfast for our pledges and faculty to mingle over casual discussion. We are a fairly active chapter, holding a social and energetic meeting once a month, as well as special events such as the fall picnic and a banquet following initiation. Every semester, we organize a faculty brunch for our officer board and pledges to mingle with Chi Epsilon instructors, which aids in connection building.
Our chapter is proud to support the multidisciplinary learning of our members by bringing in speakers on topics beyond civil and environmental engineering. This gives our members the opportunity to hear about topics such as urban planning, sustainability, communication, and astronomy that they may not get much as much exposure to in the College of Engineering.
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Our sense of pride stems from our personal interactions with one another. We have a 5-year program at the University of Cincinnati, which has allowed us to build strong ties with the other members. We added a part to our general body meetings that keeps our members up to date on current industry events. This demonstrates to our members how our studies relate in the actual world.
Our chapter prides itself on its kindness. We host fundraisers with local businesses, a strategy that was critical to these firms’ survival during the pandemic. These fundraisers drew a large crowd, which benefited not just the firm but also the chapter itself.
Our connection to alumni is a source of pride for the SJSU chapter. We host semesterly alumni nights at Dave & Busters, which always draws a large crowd. Every PDC has a sizeable alumni turnout. Alumni involvement sets the standard and demonstrates to our initiates how big of an influence Chi Epsilon can have on them as they progress through their academic careers.
We started doing additional company and site tours with local Civil Engineering firms for our members last year. Our members and officers have formed relationships with these firms that will be highly useful to the members who graduate. We have also had our own company mixers, open review/tutoring sessions, and will begin outreach to local high schools in the spring!
Our chapter’s source of pride is our camaraderie. We rely significantly on one another to achieve our individual and group objectives. We’re one of the smallest chapters, yet we stick together and can always count on one another.
This past fall, XE at UCLA significantly expanded our out-of-network interactions. We have produced a new sponsorship proposal kit for businesses and extended our alumni connections. We have also revamped our communications with a fully rebuilt website and a stronger social media presence.
We added graduate students to our team this year and our new faculty advisor is an expert in the subjects of sustainability and resiliency. We believe that these additions will aid in the improvement of our chapter and the expansion of the breadth of our program.
Our chapter’s interaction and participation with other honor societies is one of its distinguishing features. Our chapter is honored to participate in the inaugural “Battle of the Engineers,” in which many honor societies compete in a series of competitions to determine which honor society is the best. We are honored to be a part of this event, which allows our members to meet with students from other majors.
Our Big-Little program is one of the chapter’s best assets. The linkages boost member participation and aid in the transition of our pledges to XE. Bigs stay in touch with their littles even after the pledging quarter is over, which has significantly increased attendance at our events.
Chapter Honor Members (CHMs) are nominated by local chapters. Chapter Honor Membership is awarded in appreciation of extraordinary professional achievements in the civil engineering community. CHMs have demonstrated experience and ability worthy of emulation by new civil engineers. Candidates must also have a minimum of ten years of experience as a registered professional engineer in the civil engineering or allied professions. ■
In 1994, Dr. Randolph became the Undergraduate Program Director and Honors Advisor of Civil Engineering where he was responsible for curriculum changes and accreditation, most notable of which was the transition to the current mandatory co-op program.
Dr. Williams is recognized for pioneering entrepreneurship and leadership in the water industry, including the areas of municipal drinking water, wastewater, and recycled water. He serves as a visionary trailblazer and inspirational role model for African Americans in environmental engineering.
Current Dean of TCNJ School of Engineering.
Dr. Welker has over one hundred publications, which cover numerous topics within the water resources and geotechnical realm. She has committed her career to advancing higher education for Civil Engineering students by creating high learning and assessment standards to better prepare individuals to face today’s challenges.
Dr. Quinn has been involved in many organizations including serving as a member of the Purdue Bowen Lab Advisory Council, AISC Partners in Education Committee, and the NCSEA Basic Education Committee. He has previously served on the Purdue Civil Engineering Advisory Council and was President of the Structural Engineers Association of Michigan.
Marsia has been very active with many professional associations throughout her career, most prominently with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) She was recently elected as President of the Society for the 2024 term.
Ivan Alvarez Lopez
Kelly Espino
John Green
Francisca Kasubi
Joseph Martin
Robert Schneider
Gary Spencer
Twelve winners were chosen from over 70 submissions received from our 145 chapters, spread across the United States. Criteria was a combination of GPA, community service, work/ research experience, letters of recommendation, and a 500-word essay outlining the impact their local chapter association has had on the recipients. This is a significant achievement, and the national office, alongside the district council, was honored to provide the scholarship funds to the awardees noted above.
This group of determined individuals opted to form the Chi Epsilon Inaugural Scholarship Committee. That is, they will assist in selecting the recipients of indi-
Jenna Springer
Jesiah Wright
Lisa Wu
Evelyn Zendejas
Rachel Zook
vidual scholarships for the following year. Members' benefits are aligned with Chi Epsilon's four pillars: Scholarship, Character, Practicality, and Sociability. Beyond a cohort of individuals working together, this committee will develop deeper relationships with each other, increase opportunities for cross collaboration, and sustain connections that will benefit them in the future. ■
“The world is run by people who show up.”
