A Message from Engineers Week 2005 Chair Victoria Rockwell

Engineers find solutions within the complex and ever-changing world of ideas, practices, and technologies. These innovations spring from a mix of new faces with fresh ideas and enthusiasm and the knowledge base, experiences, and implementation abilities of the more seasoned faces. Together we explore the multi-dimensional aspects of global economics, cultures, and societies to help us meet challenges that we may encounter as engineering solutions introduce new technologies into our everyday lives.

Today, the beginning of the 21st century, we recognize that change must be viewed from a global perspective – that the world is our community. Engineers Week opens doors for us to celebrate engineering achievements throughout this complex world, to foster that sense of responsibility for building appropriate and sustainable solutions, and to demonstrate leadership in the betterment of life for those less fortunate communities, wherever they be. In doing this, we will learn far more about our own strengths, challenges, and future directions.

There is an innate quality that all engineers have, and that is a desire to make the world a better place. That ethic comes from a strong sense of responsibility that most engineers have, and it is a trait that we are hoping to capitalize on during the 2005 Engineers Week celebration. Every time an engineer develops a new concept, process, or product, it is to solve a problem or to make something that is good even better with the result that our quality of life is improved.

This year, we recognize engineers and engineering globally with BP p.l.c., the first non-U.S. based industry co-chair for these events. Using a full portfolio of well developed programs, we look toward a brighter future – one aimed at encouraging youngsters and students as well as adults to participate with us in Engineers Week activities. These include the introduction of Engineers Without Borders (EWB) to the EWEEK program portfolio. EWB builds teams of engineers inclusive of all ages and disciplines to extend sustainable and appropriate technological solutions into communities in need. Many of our other programs continue as well, including ZOOM™ Into Engineering for K-6 students, Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, New Faces of Engineering, the National Engineers Week Future City Competition™ for middle-school students, and Internet Connecting the World to Engineering forums to bring undergraduate students and young engineers together with business and industry leaders. Engineers Week reaches out to everyone to share who we are and what we do best.

Please celebrate with us and start or join in an EWEEK activity in your community.

Victoria A. Rockwell
2005 Chair, Engineers Week,
ASME Senior Vice President of Public Affairs,
Senior Manager - Investment Development
Air Liquide America LP
Houston, Texas