Fostering connection, inspiring growth
How one of CWRU’s oldest student groups hopes to build on their success
As Case Western Reserve University celebrates its bicentennial, one of its oldest student groups is ringing in their own 100 year anniversary—with more than one reason to celebrate.
The CWRU chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers has long been a staple on campus, providing interested students with opportunities to network, demonstrate their skills and collaborate with peers and alumni. This summer, the organization was awarded the 2026 Distinguished Chapter Award by the National ASCE.
As explained in a letter from ASCE, "the award is made annually to the most outstanding student organization in your region," which includes 23 universities across Ohio and Michigan. The award, according to faculty advisor Katie Wheaton, recognizes not only the quantity of programming planned by the chapter, but also the variety of events offered to students.
“They want to see a balance of professional programming, social programming and outreach,” said Wheaton. “So the leadership team has been very thoughtful about having all of these components included in their planning.”
The Distinguished Chapter Award was based on programming from the 2024-25 academic year, but the current chapter leaders intend to build on this momentum of their predecessors. In addition to mentorship meet ups at The Coffee House, networking nights, and lunch and learn events where companies come to discuss their work with large groups of students, the group will host students from a local middle school on campus this fall.
“It’s a group of about 30 seventh and eighth grade students,” said ASCE president Jack Rudofsky. “We’re sending a bunch of our students to talk to them about engineering, and we have an activity planned as well. These events aren’t as simple as just putting kids on a bus and bringing them here, it’s really an all-encompassing planning process with a lot of logistical concerns.”
The group is also planning to carry on some long-held traditions, including the student favorite Gingerbridge event. Held just before the winter break, this event challenges participants to build a weight-bearing bridge out of gingerbread, graham crackers, candy and frosting.
“Awards are very much based on vibes,” the student leaders said. “We kind of make it up as we go, but there are some categories and we invite professors to judge. It’s just a fun way to blow off steam before everyone leaves campus.”
Despite these lighthearted events, members of ASCE see lasting advantages to the connections they find among their members. Students have landed internships and jobs through professional relationships made within the group and have had the opportunity to attend regional and national conferences where they participate in competitions, have professional and personal development opportunities, and network with industry leaders and executives.
“We’re a very active chapter,” said vice president Akhila Venkat. “We really do want to connect with people who are interested in civil engineering. Community is very important to us, and it’s really special that we can have that tight knit group here.”
