About

 

2024-2025 Executive Board of Directors
 

President

Edward J. Van. Arsdale, P.E., M.ASCE

Secretary
Brian Williams, P.E, M.ASCE

Treasurer
Austin (Joe) Eberly, P.E., M.ASCE

 

Board of Directors (click for full list)

 

Past Section Presidents (click for full list)

 

Civil Engineering
 

Civil engineering is one of the oldest professions of humanity.  The term “civil engineering” came into use in the 18th century to describe engineering work that was being performed by civilians for non-military purposes.  Today’s civil engineers conceive, design and oversee construction projects having to do with civil infrastructure, the structures that our society depends upon to function.  Civil engineers designed every modern infrastructure system in the U.S. today.

Consider some engineering “products” that you use every day. The roads on which you drive, the buildings in which you work, the pipes from which you drink, the public transit on which you ride; all around you are countless examples.  Civil engineers are responsible stewards for America's infrastructure facilities.  They work with government agencies, citizens and private clients to ensure the safety of the general public.  These projects involve many technical, economic, social and environmental factors and can occur on many different levels, from municipal to national governments or from individual homeowners to international companies.  This important work is combined with a desire to make our infrastructure sustainable and environmentally sound, while remaining functional and cost-effective.  Civil engineers work in almost all aspects of engineering, but the main specialties include: environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering and water resources engineering.

 

ASCE in Brief
 

Founded in 1852, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) represents more than 150,000 members of the civil engineering profession worldwide and is the nation's oldest engineering society.  ASCE's vision is Civil engineers are global leaders building a better quality of life.  The society is built upon local strengths, maintaining 75 Sections, 155 Branches, and 125 Younger Member Groups.  Through the expertise of its active membership, ASCE is a leading provider of technical and professional conferences and continuing education, the world's largest publisher of civil engineering content, and an authoritative source for codes and standards that protect the public.  The society advances civil engineering technical specialties through 9 different institutes and leads with its many professional- and public-focused programs.

Pennsylvania is divided into four Sections of ASCE - Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley, Central Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh.  The ASCE Central PA Section has nearly 1,100 members and represents the engineering and construction industry for communities throughout Central Pennsylvania.

To learn more about the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Civil Engineering profession, visit ASCE's website.

 

Our Mission
 

Provide essential value to our members and partners, advance civil engineering, and serve the public good. In carrying out that mission, ASCE:

• Advances technology

• Encourages lifelong learning

• Promotes professionalism and the profession

• Develops civil engineer leaders

• Advocates infrastructure and environmental stewardship

 

Younger Members Group

 

Learn more about Younger Members Group.

 

Student Chapters

 

There are six student chapters supported by the Central PA Section - Bucknell University, The Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus, The Pennsylvania State University - Harrisburg, York  College, Messiah College, and Shippensburg University.

A key principle of the Student Chapters is to assist students in the transition from academia to the Civil Engineering profession. ASCE Student Chapters expose civil engineering students to professionals in the industry and allow them to develop professional relationships. These relationships can be integral to securing future employment.

The Student Chapters are an excellent conduit for exercising principles of personal and public relations. For example, student chapter members prepare and submit reports to the Central PA Society regarding their Section activities, present and discuss papers, conduct various activities, provide leadership opportunities in the form of a Board and host guest speakers who discuss real world civil engineering projects.

Learn more about Student Chapters