ASCE OC President's Column: Quarter 1 2026 Update

The ASCE Orange County Branch continued this fiscal year with great momentum! We had some fantastic Institute events and joint Branch/Institute events, received a number of annual sponsorship renewals, and have an exciting calendar lined up for the remainder of the year.

The Construction Institute hosted their marquee annual event – Hard Hats & Heels – during Women in Construction Week with a remarkable turnout of ~100 people. The Branch partnered with the Environmental & Water Resources Institute for a luncheon to discuss large scale improvements to the Santiago Creek Dam, and with the Transportation & Development Institute for a Caltrans District 12 projects update.

By the time this article is published, our Student Chapters will have competed in the Pacific Southwest Symposium (PSWS). PSWS features events like Steel Bridge, Geowall, and other competitions where students have the opportunity to combine their technical and construction skills. The Branch is proud to support our Student Chapters attending and competing at PSWS, which will be hosted at CSULA this year at the end of March. Good luck to CSUF, CSULB, and UCI!

The 2026 Awards Night is coming up on May 6th at the Charleston in Fullerton. We received a number of project and individual award nominations, and our Awards Committee is busy reviewing the nominations and selecting this year’s winners. It is shaping up to be another great event this year, and we look forward to seeing many of you there. Sponsorship opportunities are available and are a great opportunity to have your award-winning firm/agency highlighted!

The 2026 Golf Tournament will be hosted at the Tustin Ranch Golf Course on Friday, June 26. Please be on the lookout for email blasts for registration and sponsorship opportunities.

Thank you to all of our volunteers, sponsors, and event attendees for your continued support of the ASCE Orange County Branch!

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About the Author:

Eric Pheifer is a Principal / Vice President at Biggs Cardosa Associates, and is currently serving as the President for the ASCE Orange County Branch. Eric can be contacted at EPheifer@BiggsCardosa.com.