Orange County Branch Newsletter

April 2015

Secretary's Column

Volunteer at St. John's Episcopal School's STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) Day

By Greg Henk, PE



My career in civil engineering really began as a sophomore at Marquette University High School when an uncle asked me what I was going to do in life and I replied that I was going to be a structural engineer.  From that simple statement, I was able to enjoy the benefits of a good education, excellent career opportunities, gracious mentors and overall – doing public good through very rewarding work.  What could be better?
 
My start with ASCE was early during my education at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI.  I continued my ASCE participation through my 20-year career path in Denver, CO with CDOT and as Chief Engineer with the E-470 Public Highway Authority.  My wife Robyn and I also started our family of six children while in Denver.
 
I furthered my ASCE participation and my career as an EVP with the TCA’s and as a VP with Flatiron Constructors here in Orange County.  I also am proud to have been chosen as ASCE’s Construction Manager of the Year in 1998.  Although I have worked nationally for  most of the last 15 years of my career, I have called Orange County home for the last 25 years.
 
I am also proud to have become a Fellow as well as a Life Member of ASCE.
 
I am currently working with EWB-OC and others on the Safari Park Bridge Railings project and spending time monthly on STEM and STEAM projects with OC High Schools, Jr. High’s and Elementary Schools. As a running enthusiast, I am bringing my passion to ASCE OC by captaining the first ASCE Ragnar 200 mile relay team running from Huntington Beach to San Diego on April 10-11.
 
I was a recently an engineer Volunteer at St. John's Episcopal School's STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) Day on March 5th.  The elementary school age students prepared for the day with weeks of classroom work where they prepared plans and materials for the day.  There were many projects geared for the appropriate age groups.  The assemblies took place on STEAM Day and most students quickly realized that their plans needed some changes to make them work - very fun to watch the group dynamics of revising the assembly process in real time.  The volunteers were only there to encourage and ask questions but the questions could be worded to assist the students with their assemblies.  It was a very rewarding day!
 
I look forward to serving as the ASCE-OC as Secretary.

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