What is a Diplomate?
A Diplomate (Diplo-mate) is a board certified engineer who has gained the credential by achieving advanced education and experience and/or passed a board examination.
View AGP Map of Diplomates in a full screen map
AGP Inducts 6th Class
Front Row (L to R):Krishna Reddy,Christopher Trumbull,Scott Huntsman, Guoming Lin,John Turner,Joseph Francis Callanan,Jose Clemente,Faiz Makdisi,Satya Varadhi,Back Row (L to R):Maurice Power,Pradeep Kurup,Jorge Meneses,Francis Leathers,Andrew Walker,Arturo Ressi di Cervia,Dakshana Murthy,John Sutton,John Wallace,Craig Denny,Franciscus Hardianto,Narendra Verma,Not pictured:Van Komurka,Joseph Waxse,Manoochehr Zoghi
The Academy of Geo-Professionals (AGP) held its sixth induction ceremony on Monday, March 26, 2012, in Oakland, California as part of ASCE's Geo-Institute Annual Congress. The Academy, which now conducts its ceremony annually, has been in operations since October 2008 and has inducted over 235 Diplomates. On this evening, 24 D.GE's were in attendance to be inducted.
The Academy is a certification body offering a post-licensure credential that is bestowed upon geotechnical engineers meeting at least the minimum requirements for the Diplomate, Geotechnical Engineering (D.GE) certification. This means that they're licensed to practice and have been doing so for at least eight years since earning their license, have a Master's degree (or equivalent), have attained the requisite Body of Knowledge in their area of practice, and agree to the Academy Code of Ethics.
The ceremony opened with a presentation from Civil Engineering Certification, Inc. (CEC) President John Anderson, PhD, PE, D.GE, M.ASCE, educating the audience about ASCE's three certification programs. He stated that the Academies of ASCE have now topped the 1000 Diplomate mark.
Next, AGP President Steven Thorne, PE, D.GE, M.ASCE, encouraged the new class of Diplomates to get involved in the Academy by volunteering to help with the upcoming strategic plan that will be revealed later this spring. He also told the audience about the importance of specialty certification and suggested that eligible audience members apply for D.GE certification themselves.
Then the induction got underway, with each new Diplomate being invited to the stage at the front of the room, to be recognized by their peers. Along with a slideshow displaying their picture and data, they received their certificate plaque and pin, then posed for an individual photo.
The ceremony concluded with a group photo of the newly inducted Diplomates and a champagne toast. This gave the Diplomates, some of whom knew each other, a chance to mingle and get to know their fellow D.GE's.
The goal of the Academy is to 'raise the bar' in the geotechnical profession, as well as to de-commoditize geotechnical engineers. As the Academy grows, the benefits of certification are certain to grow along with it. The certification program is in its fourth year of existence and is already gaining momentum and recognition. This is due to the tireless efforts of both the Academy Board and the Geo-Institute Board.
Interview with Scott Huntsman
The staff at AGP and G-I had the privilege of interviewing Diplomate, Geotechnical Engineering, Scott Huntsmani. A shortened version of the interview is featured in the March/April 2012 issue of Geo-Strata Magazine. In it, he answers questions about his past education and work experiences. He also gives us a peek into what he likes to do when he's not working. Find out more about Scott, click here, to see the entire interview.
Ressi di Cervia wins 2012 Martin S. Kapp Foundation Engineering Award
Diplomate Arturo Ressi di Cervia, of Kiewit Infrastructure Group has been awarded the 2012 Martin S. Kapp Foundation Engineering Award. It was presented during the 2012 Geo-Congress in Oakland, California on March 27th. The citation is as follows: "For leadership in the development and utilization of slurry wall and slurry trench technology worldwide." The award is given to individuals who are innovative or oustanding in their design or construction of retaining structures, underground construction, earthwords or foundations. In addition to being a Diplomate in the Academy, Arturo is also a trustee on the Board of DFI. To read more about the award or to see past winners, please click here.
Kavazanjian Elected to USUCGER Board
Congratulations to Ed Kavazanjian, PhD, PE, D.GE, F.ASCE for being elected to the United States Universities Council on Geotechnical Engineering and Research (USUCGER) Board of Governors. Ed has recently served on the Geo-Institute Board of Governors as well as the AGP Board of Trustees, so we know he'll represent D.GE's and the geotechnical professional community well!
Macnab Wins Harry Schnabel Award
Congratulations to D.GE, Alan Macnab for being named the 2012 recipient of the Harry Schnabel Award! The Harry Schnabel Jr. Award was established by the Geo-Institute in 2006. This is a memorial award to recognize Harry Schnabel's accomplishments in the field of Earth Retaining Structures over a 50 year career and to encourage continued excellence and innovation by those making a career in the earth retaining structures industry. The award is funded by an endowment from Schnabel Foundation Company. Alan, a former President of the Geo-Institute as well as past recipient of the ADSC's Contractor of the Year Award, recently founded his own consulting firm in British Columbia, Canada. He joins D.GE's Richard Finno and Ed Ulrich, Jr. as winners of this prestigious award. To find out more about the award or to download a nomination form, please click here.
Congratulations to Allen Cadden and Schnabel Engineering!
Schnabel Engineering, Inc. (Schnabel), Glen Allen, Virginia, is pleased to announce that Mr. Allen Cadden, PE, DGE was recently selected for induction as a member of the Academy of Distinguished Alumni for the Virginia Tech Via Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. This honor recognizes the career contributions to the profession of engineering, to the communities, and to the nation. To read more about Allen's accomplishment, please click here.
