LOUISIANA ENGINEERING SOCIETY BATON ROUGE CHAPTER SEEPPTTEEM MB BE ER R 2005 NE EW WS SLLE ETTTTE ER R PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS By: Gavin Gautreau, P.E. Hurricane Katrina! Wow! It is hard to believe all that has occurred over the last few weeks. I hope everyone and their families are safe and in the process of reaching some sense of normalcy. I lost power for a week here in Baton Rouge, yet in light of New Orleans and other areas of the Gulf Coast, my loss is hardly any reason to complain. I wish all those displaced and affected by the storm my condolences and a speedy recovery. I welcome our LES members that have relocated to Baton Rouge. Our local chapter together with LES State President, Chris Richard, PE, and the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) hope to offer displaced Engineers several options in their recovery. NSPE has established a Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund with a seed contribution of $50,000 to assist state societies and their members in the affected region and is looking into opportunities for engineers to volunteer their services. NSPE would like your help in growing this fund. If you'd like to make a taxdeductible contribution, checks can be sent to: By Mail: NSPE Hurricane Relief Fund P.O. Box Dept. 855 Alexandria, VA 22334-0001 Credit cards: 1-888-285-NSPE Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time. NSPE is offering FREE Job Board postings to organizations that have established specific opportunities for engineers affected by Hurricane Katrina. Visit http://www.nspe.org/career/jobboard/ for more details. The LES State Website is posting available office space, job openings, and office equipment on their website. http://www.les-state.org The Baton Rouge Chapter will be hosting joint meetings in coordination with New Orleans Chapter President, Gregory P. Danielson, PE. We look forward to working with him and his members during this recovery period. Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast and her effects continue to be felt. The clean up and reconstruction of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast is underway, but will continue for many months. The Baton Rouge community has welcomed many families, causing its population to grow by about a quarter million. Many residents now house several families; other families have already purchased homes in the area. Our schools, churches, utilities (gas, phone, etc) and local roads are now filled to capacity. As Engineers, we will shape our changing city and state in the wake the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Hopefully our services, designs, and efforts will guide us to a better tomorrow. SEPTEMBER 2005 NEWSLETTER PAGE 1 LOUISIANA ENGINEERING SOCIETY BATON ROUGE CHAPTER LES WELCOMES THE NEW ORLEANS CHAPTER AND STEVE ROBICHAUX TO OUR SEPTEMBER LUNCHEON SEPTEMBER LUNCHEON JOINT MEETING WITH LES NEW ORLEANS CHAPTER By: Ken Robichaux, P.E. When: Thursday, September 22, 2005 Mr. Steve Robichaux has been professionally 11:30 a.m. affiliated with LSU for over 25 years. He began as an instructor with the College of Business Where: Drusilla’s Seafood Restaurant Administration’s Department of Management. In 3482 Drusilla Lane 1994, he was voted Most Outstanding Teacher and for the last 10 years, he ranked as one of the Speaker: Mr. Steve Robichaux Capital City Consultants & top teachers in the LSU Executive Program. LSU Executive Management Program Since 1973, Mr. Robichaux has trained and taught the Karate Club at LSU; including the Football Topic: Operations / Threats in a Time of Crisis Program under National Champion Coach Nick Saban. He is also versed in many management Cost: $16.00 aspects such as conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, interpersonal communication, RSVP: Ken Robichaux, P.E. motivation-performance, organizational behavior 925-4920 or krobicha@dps.state.la.us and performance appraisal, to name a few. Mr. Robichaux will discuss operations / threats in a Make Checks Payable to time of crisis, using Hurricane Katrina’s effects “LES-Baton Rouge Chapter” and devastation as an example at our September luncheon. The Baton Rouge Chapter extends our warmest welcome to our fellow members from the New Orleans Chapter who have been displaced by Hurricane Katrina. LES thanks Mr. Steve Robichaux for speaking at our meeting and we look forward to a great turnout. LES HONORS & AWARDS