On April 23, ASCE held its annual celebration of exemplary projects and leaders, the OPAL Awards Dinner. This celebration allows us to highlight those who set examples for all of us. You can find a complete list of winners on our Web site, and watch video tributes to each of the honorees.

I believe that the entire profession wins when we publicize the great people in civil engineering and the work that we do. The winners of our Leaders categories are people who we hold up as examples. Engineers both young and old are inspired by the accomplishments of these people. Yet each approaches this recognition with humility and a desire to place the spotlight on others or on the people who were helped by their efforts. Our winning projects also exemplify the ability of civil engineers to create masterpieces. These projects solve major problems with simplicity and grace. They will serve their intended purposes for decades. Who cannot be inspired by such creative genius?

Those of us who attended had the privilege of celebrating up close and personal. I encourage the rest of the civil engineering profession to take a few minutes and celebrate with us. Offer a toast to our winners and the great profession that you share with us.

Last week, my entry praised the contributions of Bernard Amadei and EWB. The overall concept got me to thinking. All of us are deeply moved by the stories that we hear of simple infrastructure improvements making a difference in the lives of poor villagers. When did we lose that vision for those of us who practice in the U.S. or other developed countries?

I believe that all infrastructure provides a measurable benefit to the community where it is built. Why don’t we perceive a new or improved bridge making a difference in a city in the same way as we do a rural village? Certainly, the bridge in the village represents a larger portion of the built environment. However, the urban bridge benefits a multiple of the beneficiaries of the smaller project. Every water line improves the dependability, performance, safety, and quality of water delivered to our homes and businesses. Every lift station decreases the chances that untreated wastewater will end up in a creek, street, or home. Every roadway provides enhancements to the safety, quality of life, and economy of the community. Every park, green space, or other similar project enhances the environment for both people and indigenous animals. In short, urban infrastructure benefits all of us.

We need to continue to reach out to the developing world as humanitarians and professionals. We also need to remind ourselves of the value of what we deliver to our friends and neighbors each day. Tell that to a young person considering engineering for a career.

New York City was the venue for a recent dinner honoring Dr. Bernard Amadei, an ASCE member, with the ENR Award of Excellence. Dr. Amadei is the founder of Engineers Without Borders, an organization dedicated to providing simple engineering solutions to the poorest villages in the world. Listening to his acceptance speech was an inspiration to all in attendance.

This incredibly powerful concept grew from a simple desire to help a young girl attend school instead of carrying water for her family. From these humble beginnings, EWB has grown to a large organization reaching around the world. EWB is putting a face on the technology that we use to benefit mankind. Our civil engineering students and young professionals are particularly interested in the work of EWB.

ASCE is a strong supporter of EWB with both capital and staff resources. Dr. Amadei is yet another reason that we can be proud to be civil engineers!

Today marks the start of baseball season! What does that have to do with ASCE? I am not sure, but the beginning of baseball season is always a good day. In my backyard of downtown Houston, Texas, the Astros will play the Chicago Cubs in Minute Maid Park.

The stadium is an award-winning structure with an innovative movable roof. This early in the season, the lid will be open. Houstonians love the roof to be closed in July for some reason. Fans will arrive on a system of roadways and freeways that allows access from all directions. Plenty of clean, fresh water will be available for all who attend, and their biological needs will be met without them giving it a second thought. The wrappers from hot dogs, paper cups, and empty bottles will be gathered and recycled or sent to a landfill. If it rains (boo!), our feet will be kept dry by our storm sewer system.

All in all, I suppose that baseball is totally dependant on civil engineers. Put that on a sign the next time you attend a game.