Article From the Board
By Jeremy L. Achter, Current SEAU President
On August 8, 1980, 37 structural engineers from firms and practices throughout Utah came together under one umbrella to form the Structural Engineers Association of Utah. 44 years later, we are nearly 400 members strong and growing. Since that date, a lot has changed in the practice of structural engineering and is continuing to change. Perhaps nothing is more noticeable than the rate of change, which seems to be increasing every day. I believe that none of those 37 engineers could have imagined what the practice would look like today.
In the years since, one thing hasn’t changed, or more specifically, six things haven’t changed, the original goals of the organization. Each goal is just as relevant today as it was in 1980. Even if we realize today that we can (and probably should) add some new ones to the list, I argue that these are still at the top.
- Promote acquaintance and understanding among structural engineers.
- Promote technical expertise.
- Promote legislation and codes relating to structural engineering.
- Increase public awareness of structural engineering.
- Discourage unethical and detrimental practice.
- Promote high standards of structural engineering in the best interests of clients, community, public and the profession.
44 years ago, the most important thing in my world was whether my blue Schwinn Scrambler with the red pin stripe had air in the tires. Today, I am grateful that those 37 individuals recognized the importance of what they were doing and had the vision and the means to lay the SEAU foundation. I hope we all recognize the value in SEAU’s original goals and how important they are to what we do and how we interact today.
SEAU has accomplished many great things since its inception and with your help will continue to do so into the future. As an organization, we must stay true to these six goals and over the course of the next year, we will further our commitment to each of them. Thank you for being a member and thank you for the contribution that you make every day to this noble and important profession.
Jeremy L. Achter, P.E., S.E., LEEDap
SEAU President
