WRYMC, ERYMC, CRYMC, Oh My!
The Multi-Regional Leadership Conference (MRLC) took place in LA, Newark, and Minneapolis. Theses conferences bring together leaders, younger members and student chapters for a time of community building, networking, personal and professional development, resources availed to members from ASCE HQ and being brought up to speed on internal ASCE programs.
During the Conference, the ASCE Foundation took grant applications for a $500 grant to be awarded at each MRLC. Applicants from sections, branches, younger members and student chapters were invited to apply. The Foundation asked about the group’s need and how the group plans to use the funds. The Foundation awarded $500 to Student Chapters at the San Diego State University, University of Maine and the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. The San Diego State University Student Chapter plans to use their grant money for purchasing supplies to attend and host community event through their ambassador program which reaches out to k-12 kids and community colleges. The University of Maine Student Chapter plans to use their grant for outreach to younger children and to help foster an interest to consider engineering in their futures. Students at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology plan to use the grant for desperately needed supplies for the lab to compete in Concrete Canoe and Steel Bridge competitions.
ASCE President- Elect Nominees Robin Kemper and Kancheepuram (Guna) Gunalan, both shared on their visions for civil engineering and where they see ASCE in the future. During the Q&A section, both answered questions about how they plan to make a difference for the greater good of ASCE and our members.
ASCE’s current President Elect Kristina Swallow eloquently spoke about the importance of asking for help and saying “yes” when opportunities are presented as careers begin and change during one’s lifetime. She attributed her success to people who personally invested in her, along with her relationships within the ASCE.
At each MRLC, attendees had the opportunity to see a prescreening of the “fine cut” of the Dream Big IMAX movie, after which was a leadership celebration and awards dinner. At the dinners, awards were given to the younger members who celebrated their achievements.
The Foundation supports many programs that promote lifelong learning, including the MRLCs. It is important to bring together different generations of engineers to engage and network with each other; and encourage seasoned professions to share their insights and experiences and give of themselves. Student and Younger Members are anxious to receive those lessons and share their enthusiasm back to the older generations. We encourage the conversations to continue to occur outside the walls of the MRLC conferences throughout the year.
Photos from ASCE YM Group