CEEGS Alum David E. Straub wins Josephine Sitterle Failer Award

Congratulations to David E. Straub, graduate of the class of 1989, who was recognised for his achievement at the 2006 Alumni Awards Banquet on October 27th, 2006!

Since graduating from Ohio State, David E. Straub has worked enthusiastically to advance the quality of the university experience for civil engineering students by being the bridge that unites alumni, students, and staff.

Straub served as treasurer of the Civil Engineering Alumni Society from 1994 to 1999 and as president from 2000 to 2005. Under his leadership, the organization provided assistance for student scholarships adn funding for the university's civil engineering project teams: concrete canoe, steel bridge, and environmental design. He also played a key role in attracting students to the alumni society by starting the tradition of a welcome letter that is placed in a packet given to each civil engineering graduate.

"The students tell me that David is accessible to them and that they feel comfortable talking with him," said Carolyn J. Merry, chair of civil and environmental engineering and geodetic science. "Even more important, he listens to student comments and concerns reagrding the department and solicits help from faculty, along with the chair, to help foster communicaiton and cooperation."

Straub, who works as a hydrologist and engineer for the U.S. Geological Survey in Columbus, initiated the Civil Engineering Alumni Society's scholarship program. The board selects deserving students and awards each one a sizeable scholarship at an event each May. The winners are also invited to the society's fall even, held in conjunction with a football game.

Straub started an alumni membership appreciation night, which includes a pizza party at the Varsity Club and an Ohio State hockey game. The event allows students to mingle and talk with faculty and alumni to learn more about the profession. "The students always appreciate that the alumni are willing to spend time with them in a social atmosphere," Merry said. "Turnout has increased every year, with an equal number of students and alumni attending this year's event."

Several years ago, Straub spearheaded an effort by the alumni society to provide $2,000 to help students paint and upgrade the furniture in the American Society of Civil Engineers student lounge in Bolz Hall. Straub's eagerness to help raise money for the project impressed Eric Setzler, who was then president of the ASCE chapter. "Dave's enthusiasm for service to the university and its students is contagious," Stetzler said. "Now that I have graduated from Ohio State and begun my career, I hope that I can be of service to today's students in much the same way Dave was to my classmates and me."

"Dave has gone to great lengths to create a supportive atmosphere that is conducive to student learning," Merry said. "Simply stated, Dave cares enough to make the college experience better for our civil engineering students."

Straub also serves on the board of the Newark Heath Airport and is active in the Rocky Fork Headley Hunt Club.