Each year LES bestowes honors and awards to deserving members in several categories. Nominations are due to the LES State Honors and Awards Committee by November 4, 2005. If you would like to nominate someone for one of these honors, please contact Gavin Gautreau by October 6, 2005, at 225-767-9110 or GavinGautreau@dotd.state.la.us Waldemar S. Nelson President’s Award Charles M. Kerr Public Relations Award A. B. Paterson Medal for an Engineer in Management Leo M. Odom Services to the Profession Award James M. Todd Technological Accomplishment Medal Andrew M. Lockett Medal for Civic Activities F. Hugh Coughlin Young Engineer Award A description of each award will be posted on the LES website at http://www.les-state.org SEPTEMBER 2005 NEWSLETTER PAGE 2 LOUISIANA ENGINEERING SOCIETY BATON ROUGE CHAPTER HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS By: Robbie Lear, P.E., LSI The wrath of Hurricane Katrina will certainly be felt by residents of Louisiana for years to come. As engineers, we have the privilege and responsibility to undertake the unrivaled task of rebuilding the entire Gulf Coast region. As Louisianans, I am sure that this challenge will be met with the fervor, passion and pride that embodies our culture. The combination of being a Louisianan and an engineer makes us unique – our resolve to solve problems and compassion towards our fellow man are equally real. Here in Baton Rouge, we are fortunate to have been spared the direct impacts of Hurricane Katrina. As one of the closest “functioning” cities to New Orleans, Baton Rouge has become a new city bustling with relief efforts activities. So many who have lost so much have come to Baton Rouge for solace from the storm and to find some sense of normalcy. We must remember that this is a daunting task when everything you own has been lost or destroyed. LES is trying to assist in these trying times as best as we can. In addition to the efforts outlined in Gavin Gautreau’s President’s Address, LES is participating in the following relief programs: LSU College of Engineering Town Hall Meeting for UNO and Tulane Students Over 200 engineering students from the University of New Orleans and Tulane University have temporarily enrolled at LSU for the fall semester. The LSU College of Engineering is hosting a town hall style meeting on September 21, 2005 for these students to meet the LSU faculty and staff and provide an opportunity to meet with UNO and Tulane staff. Of special concern for these students is housing and books. Many are without books and most importantly without a place to stay (some students are sleeping in their cars on campus!!!). LSU’s dorms are at full capacity with several students “residing” in the lobbies. LES has been asked by LSU to assist in finding housing and financial opportunities for these students. Also, LSU is looking for any recent graduates who would like to donate or loan their books to students. Anyone who is willing to contribute to this effort with jobs, books or residence should contact Lisa Launey, Assistant Dean of the College of Engineering at (225) 578-5731 or eglaun@eng.lsu.edu . Office Relocation Assistance LES is trying to assist our displaced members by searching for office space. Many of our colleagues in the New Orleans and surrounding areas are not able to work due to lack of office space. LES is looking for any engineering firm that may have office space available and is willing to temporarily house a firm from the affected areas. This may involve sharing equipment such as plotters, printers, servers, workstations, etc. Anyone with available office space should contact Brenda Gajan at (225) 924-2021. Job Opportunities The LES State website at http://www.les-state.org is posting job opportunities for our displaced members. Any engineering positions available can be posted free of charge on this list. Please contact Brenda Gajan at (225) 924-2021 if you have any job opportunities available. Please visit the LES website at http://www.les-state.org for any future developing programs or for additional information. LES is looking forward to a new beginning for our region and are eager to assist our fellow members in any capacity. If you have any information or ideas for recovery efforts to pass on to LES, please contact Gavin Gautreau, Baton Rouge Chapter President at 225-767-9110 SEPTEMBER 2005 NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 LOUISIANA ENGINEERING SOCIETY FUTURE CITY