ACEC Nebraska Engineering Excellence Awards

ACEC NEBRASKA ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

NATIONAL ENGINEERS WEEK FEBRUARY 20-26, 2022 Celebrating the state’s top engineering projects and the firms behind them

SPECIAL SECTION FEBRUARY 20, 2022

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ACEC NEBRASKA ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Omaha World-Herald

DAN SCHWALM, HDR‌

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Hubbard Center for Children doubles the programmable space of the hospital and expands the emergency department, the surgery suite, PICU, NICU, central sterile and radiology.

DAN SCHWALM, HDR‌

Children’s Hospital Hubbard Center for Children

GRAND AWARD Each February, the American Council of Engineering Companies-Nebraska celebrates the innovation and creativity of its member firms in conjunction with National Engineers Week. This special section spotlights the best of the best in ACEC Nebraska’s 2022 awards program.

Engineering firm HDR is the American Council of Engineering Companies-Nebraska 2022 Engineering Excellence Awards Grand Award winner for their work on Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Hubbard Center for Children.

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center is a regional pediatric hospital in Omaha. The new

Hubbard Center for Children doubles the programmable space of the hospital and expands the emergency department, the surgery suite, pediatric intensive care unit, neonatal intensive care unit, central sterile and radiology.

The Hubbard Center for Children also provides a new dining and cafeteria for the whole campus, new meeting space for learning and continuing education, new chapel space, a new patient checkin/check-out, new outdoor gardens, and solarium to enhance the Center’s healing environment.

“The collaborative design process allowed the team members to create beautiful spaces that are playful and inviting for the children, while functional and flexible for the staff,” said Lighting Design Section Manager Lisa Lyons, PE, LC, Associate IALD. “The color changing lighting incorporated into the façade and throughout the radiology level creates moments of fascination, which helps to soothe and distract patients during a procedure. A fun design fact, is the fiber optic starfield lighting in the ultrasound rooms were designed to mimic the night sky on the opening day of the Hospital.”

The construction of the new hospital tower consists of a 427,000-square-foot, nine-story structural steel frame and concrete slabs on metal deck with a unitized curtain wall envelope that ties into

the existing hospital and specialty pediatric clinic on seven floors.

The mechanical systems include a new Central Utility Plant that services the new tower, the existing hospital and the specialty pediatric clinic.

The patient rooms and public spaces are mechanically tempered with new air handling units utilizing chilled water, steam, heating hot water and controlled by a building automation system.

The electrical systems include power, emergency power, critical power, security systems (CCTV and access control), nurse call, building automation and fire alarm.

The project was procured under an Integrated Project Delivery contract. The group worked collaboratively through design and preconstruction to provide real-time estimating and target value design to create over $50 million in cost savings and 40 days in schedule duration savings with no impact to the project’s program.

“The Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) process led to closer collaboration between the design and construction teams throughout the project, which resulted in design innovations, cost reductions, and schedule savings. It created a wonderful hospital that the entire team can be proud of,” said Senior Structural Engineer James Savage, PE, SE, LEED AP.

DAN SCHWALM, HDR‌

The mechanical systems inside Children’s Hospital Hubbard Center for Children include a new Central Utility Plant that services the new tower, the existing hospital and the specialty pediatric clinic.

ABOUT THIS SECTION This special section was produced by the Omaha World-Herald in collaboration with the American Council of Engineering Companies-Nebraska.

On the cover: ACEC Nebraska’s 2022 Grand Award winner, Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Hubbard Center for Children in Omaha. Photo courtesy of HDR/Dan Schwalm.

Omaha World-Herald

ACEC NEBRASKA ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Sunday, February 20, 2022 |

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2022 ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS: HONOR AWARDS CATEGORY A Studies, Research, Consulting‌ CATEGORY WINNER Firm: Olsson Client: Monolith Materials, Inc. Project: OC2 Groundwater Modeling and Hydrogeologic Analysis In partnership with Monolith Materials, Olsson developed and calibrated a completely new groundwater flow model for the area around the proposed expansion site for Nebraska’s first commercial carbon black facility, Olive Creek. Using spatial and vertical refinement, Olsson produced an extremely detailed subregional model that accounts for the highly varied geography in the area.

CATEGORY B Building/Technology Systems‌ CATEGORY WINNER Firm: Farris Engineering Client: University of Nebraska

OC2 Groundwater Modeling and Hydrogeologic Analysis by Olsson.

to produce 100 billion British thermal units of renewable natural gas annually, the equivalent of about 875,000 gallons of gasoline.

Project: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Dinsdale Family Learning Commons Farris Engineering transformed a traditional university library built in the 1960s into a modern learning environment designed for student interaction, both inside and outside the facility. The multi-story space was renovated to serve as a beacon to the campus, keeping the large amount of exterior glazing that allows natural daylight in, while allowing the interactive indoor environment to shine out to the surrounding plaza.

CATEGORY C Structural Systems‌ CATEGORY WINNER Firm: HDR

Mead Water System Improvements by Olsson.

HONOR AWARD Firm: Olsson Client: Village of Mead Board of Trustees Project: Mead Water System Improvements University of Nebraska Lincoln Dinsdale Family Learning Commons by Farris Engineering.

Theresa Street Water Resource Recovery Facility Biogas Conditioning System by HDR.

CATEGORY F Water and Waste Water‌ CATEGORY WINNER

Client: Children’s Hospital & Medical Center

Firm: HDR

Project: Hubbard Center for Children

Client: City of Lincoln

The new Hubbard Center for Children is the most visible part of Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, fronting Omaha’s busiest corridor and integrating architecturally with the existing facilities.

The $450 million, 427,000 square-foot expansion offers a wide array of new and improved features including an expanded emergency department with seven new operating rooms, a one-of-a-kind imaging center, newborn intensive care unit,

Project: Theresa Street Water Resource Recovery Facility Biogas Conditioning System For 25 years, the City of Lincoln used the biogas produced at its Theresa Street Water Resource Recovery Facility (TSWRRF) to produce heat and electricity for Children’s Hospital Hubbard Center for in-facility use. Because of its age and conChildren by HDR. dition, it continually needed repairs. This pediatric intensive care unit, and cardiac project repurposes TSWRRF’s biogas into care center. a revenue-generating asset, anticipated

When water quality began deteriorating, the Village of Mead hired Olsson to conduct a water supply and treatment study.

Olsson engineers looked into increasing levels of arsenic that were approaching the maximum contaminant level allowed by the EPA. High concentrations of manganese and iron were infiltrating the water supply, resulting in quality issues throughout the nearly 100-year-old system.

CATEGORY G Water Resources‌ CATEGORY WINNER Firm: Olsson Client: City of Lincoln Transportation & Utilities Project: City of Lincoln / Lincoln Water System Island Flood Restoration

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ACEC NEBRASKA ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Omaha World-Herald

City of Lincoln / Lincoln Water System Island Flood Restoration by Olsson.

Historic Nebraska flooding in midMarch 2019 resulted in power outages to the City of Lincoln’s well fields, which led to a loss of water production. Olsson provided emergency assistance and managed a two-year-long follow-up project to restore the well field, bring horizontal collector well (HCW) 90-1 into service, and fortify the well field against future flooding.

HONOR AWARD Firm: HDR Client: Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District

Zorinsky Water Quality Basin No. 2 Dam by HDR.

Project: Zorinsky Water Quality Basin No. 2 Dam The Zorinsky Lake Water Quality Basin No. 2 Dam provides essential water cleansing duties while providing recreational opportunities and enhancing aquatic and wildlife habitat. The HDR team transformed the dilapidated creek into a beautiful waterway, creating a 20-acre reservoir and 70-acre parkland, surrounded by new development and designed with a holistic strategic to serve the necessary water quality functions, providing flood protection, expanding and improving surrounding watershed habitats, and creating future recreational opportunities for the community.