Also, Schnabel Engineering, is honored to announce that its Emergency Repairs for the Jefferson Memorial Seawall project has been selected to receive the ASCE - National Capital Section 2012 Project of the Year Award. The awards ceremony will take place at the Hilton in Arlington, Virginia, on April 10, 2012. To read the press-release, click here.
Interview with D.GE, Rudolph Frizzi
The staff at AGP and G-I had the privilege of interviewing Diplomate, Geotechnical Engineering, Rudy Frizzi. A shortened version of the interview is featured in the January/February 2012 issue of Geo-Strata Magazine. In it, he answers questions about his past education and work experiences. He also gives us a peek into what he likes to do when he's not working. Find out more about Rudy, click here, to see the entire interview.
NEW "DIPLOMATE ADVANTAGE" BROCHURE READY FOR DOWNLOAD
Civil Engineering Certification, Inc. (CEC) has developed a brochure for Diplomates to give to their clients that explains the advantages of hiring a Diplomate of the Academy of Geo-Professionals. To download a copy of the brochure, please click here.
John Kovacs Promoted at Gannett Fleming
Congratulations to John W. Kovas, PE, PMP, D.GE, F.ASCE! John was recently promoted to senior vice president and director of the Midwest Region of Gannett Fleming. John will replace the now retired John Diviney who served at that position for the three decades prior.
In addition to continuing his position as the regional office manager for the Pittsburgh office as the firm's Geotechnical Practice director, he will be responsible for the oversight and strategic direction of nine offices in 11 states.
Gannett Fleming offers a full complement of diversified engineering and construction management services. More can be read about them here.
2012 Shamsher Prakash Research Award
Shamsher Prakash Foundation solicits nomination (no application) for the 2012 SHAMSHER PRAKASH RESEARCH AWARD for young engineers, scientists and researchers (40 years or younger, Date of Birth 03-31-72 or later) from all over the world. Nominations are invited so as to reach the Honorary Secretary on or before March 31, 2012.
The candidates should be specialists in Geotechnical Engineering and/or Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering and it is necessary that they have significant independent contributions and show promise of excellence in research.
The Award consists of cash prize US $1100.00 and a plaque. The nominations may be made on a plain paper and submitted electronically.
All nominations will be reviewed by a Judging Committee of International Experts from Canada, Australia, Hongkong, Japan, and United States and the award will be announced by September 30, 2012. Suitable arrangements will be made for making the award at a function/event which the awardee may choose.
*For nominations from India, please contact
Registrar, Indian Insitute of Technology Roorkee, Fax 91-1332-273560, E-mail: deanalumni@iitr.ernet.in or adap@iitr.ernet.in
For SP Award of Excellence in the Practice of Geotechnical Engineering, please see details on the website www.yoga10.org.
Diplomate Garry H. Gregory to Chair G-I Committee
Garry Gregory, PhD, PE, D.GE, M.ASCE was recently approved by the Board of Governors of the Geo-Institute of ASCE to assume the Chair of the Embankments, Dams, and Slopes Committee, effective January 1, 2012. The EDS Committee is one of the largest and most active Geo-Institute technical committees with approximately 50 active members. Garry had served as Co-Chair for the past two years and has been active on the committee for more than 14 years. Congratulations on the appointment, Garry!
Diplomate Craig Denny Wins 2011 Citizen Engineer Award!
Congratulations to Craig Denny, PhD, PE, D.GE, F.ASCE, for winning ASCE's 2011 Citizen Engineer Award! This award is presented to members of the American Society of Civil Engineers in recognition of their accomplishments in the area of public service. The award recognizes individuals whom their community knows as civil engineers and who have volunteered their time to help others in their community or have influenced local policy or legislative affairs, and have improved the image of civil engineers. For past winners and photographs or to read more about the award, please click here.
Every other month we will be contacting a randomly chosen Diplomate to feature on our website. The Geo-Institute will also be showcasing the Diplomate in their bi-monthly magazine, Geo-Strata. For the first Diplomate Interview, please click here!
Conference to Commemorate the Legacy of Ralph B. Peck
SEVENTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CASE HISTORIES IN
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING AND
SYMPOSIUM IN HONOR OF CLYDE BAKER
WHEELING, IL (CHICAGO AREA)
APRIL 29-MAY 4, 2013
http://7icchge.mst.edu
The first two days (April 29-30, 2013) will be devoted to the Soil Dynamics Short Course, and the conference itself will begin on May 1, 2013.
Speakers for the above conference will include the following:
Clyde Baker, W.D. Liam Finn, Gholamreza Mesri, Edward Cording, Elmo DiBiagio, J. David Rogers, Jonathan D. Bray, Buddhima Indraratna, Kenji Ishihara, Harry G. Poulos, Rajendra Kumar Bhandari, Adimoolam Boominathan, H. Turan Durgunoglu, Hesham El Naggar, Jesus Gomez, Sanjeev Malhotra, Vijay Puri, V.V.S. Rao, Rodrigo Salgado, Cumaraswamy Vipulanandan, Syed Faiz Ahmad, Jack Pappin, Shamsher Prakash, Karun Sreerama, Alex Sy,
and J.S. Vinod
An issuing of the call for papers will occur soon. Please watch your email for this important message and visit the conference website http://7icchge.mst.edu for updates.
Here is how to add certifications into Linked In (once you’re logged in):
1. Hover over Profile in the top navigation bar and select Edit Profile.
2. Scroll down until you find Certifications and then click Add a Certification ( in blue font).
3. Fill out the necessary boxes and click Add Certification box (blue).
You can share other professional experiences, goals and professional specialties in the Summary section of your profile.
