Press release from the City:
City Engineer Honored as new face in Civil Engineering
Mayor Henry Delighted to See Young Talent in Fort WayneA love of math and science, a desire to conquer challenges, and a passion for being creative is what attracted engineer Ben Groeneweg to Civil Engineering and Fort Wayne City Utilities. Groeneweg’s drive and commitment to his career and his community has led to a top national honor.
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) named Ben as a New Face of Civil Engineering, an award presented by ASCE to only 10 Civil Engineers each year. The program is designed to recognize young talent under the age of 30 by highlighting their contributions and impact on society.
“I first wanted to be a transportation engineer, but after doing a summer internship with City Utilities my interests changed. In sewer and water nothing is cut and dry, every situation is different and provides a whole new set of challenges. There’s no cookie-cutter solution like you might get with some engineering jobs,” said Ben Groeneweg, Engineer, Fort Wayne City Utilities.
Growing up, Groeneweg says he always loved math and science and now he gets to use it every day.
“Civil Engineering is definitely a rewarding field… you’re always doing stuff to improve society,” said Groeneweg.
Ben was chosen for the honor because of his impact on society in his role as an engineer for planning and design of water resources, his involvement in the Long Term Control Plan to reduce combined sewer overflows, and his efforts in trench-less pipe rehabilitation.
ASCE also recognized Ben for his efforts outside of his job, with his involvement with his church as a Sunday School teacher, his involvement as a tutor with the Fort Wayne Community Schools Study Connection program, and his role in volunteering to serve meals at the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission every Monday.
“I enjoy Fort Wayne. It has conveniences of any major city, but my neighborhood still feels like a community. The City has IPFW and I’m working on my master’s degree. I’ve met several other young professionals and I really enjoy my job. At work I’m given every opportunity to succeed. I work with excellent engineers who have a strong work ethic and a lot of creativity,” said Ben.
“This is a tremendous honor for Ben. He’s an outstanding young man and an outstanding engineer. In this time when it’s critical for communities to retain and attract young professionals we are honored and fortunate to have employees like Ben here in Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
The New Faces of Engineering strives to promote and showcase young engineering talent. ASCE created the program to encourage college engineering students to explore a variety of career options and to encourage high school students to study engineering in college.
25-year-old Ben Groeneweg is a graduate of Trine University and a native of Archbold, Ohio.
Related Images:
