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2015 Concrete Canoe photos from the ASCE Foundation

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ExCEEd: Teaching the Teachers

Did you know that one of the programs the Foundation supports, Excellence in Civil Engineer Education (ExCEEd), helps civil engineering educators expand their knowledge and teachings of the civil engineering profession by offering a Teaching Workshop? ExCEEd helps faculty from two-year to four-year institutions, in teaching and research, for those who may not have the formal teaching techniques.

The ExCEEd Teaching Workshops will help improve civil engineering educators in the following areas:

Principles of effective teaching and learning

Learning styles

Communication Skills

Learning Objectives

Class organization and course organization

Development of interpersonal rapport with students

Teaching with technology

Classroom assessment techniques

Seminars are taught by demonstrations who are ExCEEd faculty members that have models of high quality teaching. Those taking the workshop will implement what they have learned by teaching three actual classes, along with ExCEEd faculty members and other participants. ExCEEd‘s “learn by doing” message will ensure what educators learn will be retained and implemented by the end of the course. 

 To take part in ExCEEd Teach Workshop, applicants must:

Be currently employed by a two year or four-year institution of higher learning;

Teach civil engineering, civil engineering technology, engineering mechanics, or a closely related subject; and

Be a member of ASCE or its institutes.

Those interested in or take part in ExCEEd workshops support the cause that improvement of educational practice is crucial in institutions. Civil engineering needs educators who hold a high standard for the profession.

The ASCE Foundation supports ExCEEd’s efforts in helping educators expand their knowledge by giving them a grant to uphold the program. 

To learn more about ExCEEd contact: Phone: [phone], ext. 6267 Email: [email protected]

Jill Simonson Development Assistant, ASCE Foundation 

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Association Mascots- The Story of Phil

It’s quite simple how a staff member’s stuffed animal became to represent the Foundation. In October 2012 we were searching for an innovative way for us engage more on social media and to increase our fan base. A quick search of our offices and homes and a small stuffed hedgehog was discovered and Phil the Philanthropist hedgehog was born.  Born primarily to drive social-media conversation, Phil has become a permanent part of the ASCE Foundation as members would rather interact online with a cute, cuddly character than with a faceless corporate executive.

Mascots as Marketing Tools

Brand mascots date back to the 1890s with the arrival of Aunt Jemima and the Michelin Man and took off in the 1950s with the widespread use of the television.  Tony the Tiger and the Pillsbury Doughboy burst onto our television screens and marketers have not looked back. Brands have redesigned their characters, spending millions to create strong brand-character recognition in attempts to increase sales revenue.  Mars Chocolate North America used the Super Bowl to unveil its sixth M&M's character, making "Ms. Brown" the star of a multimillion-dollar ad.

Mascots Catch People’s Attention

For the past two years, Phil has travelled to multiple states and even to Europe and continues to be an outreach tool for the Foundation. People love to meet mascots, get pictures with them, and give them a high five, and Phil is no exception. More importantly, it has provided an opportunity for the Foundation to engage with members. Younger members to our association (those under 35) are not our average donor, yet they have been our biggest fans on social media and at conferences. Using Phil as a character online, but also offline has allowed him to engage on a deeper level than simply on a two dimensional format of print.

Rules for Using Mascots

Keep your target audience in mind- We wanted a physical mascot that could easily travel with staff and be mailed as our association has national membership and would need to be on the move.  As we work to engage younger members, his visits have been strategic including trips to college chapters and younger member regional groups. 

Monitor your mascot’s online presence- As Phil has travelled to college campuses and other venues, we rely on members to engage with Phil in appropriate manners. Occasionally staff will find photos of Phil on personal member’s social media sites, rather than on official sites. While no issues have arisen, it’s smart to be aware of who has access to your mascot and be prepared to step in when necessary.

Have fun- We wanted an advocate to both promote civil engineering, but also the philanthropic work of the Foundation and to be approachable to our younger members.  Phil has provided the opportunity to engage with individuals that we most likely would not have without our furry friend, and the enjoyment people have with him is exciting.

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What do Prometheus, Civil Engineers, & Philanthropists have in Common?

By Natalie Zundel, Director of Philanthropy

Imagine for a moment you are in ancient Greece. The warm Mediterranean sun is upon your face, and you are gazing out from the island of Samos. You are Eupalinos, the first hydraulic engineer whose name will be passed down through history. You are completing what will be a global civil engineering historical achievement – the second tunnel in history to be excavated from both ends, and the first to utilize a geometry-based approach to do so. What will become known as the Tunnel of Eupalinos, is 3,399 feet in length and will serve as an aqueduct delivering water underneath Mount Kastro to the city of Samos.

Around this same time in Greece, in the 5th century BC, the term “philanthropy” is coined to describe the character of Prometheus in a new play. Prometheus is that all important Titan who loved humanity and bestowed upon us the gift of fire, enabling us to progress and begin to build great civilizations. Civilizations which are, eventually, able to bore through mountains to provide life-sustaining water supply to our ever growing cities.

The word philanthropy means “love of humanity” in ancient Greek. And it is no coincidence that its origin comes at a time of great infrastructure expansion in Greek society, and is associated with the mythology that the Greeks used to explain their own origin of progress.  What are the now the fields of civil engineering and philanthropy share a closely related past. And they share the same driving ideal of improving the quality of life for all humanity.

The spirit of philanthropy, even in its modern definition (“initiatives for public good, focusing on the quality of life”) is embodied in the work that civil engineers do every day to connect, protect, and grow our communities.

That is why for those of us who work at the ASCE Foundation, our work to support the profession of civil engineering is a no brainer. From Prometheus to Eupalinos. From the practicing modern civil engineer to our supporters making gifts each year. Each of your varied actions have the same goal. A goal we share and support. To build a better world.