Call for Entries

These outstanding individuals have crafted engineering wonders that have contributed to the creation of thriving businesses and the local economies of the communities they serve. Lifetime recipients represent a model of achievement to which future generations of engineers aspire to match or exceed.

Each year, five outstanding civil engineering leaders, whose lifetime engineering accomplishments have made significant impacts to the creation of thriving businesses and the local economies of the communities they serve. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is looking for 2025’s OPAL winners. These leaders have a lifetime of accomplishments and achievements that have made significant differences in Construction, Design, Education, Government and Management.  All Civil Engineers are eligible and society membership is not required.

For more information go to ASCE’s website for OPAL Awards Gala

For questions or assistance, please contact awards@asce.org. 

Nomination Deadline: June 1, 2024.

Distinguished Members is the highest honor
ASCE can bestow on an individual.

It is reserved for civil engineers who are either ASCE Members or Fellows. One class of recipients is formally inducted annually. Whether elected from the membership as a Society Fellow or Member, Distinguished Members (formerly called Honorary Members) are entitled to all the rights and privileges of the Society. These leaders are recognized for superiority in position, character, and achievement through significant contributions to the profession. This is the highest recognition ASCE may confer, second only to the title of ASCE President.

Criteria:

• Members of the Board of Direction are ineligible for election to honorary membership during their terms of active membership on the Board of Direction.
• Self-nominations are not permitted.
• Complete nomination packages must be submitted electronically by a Society member in good standing.
• The nomination package consists of the completed nomination form (including the endorsing signature from an officer of an Organizational Entity and a 40 word citation highlighting the reason why the nominee should be elected; 1 page summary biography (distinct from the citation); resume or CV not to exceed 15 pages; and a list of 6 individuals who will provide reference letters. Reference letters must not exceed 2 pages each and must be sent electronically to the Honors and Awards Program office. The Society Awards Committee places high value on reference letters, including source, relationship to the nominee and originality.
• The total page count of a complete nomination package may not exceed 30 pages.
• The Society Awards Committee will review the nominations and transmit to all members of the Board of Direction, not later than one month prior to the meeting at which they will be considered by the Board, the names and biographies of those nominees whom it recommends for election.
• The listing of recommended nominees should not exceed 12.
• A person elected to Distinguished Membership will be notified promptly thereof by the Secretary.
• The election will be canceled if an acceptance is not received within 60 days after the mailing of such notice.

For more information on the award and the specifics of nominating a Distinguished Member, go to ASCE’s website for Distinguished Members. Detailed instructions are available under “Nominate a Candidate for Distinguished Member.”

For questions or assistance, please contact awards@asce.org. 

Nomination Deadline: December 15, 2024.