Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's Cecil T. Lobo student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers earned a Certificate of Commendation after being named a finalist for the Ridgway Award as nation's best overall chapter.

Showing Off Labs: A member of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's Cecil T. Lobo chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers informs Indiana Department of Transportation maintenance employees about Department of Civil Engineering's Water Wall Laboratory, which gives students background in hydrology and environmental engineering.

Rose-Hulman's chapter won the Ridgway Award in 2005 and 2006. Only six chapters -- less than three percent nationally -- were recognized as Ridgway Finalists this year. The chapter was recommended for the award based on activities recorded in the 2006 annual report.

Chapter officers for 2006 were Michael Krantz, president; Matt Trowbridge, vice president; Justin Jent, treasurer; Adam Knaack, secretary; Andrew Pinkstaff, fundraising; Derek Davidson, community service; and Sebastian Mendes and Nathan Hazard, activities. The faculty adviser is Kevin Sutterer, associate professor of civil engineering.

The ASCE chapter is continuing to build on its successes by helping to host this year's Indiana Department of Transportation's Highway Maintenance Conference on May 2-4. The session allowed INDOT maintenance crews to stay up to date on the latest developments in highway maintenance and provided an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge highway maintenance equipment.

Also, on May 5, ASCE members constructed a 39-foot long wheel chair ramp at the 14th & Chestnut Community Center's new food pantry building, assisting handicapped persons get to the facility. The ramp was designed by Project Coordinator Cole Perry.

The ASCE chapter is organizing a charity golf tournament for the Wabash Valley's chapter of Habitat for Humanity on May 12, starting at 8 a.m., on the Rea Park Golf Course. The event is being organized by Guillaume Rousson.