RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF FEBRUARY 16, 2023
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing National Engineers Week and honoring the Society of Women Engineers
Body
WHEREAS, while George Washington is largely acknowledged as one of the Founding Fathers of our country and the first President, he is also recognized as being a pioneering engineer; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of his early engineering innovations, National Engineers Week, founded in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers, is observed the week of George Washington’s birthday, which is February 22nd. This year, National Engineers Week will be held from February 19th through February 25th; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of National Engineers Week is to promote education, awareness, and interest in the careers which compose the engineering field to ensure a diverse and adequately qualified workforce in the future. National Engineers Week seeks to engage educators and parents, and impress upon them the importance of diversifying a child’s education to include instruction in math, science, and technology literacy to provide an appropriate foundation; and
WHEREAS, National Engineers Week is celebrated by more than 70 engineering, education, and cultural societies and in excess of 50 government agencies and private corporations. The theme of this year’s event is “Creating the Future!”; and
WHEREAS, the work that engineers perform is of monumental importance. Engineers are responsible for performing tasks that guarantee public safety and promote the health and welfare of the world. Their jobs range from evaluating the structural integrity of a building, creating plans for the construction of a dam to allow for the use of hydropower, to creating devices to allow for remote communication; and
WHEREAS, the public works of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (District) include projects recognized as engineering wonders of the world. Additionally, the District is recognized for its accomplishments and pioneering work in the areas of pollution and flood control for the protection and enhancements to the environment due to the work of our astute engineers; and
WHEREAS, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), founded in 1950, is one of the largest advocate organizations focused on inspiring change for women within the fields of engineering and technology. As a not-for-profit educational and service organization, SWE strives to promote engineering as a desirable career aspiration for women. To ensure that SWE members reach their full potential as engineers and leaders, the SWE offers unique opportunities to network, provides professional development, advocates for public policy, and provides recognition for the life-changing contributions and achievements of women engineers. A champion of diversity, SWE empowers women to be successful in their personal and professional lives; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby recognize National Engineers Week and honor the Society of Women Engineers; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented to the Society of Women Engineers.
Dated: February 16, 2023