The ASCE – RHU student chapter organized a seminar under the title of "ASCE Presidential Visit – Building a Better Quality of Life" in the MEA conference room on Wednesday, September 26 at 12:30 p.m.
The President of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Mrs. Kristina Swallow, visited RHU accompanied by Region 10 Governor and President of the ASCE in the U.A.E., Dr. Elias Sayah, VP of ASCE UAE section, Dr. Gajanan Sabnis, Immediate Past director, Region 10 Governor ASCE, Dr. Constantine Memos, ASCE Lebanon section President, Mr. Guy Tabet, and ASCE Lebanon Section Secretary, Mr. Michel Bou Chedid. It is worth mentioning that ASCE represents more than 150,000 members of the civil engineering profession in 177 countries worldwide.
Dr. Ahmed Smaili, President of Rafik Hariri University, welcomed the guests in his office of which they discussed RHU vision in supporting both the scientific activities and the Engineering clubs. Dr. Smaili urged the necessity of being open to other universities locally, globally and to the industry.
Afterward, the Dean of the College of Engineering, Dr. Basha, addressed a welcome message to our exceptional guests. Dr. Mirvat Abdallah, Treasurer of ASCE Lebanon section and advisor of ASCE RHU student chapter presented an overview about RHU in General and the College of Engineering and Civil and Environmental Engineering Department in particular. Then the President of ASCE RHU student chapter, Lara Hajjar, offered a summary of the activities, achievements, and needs of the chapter.
ASCE President, Kristina Swallow, gave an interactive speech to the audience and shared ASCE vision on how civil engineers can serve as master builders, environmental stewards, innovators and integrators, managers of risk and uncertainty, and leaders in shaping public policy.
After the seminar, the Dean of the College of Engineering, Dr. Basha invited the guests to a remarkable lunch in the presence of Dr. Smaili, faculty members, students, and staff.