CATEGORY H Transportation‌ CATEGORY WINNER

Firm: Lamp Rynearson Client: Bike Walk Nebraska and Metro Smart Cities Project: Market to Midtown Protected Bikeway Pilot Project

Market to Midtown Protected Bikeway Pilot Project by Lamp Rynearson.

Omaha’s first protected bikeway, Market-to-Midtown, between 10th Street and Turner Boulevard on Harney Street, is open for an 18-month pilot period. Bike Walk Nebraska and Metro Smart Cities will collect data and feedback to determine the viability of more and longer bikeways in Omaha.

Crown Point Avenue Improvements, from 72nd Street to Blair High Road by Olsson.

Crown Point Avenue neared the end of its useful life, the city engaged Olsson to help.

Firm: Olsson What began as a simple pavement replacement job quickly turned into an opportunity Client: City of Omaha to improve infrastructure and revitalize the Project: Crown Point Avenue Improvements, community. Because of the project’s location from 72nd Street to Blair High Road and scope, significant stakeholder outreach When the existing four-lane section of and public involvement efforts were essential.

HONOR AWARD

HONOR AWARD Firm: Alfred Benesch & Company Client: City of Omaha Project: 24th Street Complete Streets Safety Project With a high rate of vehicular crashes and a

ACEC NEBRASKA ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Omaha World-Herald

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24th Street Complete Streets Safety Project by Alfred Benesch & Company. high volume of pedestrian and bicycle traffic on 24th Street between L and Leavenworth Streets, this corridor was a prime candidate for Complete Streets enhancement. The City of Omaha selected Benesch to perform the analysis, planning, public outreach, design and construction engineering for the corridor resulting in a solution meeting all the project objectives and budget.

HONOR AWARD Firm: Felsburg Holt & Ullevig

Omaha Traffic Signal System On-Call Design and Operations Services by Felsburg Holt & Ullevig.

Client: City of Omaha Project: Omaha Traffic Signal System On-Call Design and Operations Services

nication infrastructure improvements and hired a team of engineers to study, In 2016, the City of Omaha invested design, construct, and implement imin modern traffic signal and commu- provements across Omaha. Felsburg Holt

& Ullevig was part of the team, providing on-call design and operations support for a five-year citywide signal system upgrade.

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Council Bluffs Interstate System Dual, Divided Freeway by HDR. HONOR AWARD Firm: HDR Client: Iowa Department of Transportation Project: Council Bluffs Interstate System Dual, Divided Freeway

ACEC NEBRASKA ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Omaha World-Herald

Omaha Jones Street, 11th Street to 13th Street by JEO Consulting Group.

The $1.5 billion, 14-mile Council Bluffs Interstate System Improvement Program includes the state’s the first dual, divided freeway; its largest construction project, first tiered environmental permitting, first robust critical path method schedule; and the Iowa DOT’s first project

using a program manager. HDR developed program updates and construction alerts, monitored a construction hotline, created graphics and easy-tounderstand annual reports, and briefed elected officials on progress. Contributing more than 6,000 jobs, the project

accommodates future traffic and planned development. It reduces crashes by 21%, and when crashes do happen, the new intelligent system responds, using sensors, cameras and the state’s first full-color dynamic message signs to monitor and manage traffic.

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ACEC NEBRASKA ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Omaha World-Herald

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Creighton University Parking Lot by Ehrhart Griffin Associates.

HONOR AWARD Firm: JEO Consulting Group Client: City of Omaha Public Works Project: Omaha Jones Street, 11th Street to 13th Street The Rail and Commerce Historic District in downtown Omaha is home to distinct character and energy, stemming from its past as the easternmost hub of the Transcontinental Railroad. Much of its infrastructure had remained untouched since the late 1800s. JEO’s team rehabilitated crumbling roadways, updated sewer infrastructure, and brought sidewalks into compliance.

CATEGORY Small Firms

HONOR AWARD Firm: Ehrhart Griffin & Associates Client: Creighton University Project: Creighton University Parking Lot, 19th and Cuming Streets This project redeveloped an underutilized urban setting property to produce a safe, orderly parking lot for the Creighton University students. The new lot helps replace on-campus parking currently eliminated by construction of a nearby undergraduate residence hall.

