Stearns School Road Reopens Ahead of Schedule

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) addresses the critical shortage of land surveyors in Illinois and beyond with its new Surveying and Geomatics bachelor's degree program. In civil engineering and various infrastructure development industries, land surveyors play an important role in guiding projects forward. However, despite their vital contribution, there is a shortage of land surveyors across Illinois and the wider United States. Approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education in 2023, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) introduced the new Surveying and Geomatics (BS) bachelor’s degree program with support from industry partners and leaders. This program is the only one of its kind within a 400-mile radius of St. Louis, MO. Driving the development of this program is the increased demand for skilled surveyors. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% growth trajectory through 2032, translating to a need for over 2,300 proficient professionals over the next decade. What sets SIUE’s program apart is its comprehensive approach, a cross-campus collaboration with the Department of Geography, graduating "super surveyors" adept in both 2D and 3D spaces. Graduates of the program can pursue careers as Professional Land Surveyors, Drone Pilots/Aerial Mappers, Hydrology Surveyors, Urban Planners/Business Owners, and GIS Specialists/Geospatial Analysts, or Cartographers. As a dedicated Founding Partner of this exciting new program, Hampton, Lenzini, and Renwick, Inc. looks forward to inspiring future surveyors and geospatial professionals, as well as contributing to the growth of career opportunities within this dynamic field. Becoming a supporting partner of the program unlocks a wide array of benefits, from named scholarships nurturing the next generation of talent to speaking engagements with students and year-round recognition. Interested in contributing to the growth and sustainability of the Surveying and Geomatics Program? Please contact Mrs. Lisa Smith, Director of Development, School of Engineering, at lsmitag@siue.edu or (618) 650-5186 before the participation commitment deadline of August 1, 2024.

Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) is proud to congratulate Nick Piekarski on being named the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois 2024 Emerging Professional of the Year! The Emerging Professional of the Year Award honors dedication and community impact, recognizing individuals who have contributed to the profession, the American Council of Civil Engineering Companies of Illinois, and society. This year, that honor has been bestowed upon Nick Piekarski, a shining example of dedication and passion within the industry. Nick's journey in the world of civil engineering began over a decade ago when he joined Hampton, Lenzini, and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) as an intern. Graduating from the University of Dayton with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, he swiftly transitioned into a full-time role at HLR. Over the years, Nick's career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. From his early days as an intern to his current position as Project Manager and Officer at the firm, he has continually exemplified excellence. Nick boasts an impressive array of credentials, including licensures as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) across multiple states, certification as a Floodplain Manager, and Designated Erosion Control Inspector (DECI). However, it's not just his technical acumen that sets him apart; it's his involvement in shaping HLR's strategic vision, nurturing its culture, and his commitment to giving back to both the profession and the community. At HLR, Nick is a driving force behind the firm's strategic initiatives and cultural values. He actively participates in mentorship programs, both as a mentor and a mentee, nurturing the next generation of engineering talent. Beyond the office, Nick is deeply engaged in community service, volunteering his time for various projects and initiatives. His involvement with organizations like the Elgin Area Leadership Academy underscores his dedication to fostering community leadership and understanding. One of Nick's most impactful contributions is his work with School District U-46 and its Alignment Collaborative for Education. By coordinating high school internship programs and mentoring students, he is actively shaping the future of the engineering profession. His passion for his work is infectious, inspiring those around him to strive for excellence and to make a positive impact wherever they go. As a member of both the ACEC Illinois Engineering Excellence Awards and ACEC Emerging Professionals committees, Nick remains deeply invested in shaping the future of the engineering profession. The Emerging Professional of the Year Award serves as a fitting tribute to Nick's unyielding dedication and exemplary leadership. He embodies the core values of HLR, encapsulating HLR's " WORK HARD • HAVE FUN • GIVE BACK® " culture in every endeavor. As we celebrate Nick's achievements, we also celebrate the bright future of civil engineering, guided by passionate individuals like him. Congratulations to Nick and his fellow nominees for their outstanding contributions to the field.