Paying It Forward ESD FELLOWS SHARE SUPPORT, WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE BY SUSAN THWING
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he Engineering Society of Detroit’s College of Fellows are a unique group of engineers, architects, scientists and leaders with achievements of exceptional distinction. They are individuals with a lifetime of accomplishments and elevation in multiple areas, which include professions, professional societies, educational backgrounds, publications, and patents. However, their impact on organizations and the individuals working within is much more personal. “They are professionals who give of themselves, paying forward their expertise to assist, grow, share and support their fellow engineers, improve the industry, as well as society in general,” said Filza Walters, FESD, Past Chair of the ESD College of Fellows, and founding director of the architectural engineering program at Lawrence Technological University. In a recent conversation with Dr. Marburger (president emeritus, and former chairman and chief executive officer of Lawrence Technological University) Walters reflected on Marburger’s many years of service to the Engineering Society. “He frequently stated, while paraphrasing John F. Kennedy’s quote “Ask not what ESD can do for you, ask what you can do for ESD,” Walters continued, “and that was music to his ears!” And that’s what the College of Fellows members do, she said. Fellows are conferred by invitation of the ESD Board of Directors for outstanding and extraordinary
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2021
qualifications and experience in their professions as evidenced by accomplishments in the following major areas: % Technical achievement % Professional achievement % ESD service and leadership % Professional society service and leadership (as indicated by honors and awards, publications and patents, academic service and leadership) % Community service and leadership “And that pretty much sums it up. We are a group who support, network, and look out for each other,” Walters said. “One of the main responsibilities we have as Fellows is to be available for younger, emerging members.” Walters said. “Quite often, we are able to recognize unique gifts and talents that others may not see in themselves.” She continued to say, “It is important to acknowledge fellow professionals and to show gratitude, and as Fellows, we take great pride in being able to reward others for the substantial value of their life’s work.” Walters said “the number of Fellows in my lifetime who have had an impact on me is immeasurable”, siting the breadth of experience within the College and the renown engineers who are members. “Lee Iacocca was an ESD Fellow, and although I never met him, his book Where Have All the Leaders Gone, was very inspiring to me. Many of the members are retired, yet vital members and contributors—sharing their
Filza H. Walters, FESD, is the Past Chair of the ESD College of Fellows.
stories and perspectives. They have such rich histories and work hard to preserve and maintain a fellowship bond to each other and to the engineering profession. It is humbling to be a part of this group,” Walters said. Walters’ achievements include b e i n g i n st r u m e n t a l i n c re a t i n g, developing and launching the integ ra t e d b a c h e l o r- m a s t e r s a rc h i tectural engineering program at Lawrence Tech. This fast-track program was introduced in the fall of 2009 and is the first program of its kind in Michigan. Prior to that, Walters worked for more than 18 years as a designer, consulting engineer, project manager, and owner’s representative, working on commercial, institutional, healthcare, industrial and educational facilities. Her own philosophy is to “guide, prepare and motivate students to become life-long learners who are dedicated to creating sustainable, healthy environments.” She is committed to serving the next generation of engineers, and regularly acts as a speaker and a mentor for ESD’s middle school STEAM programs, including Future City. This fits in perfectly with the learning-focused, expansive