Clearway Energy: Burt Street to California Street Utility Expansion by Olsson.

CATEGORY K Energy‌ HONOR AWARD Firm: Olsson Client: Clearway Community Energy Project: Clearway Energy: Burt Street to California Street Utility Expansion

This project merged the Burt Street and California Street utility plants into a single system that delivers essential capacity to the campus and other customers in the area. Expanding the California utility plant involved adding a 3,000-ton chiller, a 6,000-ton cooling tower, and additional support equipment.

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ACEC NEBRASKA ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Big dreams for the funds generated by the infrastructure bill MARJIE DUCEY

World-Herald Staff Writer

Nebraskans won’t see immediate, drastic changes once funds from the federal infrastructure bill start flowing into the state.

According to a fact sheet from the Department of Transportation, Nebraska will receive a 30% increase in federal funding over what had been allocated in the past, amounting to a total of $2.2 billion over five years.

In 2022 alone, that will mean $383 million for highways and roads. Another $45 million will be focused on bridges.

“There will be incremental change,” said Eric Beightel, principal consultant in infrastructure policy and environmental strategy for HDR. “This is a five-year funding bill with many new programs, and it will take some time for the federal government to implement.”

The way the bill was written, he said, there are several conditions on how the money is spent. It will encourage resilient infrastructure, safety on rural roads and be a catalyst for moving transportation into the future.

A total of $30 million of the $2.2 billion will go to developing electric vehicle charging stations.

But while huge changes won’t be apparent right away, knowing those funds are arriving has many dreaming of big goals.

Consider intelligent transportation systems where cars talk to each other and to traffic signals, all electric fleets and smart corridors that seamlessly control rush hour demand without needing more lanes.

“The future, the way technology is advancing, the ultimate goal is having this network of communication between infrastructure and vehicles,” said Adam Denney, a transportation engineer for Felsburg Holt & Ullevig. “You kind of take the driver element out of it. The majority of crashes involve driver error. If you can eliminate that,

you can eliminate traffic deaths.”

And that’s just in transportation. Here’s some other ways that money could be used to improve living for Nebraskans: Jennifer Thompson, transportation engineer, Felsburg Holt & Ullevig: “As the ACEC/NDOT Transportation Committee Chair, I am especially excited for the future of transportation in Nebraska.

The recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will certainly help meet many of Nebraska’s transportation goals.

As a part of the engineering community, I am looking forward to helping complete the long-awaited expressway system. A safe and reliable expressway system that connects communities to each other and to the interstate is essential to accommodate the growth in freight traffic and for the economic health of the State of Nebraska. I am a frequent trail user so I’m excited the funding is also provided to expand our recreational trail system that will be accessible to all ages and abilities and improves the health and well-being of a community.”

Jim Theiler, assistant director, City of Omaha Public Works: “On the environmental side, my response would discuss plans for the funds on the environmental side of the infrastructure package, this includes increased funding for water and wastewater. The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy is mostly utilizing the existing State Revolving Fund loan program to distribute the funding statewide.

On the water side (which is M.U.D., not the City of Omaha) we see a lot going to the program to replace lead water service lines.

On the wastewater side what we understand at this point is that the infrastructure package will allow for the interest rates for this loan program to be set at well below the municipal bond market (currently the rate is 1%), and there is a potential for partial loan forgiveness.”

Elizabeth Elliott, director, Lincoln

Jennifer Thompson

Omaha WOrld-herald

Elizabeth Elliott

Transportation and Utilities: “Lincoln Transportation and Utilities is no stranger to making the impossible possible. Our engineering team and its partners continue to overcome great challenges to create crucial infrastructure that inspires economic opportunities for the Lincoln community. The infrastructure bill offers an opportunity to accelerate progress on a variety of essential projects that increase the safety, health, and sustainability of our residents. Priorities include the city’s effort to secure a second water source for Lincoln, the removal and replacement of lead service pipe across the city, to increase bridge and sidewalk maintenance, speed up ongoing school zone infrastructure updates, and continue to prioritize street improvements that offer an improved quality of life.”

