Structural Engineers Association of Utah

SEAU SE3 Committee--Structural Engineering, Engagement and Equity

Posted by [email protected] on 09/30/2025 12:00 am / Articles from the Board

Jeff Thomas

By Jeff Thomas, SEAU SE3 Committee Chair

Have you ever been frustrated by someone who asks too many questions or challenges your well-reasoned ideas? I used to feel that way—until I realized that in a company, those different perspectives are essential for good decision-making. I call this diversity of thought.

Some say diversity is valuable on principle. I’d argue it’s essential for a competitive business. When everyone thinks alike, it’s easy to move forward—but how do you know your ideas are sound? In structural engineering, where lives depend on our decisions, it’s critical to examine ideas from every angle. While one person can do this with effort, a diverse team does it naturally and more efficiently.

Of course, working with people who have different communication styles, personalities, or cultural backgrounds can create friction. That discomfort is real—but so are the benefits. Studies back this up: a BCG study of 1,700 companies found that more diverse teams had greater innovation. A McKinsey report of 1,263 companies showed that those in the top 25% for diversity outperformed the bottom 25% by 39%.

So next time you’re working with a new team member, hiring, or voting on a board member and think, “This person doesn’t fit our culture,” ask yourself: could their different perspective be an asset—if you’re willing to invest in better communication

At the end of the day, if you’re uncomfortable with diversity, a single article by someone who clearly isn’t a professional writer probably won’t change your mind. But if you’re open to a conversation about diversity in the structural engineering profession, take a look at the website for Structural Engineering Engagement and Equity (aka SE3) and send me an email at [email protected].

References

Dixon-Fyle, S., Huber, C., del Mar Martínez Márquez, M., Prince, S., Thomas, A., & Hunt, V.

(2023, December 5). Diversity matters even more: The case for holistic impact. Retrieved from McKinsey: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/diversity-matters-even-more-the-case-for-holistic-impact

Lorenzo, R., Voigt, N., Tsusaka, M., & Krentz, M.

(2018, January 23). How Diverse Leadership Teams Boost Innovation. Retrieved from BCG: https://www.bcg.com/publications/2018/how-diverse-leadership-teams-boost-innovation

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Annual SEAU Golf Tournament Update - September 15, 2025

Posted by [email protected] on 09/30/2025 12:00 am / Articles from the Board

Matt McBride

By Matt McBride, SEAU Golf Tournament

A big thank you to all of those that participated in the 18th Annual SEAU Golf Tournament. We had our largest turnout ever, and really appreciate the time everyone took to support our event and help raise funds for our scholarships. We had 106 players sign up and golf this year. Thank you everyone for coming and for any donations you provided to help increase funds for the scholarships that are awarded at the annual social.

SEAU Golf Tournament

We especially want to thank our hole sponsors: Contech, Corebrace, Vulcraft/Verco, Seismic Bracing Co., Keller North America, EVER Seismic, MiTek, Redbuilt, DuraFuse, Schuff Steel, Simpson Strong-Tie, SBR Vision Graphics, Utah Masonry Council, and ProTek Support for their help and donations to make this a great event and also provide funds for the scholarships. We also thank Amrize and CoreBrace for sponsoring our 1st and 2nd place teams along with Utah Ready Mix and DuraFuse for sponsoring our hole competitions. A big thanks to AE Urbia for sponsoring our lunch as well.

Congratulations to the team from TSBE for taking first place this year with the Hazelwood Engineering team taking 2nd with the same score but losing in the tie breaker. The Wadsworth team following a shot behind taking 3rd. Here are the results from this year’s tournament. Thank you again to everyone for participating and especially to Nicole Eskelsen for all her hard work in putting things together for the tournament and everything else she does for SEAU as the executive director.

SEAU Golf Tournament