COMPETITION KICKING OFF By: Geoff Wilson, E.I. – Baton Rouge Region Coordinator The start of school marks the start of the Future City Competition. Schools around the state will begin signing up to participate in this year’s competition and try to defend Louisiana’s title as the reigning Future City National Champions. The State Competition will be held on January 20, 2006 at McNeese State University in Lake Charles. Engineering mentors will be needed to make this LES-backed program a success. Please visit the Future City Competition website at http://www.futurecity.org/ and give me a call at 225-757-0558 or email at geoffatbhe@bellsouth.net for additional information about becoming involved in the Future City Competition. CALL FOR SPONSORS FOR THE 12TH ANNUAL LSU / SOUTHERN STUDENT FUNCTION The Baton Rouge Chapter is looking for sponsors for the LSU / Southern Student Function scheduled for November 3, 2005 at the CEBA Building on LSU’s Campus. Proceeds will be put towards the William A. Wintz Scholarship, which is awarded to LSU and Southern Engineering Students by the Baton Rouge Chapter each year. Donations can be sent to Robbie Lear at 10305 Airline Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA 70816. Any level of sponsorship is greatly appreciated. LES GOLF TOURNAMENT – OCTOBER 14 The annual LES Golf Tournament is scheduled for October 14 at the LSU Golf Course. Registration for participation and hole sponsorships will be distributed in the coming weeks. Please note that this date has been changed from the originally scheduled date. Mark your calendars for an afternoon of golfing and camaraderie with your fellow LES members. WELCOME NEW MEMBERS The following individuals are new members of LES. If you see these individuals, please welcome them to the Society. Fares F. Karadsheh - International Technical Services Kaye M. Lewis, EI - URS Corporation Ryan P. Ordeneaux, EI - Forte and Tablada, Inc. SEPTEMBER 2005 NEWSLETTER BATON ROUGE CHAPTER September 22 General Meeting Drusilla Seafood Restaurant October 14 LES Golf Tournament LSU Golf Course October 27 General Meeting November 3 Student Function CEBA Building, LSU December 8 General Meeting January 20 Future City State Competition January 28 General Meeting February 2005 Mathcounts Regionals February 19-25 E-Week February 23 E-Week Banquet March 23 General Meeting April 27 General Meeting May 25 General Meeting Any announcements? Email me at rlear@sigmacg.com PAGE 4 LOUISIANA ENGINEERING SOCIETY BATON ROUGE CHAPTER LES WILLIAM A. WINTZ SCHOLARSHIP ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT All profits from the tournament benefit the scholarship program of the LES Baton Rouge Chapter. Each year the scholarship committee awards scholarships to deserving students in engineering at LSU and Southern. October 14, 2005 12:00 pm LSU Golf Course Registration is due by October 7, 2005 Contact Alan Krouse @ 757-1111 for details UPCOMING CPD OPPORTUNITIES The Louisiana Professional Engineering and Surveying Board have posted on their website a list of CPD opportunities within the next few months. Click your browsers to http://www.lapels.com to see what’s coming up. Remember, your membership in LES counts as 1 PDH per biennial renewal period!!! Urban Watershed Protection Workshop A workshop presented by the City of Baton Rouge-Parish of East Baton Rouge Planning Commission with funding assistance from the US Environmental Protection Agency. Embassy Suites Hotel – Baton Rouge , LA - November 18, 2005 Registration Fee: $50 before Oct. 25, $65 Late Registration. Visit http://www.les-state.org/brchapter for registration and workshop agenda. A planning workshop to understand the impacts of urbanization on water resources, incorporate low impact site design principles on residential and commercial developments, code and ordinance review, and economic benefits of watershed protection. LES BATON ROUGE CHAPTER 2005-06 OFFICERS President: Gavin Gautreau, P.E. GavinGautreau@dotd.state.la.us 225-767-9110 Secretary / Treasurer Dan Rosenquist, P.E. drosenquist@hntb.com 225-368-2800 President Elect Robert Degeyter, P.E. rdegeyter@pecla.com 225-769-2810 1st Director Robbie Lear, P.E., L.S.I. rlear@sigmacg.com 225-298-0800 Vice President Ken Robichaux, P.E. krobicha@dps.state.la.us 225-925-4920 2nd Director Geoff Wilson, E.I. geoffatbhe@bellsouth.net 225-757-0558 Visit us on the web http://www.les-state.org/brchapter/ SEPTEMBER 2005 NEWSLETTER PAGE 5