Awesome!

Engineering Student Taken by Surprise at Recognition for Academic Achievement

March 20, 2007

By Russ Hudson

Brendan Dugan, who is working towards a bachelor’s degree in civil and environmental engineering at Cal State Fullerton, does not give the impression of being laconic or at a loss for words. But, when asked what it was like to receive an award for leadership and scholastic achievement from the Structural Engineers Association of Southern California he paused, then came up with a single heartfelt word:
“Awesome!”

Saif Hussain, president of the Structural Engineers Association of Southern California — one of more than five dozen branches of Structural Engineers Association International— said the award is given to students to recognize their high academic achievement, active participation in extracurricular activities both related and unrelated to the civil engineering profession, and other contributions to their chosen field. A record 11 Southern California universities were honored this year, including CSUF.

“Brendan is one of the bright and hard-working students from this department,” said Prasada Rao, chair and assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering. “We are quite happy that a student like Brendan has received recognition from the Structural Engineers Association.”

The CSUF senior, who hopes to attend graduate school, already is working in engineering. “I’m working with NA and Associates, a civil engineering firm. Right now, I’m working with the grading, utility design and pre-site work.” Although it isn’t as extensive as the work he wants or as much as he expects to do, “it is good experience.”