ASCE seeks award nominations

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is seeking nominations for its 2009 national achievement awards, including the Outstanding Projects and Leaders (OPAL) Awards, Henry L. Michel Award for Industry Advancement of Research, the Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement (OCEA) Award, and the Charles Pankow Award for Innovation.

OPAL Awards are given in recognition of the lifetime achievements and contributions of a civil engineer that have greatly enhanced the health, safety, and welfare of our nation and the world. One award is given in each of five categories: Construction, for innovation and excellence in the construction of civil engineering projects or programs; Design, for innovation and excellence in civil engineering design; Education, for demonstrated excellence in furthering civil engineering education; Government, for demonstrated leadership of public-sector projects or programs; and Management, for exceptional management skills in his or her professional career.

The Henry L. Michel Award for Industry Advancement of Research recognizes dedication, vision, and leadership in advancing research in the design and construction industry. The Michel Award was established in 1996 to honor Henry L. Michel, past chairman of the board of directors of the Civil Engineering Research Foundation.

The Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement (OCEA) Award is given in recognition of a civil engineering project’s contribution to the well-being of a community and its people, its resourcefulness in planning and design challenges, and its use of innovative materials and techniques.

The Charles Pankow Award for Innovation honors collaboration in innovative design, materials, or construction-related research and development sustainably transferred into practice. This award is named in honor of industry visionary Charles J. Pankow (1924-2004).

Nominations for the awards must be received by 5:00 p.m. EST, Oct. 1, 2008. The awards will be presented at ASCE’s OPAL Awards Gala on Thursday, April 23, 2009.