American Society of Civil Engineers: And the ASCE Award Goes to…

By Robert Best, Jr, PE, M. ASCE

Each year, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Florida Section acknowledges its members and their contributions to the field of civil engineering.

The ASCE Florida Section seeks nominations for awards through its local Branches. These nominations are then reviewed and selected by the Award Committee, which includes recent past presidents. Notably, some award winners have also received recognition from Region 5 of ASCE, covering Florida, Puerto Rico, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Georgia.

Here is a look at this year’s Florida winners:

2024 Project of the Year: Sanibel Causeway Emergency & Permanent Reconstruction

The communities that benefit from our completed projects enjoy the advantages of modern infrastructure, often without giving much thought to the effort it takes to bring it to life. To honor these contributions, we celebrate exceptional civil engineering projects within each Branch’s region through the "Project of the Year" award, recognizing the dedicated teams behind the accomplishments.

The 2024 Project of the Year is the Sanibel Causeway Emergency & Permanent Reconstruction, nominated by the Southwest Branch. While the west coast of Florida suffered devastating floods during Hurricane Ian in September of 2022, no community was as devastated as Sanibel Island. The Causeway to the island suffered catastrophic washouts, rendering rescue and rebuilding efforts difficult. Through innovation and a streamlined approach, the causeway reopened with temporary lanes in just eight days, and permanent lanes by December 2023.

2024 Sustainable Project of the Year: Cocoplum 1 Pump Station and Force Main Upgrades

This award recognizes outstanding civil engineering achievements within each Branch’s region for a project with these goals: The extent to which innovative design or construction methods improve economic, social, and environmental sustainability; the promise shown by innovation to inspire future sustainability efforts, evidenced through Envision rating and/or Institute, Section, or Branch awards; the degree of public involvement during planning, design, construction and operations; and the level of collaboration demonstrated by significant participation from other disciplines.

The 2024 Sustainable Project of the Year is the Cocoplum 1 Pump Station and Force Main Upgrades submitted by the Miami-Dade Branch. This station, owned by the City of Coral Gables, has earned an Envision Bronze Award, recognizing stakeholder involvement and delivery of community benefits, climate resilience and protection of the surrounding lands. The upgrades to the wastewater system in this project are the latest example of the city’s commitment to infrastructure sustainability.

2024 Young Engineer of the Year: Jamie Wilson, P.E.

Jamie Wilson, P.E., has shown exemplary service and unwavering commitment to both ASCE and her community. By supporting current and future engineers, she has played a pivotal role in advancing the engineering profession through strategic, long-term objectives. Furthermore, she has become a source of inspiration for her peers, motivating them to excel and contribute their utmost to the engineering community.

2024 Government Engineers of the Year: Tzufit Boyle, P.E., and Patty Therrien, P.E.

Tzufit Boyle, P.E., has been an integral member of the ASCE Palm Beach Branch and the ASCE Florida Section since 2011. She has held various leadership roles, including serving as the Past President, President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Scholarship Chair for the Palm Beach Branch Board from 2012 to 2016. Additionally, she has been actively involved in the Florida Section Board, serving as the Communique Co-Chair, Past President, President, President-Elect, Conference Chair, and District 1 Vice President.

Tzufit has also contributed as a published author in the 2023 Winter and Spring Engineering Florida magazine. She currently serves as an ASCE Region 5 Governor for the ASCE Florida Section. Beyond her professional involvement, Tzufit volunteers for student events and competitions, such as the Steel Bridge competition, and is a Committee Member for Scouts BSA Troop 100. She also participates in the Eagle Board of Review for Scouts BSA Everglades District.

Patty Therrien, P.E., an active member of the East Central Florida Chapter of the Environmental Water Resource Institute (EWRI) for over 27 years, has made significant contributions to the field. Throughout her career, she has mentored and trained younger engineers, emphasizing design methodology, research, field investigations and technical report writing. Her commitment to quality control and assurance has led many of these engineers to obtain professional certifications and become respected professionals.

Patty’s dedication extends to supporting students in STEM education by raising scholarship funds and engaging with middle and high school students. She has also participated in panel discussions on civil engineering and volunteered at local MATHCOUNTS® competitions.

2024 Engineer of the Year: Dan Schroeder, P.E.

Dan Schroeder, P.E., has successfully led the implementation of several prominent stormwater retrofit, flood mitigation and ecosystem restoration-type projects in Southwest Florida. Together with innovative technologies, Dan’s water management strategy includes multi-benefit functionality to serve a diversity of stakeholders. Combining the trifecta of flood mitigation provision, nutrient removal benefits and passive recreational amenities has yielded a track record of grant-funded and award-winning water management projects.

Dan is not only an expert in his field, but he is also a deacon at his local church, demonstrating the commitment he has made to his community and displaying his good character above all. He has published numerous articles in his field and provides continued involvement in the engineering community.

2024 Byron Spangler Award: Steve Goldstein, P.E.

This award recognizes an engineer that has achieved special lifetime accomplishments in engineering and public service. This award is given intermittently, at the discretion of the Board when a member of the Section has achieved such accomplishments. It was last awarded three years ago and, before that, a decade ago.

Steve Goldstein, P.E., has continued to provide his support since his term as the ASCE Florida Section President (2011-2012). He continues to be a tome of knowledge in all things ASCE and guides the Section through bylaws and operating manual revisions.