– Dr. Charles Chadwell
While small in number, the South Dakota Mines Chi Epsilon chapter is one that members are proud to call their own. In the past three years, the 139th Chi Epsilon Chapter has experienced much change. The 2020-2021 school year and pandemic left the society with only three active members: the President, Vice President, and Secretary. These three individuals worked hard to revive Chi Epsilon and implement what they hoped to be a sustainable foundation. Using that year to prepare for the next, the society gained enough members to have a full officer team and a regular member the following year. Understanding that all its members are busy, high achieving engineering students, each event that Chi has implemented serves a direct purpose. Keeping the four pillars of Chi Epsilon (scholarship, character, practicality, and sociability) in mind, the Chapter has focused on providing value to its members, the CEE department, and the community. Examples of providing value to these groups are described below.
For the CEE department, the Chapter offers weekly tutoring for fundamental engineering courses required by students both in and outside of the CEE program as well as an FE review for students preparing for the exam. As some of the members of Chi are now seniors, students can come to get help for higher level Civil classes as well. Last year, Chi Epsilon offered an FE exam “Jeopardy” review during the second half of the Spring Semester. This is a four-part Jeopardy event providing students with plenty of opportunities for practice. This year, seniors are also discussing the possibility of implementing an additional review where professors come in to provide a crash course on their discipline.
Perhaps the best event that this chapter holds is for the community. For the past two years, the last event during the Fall semester is a Christmas Blanket Tie event where the members get together and make tie blankets and sign Christmas cards for a local nursing home. Thus far, the chapter has donated 30 tie blankets to the Good Samaritan Society St. Martin Village here in Rapid City. As the chapter continues to grow and gain its own identity, the next big step is recruitment. This year saw the initiation of six new members, some of which knew of the society because they had attended tutoring. As the Chapter’s presence becomes more known in the department, the members hope that a higher percentage of qualifying Sophomores will be excited to join and expand the organization.
With only thirteen active members, the South Dakota School of Mines Chi Epsilon Chapter may be small in comparison to other chapters in the nation, but its impact is notable. Whether it be helping a student achieve the grade they were hoping for in Statics, making someone’s grandparent smile from a Christmas card, or just sitting around playing board games, the 139th chapter exemplifies Chi Epsilon’s four pillars of scholarship, character, practicality, and sociability in everything they do. ■
The initiation process for new members for Chi Epsilon initiation process at Oklahoma State University is equally as intense as it is rewarding. Prospective initiates are handpicked from the top third of their class, and evaluated by the executive board along with the faculty advisor to ensure that only the best of the best are extended invitations. New members are evaluated on academic achievement, leadership qualities, and character. Pledges are challenged to demonstrate their commitment to Chi Epsilon’s four pillars of scholarship, leadership, practicality, and sociability. During the initiation process prospective members are required to meet all current members, attend events, and participate in Chi Epsilon’s service activities. One of the events that Initiates attends is called Key Day. Key Day is when the Initiates will meet up and create a transit token that they will keep as a reminder of the society that they are taking part in.
The initiation ceremony is a solemn and meaningful event in which initiates are inducted into Chi Epsilon and respect is paid to chapter honor members living and deceased. During the ceremony, initiates take an oath to uphold the core pillars of Chi Epsilon and represent the organization honorably. The initiation process is an essential part of the journey of the journey to becoming a successful civil engineer as it challenges initiates to push themselves and fellow initiates to new heights, and to become the best possible version of themselves. Our members are honored to be a part of such a prestigious organization that promotes excellence and to make a positive impact on the world.
As exemplary members of the community Chi Epsilon members are passionate about utilizing skills and knowledge obtained in our engineering curriculum to promote positive change in our community. Initiates and active members alike have the privilege of participating in many different service projects for the community such as tutoring underclassmen in fundamental engineering science classes such as statics, introduction to environmental engineering, and more. Another service project the Chi Epsilon chapter participates in outside of our campus is Into the Streets. This is a service project in which organizations across campus join forces to pick up litter, perform yard work for those in need, and beautify the city of Stillwater. This project can be extremely physically demanding, but members have fun working alongside likeminded, selfless individuals who are actively being the change they want to see in the community. The results are almost instantaneous, and it is extremely rewarding seeing the difference that college students can make in the community with teamwork and dedication.
Members of Chi Epsilon come to appreciate the importance and impact that they themselves are capable of making. In conclusion, service and volunteer work are essential components in the Chi Epsilon experience. Our organization at Oklahoma State University offers numerous opportunities for its members to participate and engage in meaningful service projects that positively shape the community of Stillwater and provide help to students and members of the community alike. Our organization is honored to be a part of something so great, and we look forward to continuing our involvement in service and volunteer work in the community and utilizing our skills and knowledge to uplift those around us. ■
Chi Epsilon Fraternity started at the University of Illinois on May 22, 1922.
Chi Epsilon Fraternity incorporated in State of Illinois on May 13, 1923.
First Conclave held at the Armour Institute chapter on July 24th with twelve members representing four chapters present.
Chi Epsilon consists of 8 chapters, 535 members, and 56 honorary and 15 alumni members.
Chi Epsilon was an active participant in the 1952 Civil Engineering Centennial when delegates from 43 chapters met in Conclave at the Illinois Institute of Technology.
The Chi Epsilon Room was dedicated at the United Engineering Center in New York City, a gift to the profession from 51 chapters.
50th Anniversary of Chi Epsilon founding. Society now consists of 78 chapters with 28,500 members and 35 National Honor members.
The 25th National Conclave voted to change the name of our Society from Chi Epsilon Fraternity to Chi Epsilon.
75th Anniversary of the founding of Chi Epsilon.
Centennial celebration for the Society held at the University of Illinois.