Lucas Billesbach, JEO Consulting Group: “Nebraska is a tremendous state full of hard-working residents and excellent school systems, offering rich competitiveness to what we see in other areas across the country. With this new infrastructure bill, Nebraska will have the ability to attract new families and better retain those already here by embracing the opportunity for generational investments such as access to world-class broadband across the state, quality of life amenities like parks and trails, and advancing our transportation initiatives, including the completion of the four-lane expressway system between the state’s bigger cities and expansion of transportation alternatives.”

Adam Denney, transportation engineer, Felsburg Holt & Ullevig: “I am excited about the opportunities the infrastructure bill provides the City of Omaha and other Nebraska communities to modernize infrastructure and invest in technology that is transforming how we deliver safe and accessible transportation.

Omaha has proactively been upgrading

Lucas Billesbach

their 1,000+ signal system network with future-ready technology, and after working on these projects, I believe it is an investment that will pay safety, quality-of-life, and financial benefits for decades to come.

So, my funding wish list would focus dollars on harnessing things like Advanced Mobility, Electrification, Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAV), and Transit to elevate how we move people, data, and goods in Nebraska.”

Nancy Pridal, CEO/president, Lamp Rynearson: “If granted our infrastructure wish for Nebraska, we would eagerly support the development of infrastructure that moves the needle for homelessness prevention, rural and urban workforce housing and affordable housing development, broadband infrastructure that provides equal access to all, and transit investment that connects people to jobs.

Our priority would be to help communities with planning and design to remove barriers to opportunity caused by legacy infrastructure and that support thriving and connected neighborhoods. Building intentional and sustainable infrastructure adds resiliency in systems, especially for those most at risk for aging and historically underfunded infrastructure and impacts of climate change.”

Mark Mendenhall, senior vice-president, general counsel, M.U.D.: “Congress signaled its intention to eliminate lead water-service lines through the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the American Rescue Plan.

Lead service lines, owned by the homeowner, may threaten water quality to individual homes. The Metropolitan Utilities District is committed to working with our partners in city, county, and the state government to ensure those federal dollars, intended to replace lead service pipes, are used for that purpose. The district

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ACEC NEBRASKA ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

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The Farnam Hotel by Alvine Engineering.

Omaha World-Herald

Offutt Air Force Base Relocation to Lincoln Airport by Alfred Benesch & Company.

2022 ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS: MERIT AWARDS CATEGORY A Studies, Research, Consulting‌

CATEGORY B Building/Technology Systems‌

CATEGORY H Transportation‌

First Nebraska Bank Stormwater Manage-

The Farnam Hotel — Alvine Engineering,

Eppley Airfield Taxiway A-D-F Reconstruc-

ment — Ehrhart Griffin Associates, Peters and Associates Architects, PC Des Moines Integrated Corridor Management — HDR, Iowa Department of Transportation Grand Island Area MPO 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan — HDR, Grand Island Area Metropolitan Planning Organization

The Lund Company Metropolitan Community College Automotive Training Center — IP Design Group, Metropolitan Community College Valmont Industries Medium Voltage Upgrade — Morrissey Engineering, Valmont Industries

Offutt Air Force Base Relocation to Lincoln tion — Lamp Rynearson, Omaha Airport Airport — Alfred Benesch & Authority Company, Lincoln Airport Authority South 56th Street & Yankee Hill Road UNO Maverick Park — HDR, University of Safety Improvement Project — Olsson, City Nebraska at Omaha of Lincoln Waterford Building at Fountain Ridge Office Park — E&A Consulting Group, R&R Realty Group

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ACEC NEBRASKA ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Omaha World-Herald

Sunday, February 20, 2022 |

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Waterford Building at Fountain Ridge Office Park by E&A Consulting Group.

UNO Maverick Park by HDR.

Congratulations

to Schemmer’s own Steve Kathol, PE, SE, President and CEO, on being this year’s recipient of the ACEC Nebraska Charles Durham Achievement Award.

Metropolitan Community College Automotive Training Center by IP Design Group.

Progressive Thinking.

Integrated Approaches.

Inspiring Designs.

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SOLUTIONS REFLECTING YOUR NEEDS Schemmer is a full-service architecture, engineering and construction field services consultant, providing responsible solutions for complex design and construction-related challenges.

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ACEC NEBRASKA ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Omaha World-Herald

Erica Mullen named ACEC Nebraska’s Young Professional of the Year E

First Nebraska Bank Stormwater Management by Ehrhart Griffin Associates.

Grand Island Area MPO 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan by HDR.

rica “Sunny” Mullen, PE of Alfred Benesch & Company, has been named the 2022 Young Professional of the Year by the American Council of Engineering Companies Nebraska.

Mullen, a professional engineer and project manager on Benesch’s engineering team, started as a student intern in 2010. She earned her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Rutgers University and, after practicing on the east coast, rejoined Benesch in 2019.

Her skills include transportation and water/wastewater engineering, hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, MS4 compliance, construction engineering and funding assistance. She leads project teams, develops solutions and is a role model to those in or aspiring to be in the industry.

Mullen’s goal throughout her career has been to make a difference in communities by providing meaningful solutions. In less than a year, she contracted over $1 million in project work and grew Benesch’s Omaha civil infrastructure engineering group, including storm and sanitary sewer, water, hydraulics and hydrology work.

She volunteers her time with Special Olympics, Alzheimer’s Association and the Future City Competition program where she engages with females interested in engineering and planning.

Erica ‘Sunny’ Mullen “I’m passionate about Future City. To see the wonderment in the faces of future engineers is very fulfilling and humbling,” said Mullen.

She is involved in industry associations and her excellence has been recognized by client nomination and election to the American Public Works Association Nebraska Chapter Executive Board in 2021 and the American Society of Civil Engineers 10 New Faces of Civil Engineering in 2017.

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ACEC NEBRASKA ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Omaha World-Herald

Steve D. Kathol receives Durham Award

Steve Kathol

Steve Kathol, president and CEO of Schemmer, is this year’s recipient of the Charles Durham Achievement Award given

by ACEC Nebraska.

The award honors Charles Durham’s leadership in the engineering profession and his community stewardship through civic involvement. Durham served as chairman and CEO of Henningson, Durham and Richardson (HDR), the Omaha-based international engineering and architectural firm.

As president and CEO, Kathol is responsible for leadership, strategic vision and building corporate culture across all Schemmer offices. His leadership approach and philosophies focus on an open-book management style, encouraging every employee to understand the company’s vision, strategy and financial progress, thus creating a culture of ownership and empowering employees to go above and beyond to help Schemmer clients reach their goals. He fosters and supports a sense of community both inside and outside the walls of the organization.

Kathol has served in several leadership roles since joining the firm in 1994. He was named bridge department manager in 2001, elected to the Schemmer board of directors in 2006, named transportation group leader in 2010,

and elected Schemmer president and CEO in 2014. He is Schemmer’s fifth president and CEO since the firm’s inception in 1959.

Kathol is active in ACEC Nebraska, having served as state director in 2010, president in 2013-2014 and national director in 2015-2016.

He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and served as the Nebraska Chapter President in 2006. Kathol is also a member of the Nebraska Society of Professional Engineers.

Schemmer encourages its professionals to

connect with causes they care about. Kathol exemplifies this in his commitment to the Boys Town Booster Club and his work as a board member with both the Boy Scouts of America Mid-America Council and the ACE Mentor Program of Greater Omaha.

Kathol is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earning a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and a Master of Science in structural engineering. Kathol is licensed as a professional engineer in nine states.

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During National Engineers Week, we express our gratitude for the generous support from the state of Nebraska, the University of Nebraska, donors and friends, and our industry. Our success — from current students and distinguished alumni to hardworking staff and award-winning faculty — is a direct result of these partnerships.

See how we are developing Complete Engineers®  Engineering.unl.edu

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ACEC NEBRASKA ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

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