On March 26, 2022, the Virginia Section of ASCE hosted the Centennial Gala at the Omni Richmond Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. This was the main event in a series of ongoing events throughout 2022 celebrating the 100th birthday of ASCE in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The event was planned and thrown by a Subcommittee established under the Virginia Section Board of Directors (BOD), along with the help of many volunteers and longtime ASCE supporters.
Nancy Lehr, Virginia Section President, and Christina Ammens, Region 4 Governor for Virginia, were Masters of Ceremony. Carolyn Perry, Matt Amonette, and several others worked behind the scenes to make sure everything was running smoothly and everyone was having a great time!
Over 150 attendees were treated to an amazing evening of food and drink, presentation of awards, dancing, and reuniting and socializing with our local and state-wide ASCE community. The evening was highlighted by the keynote speaker, 2022 ASCE President, Dr. Dennis D. Truax, PE, DEE, DWRE, FASCE, FNSPE; White Endowed Chair, Head & Prof., Civil & Environmental Engineering, Mississippi State University. He gave an inspiring speech that touched on both the history of ASCE over the past 100 years as well as the outlook of ASCE over the next 100 years.
The Virginia Section hosted a Meet and Greet with Dr. Turax prior to the Gala. This Meet and Greet was open to all ASCE members who would like to have candid conversations with the National President. Approximately 30 members met with President Truax at the Meet and Greet. President Truax also met with every ASCE student chapters in the Virginia Section, plus Sweet Briar College the week leading up to the Centennial Gala.
The Richmond Branch was honored to have much of its BOD and members in attendance. On behalf of the Richmond ASCE community, a special appreciation to Kimley-Horn, who received an award at the Gala for being the “Best of Best” supporters of the Richmond Branch over the past 100 years. Over the past 10 years along, Kimley-Horn has had over 20 employees serve on the Richmond Branch BOD including three past-president. In addition to serving on the BOD, Kimley-Horn has provided speakers, panelist, and sponsorships for many local ASCE event. It was an honor to have our very own Catherine Sydnor (center) accept this award on behalf of Kimley-Horn.
Best-of-the-Best Awards and Centennial Leadership Awards were also presented to the following outstanding people (left to right): Victor I. Crawford, Bradford L. Price, Dr. Randel L. Dymond, and Lamont “Bud” Curtis (not in photo). National Capital Section Board Members (On right) presented a recognition plaque to the Virginia Sections.
The Gala was well represented by past presidents.
A fabulous time was enjoyed by all!
We obtained a proclamation of the Celebration from Governor Glenn Youngkin.
A banner showing 32 Civil Engineering Landmarks, including 7 historic sites was on display.
