Engineering: ACEC Nebraska salutes excellence, recruits for the future

Nebraska is expected to need 15,000 new workers in the engineering and computer science fields in the next five years. That’s driving investment in training programs and creating more opportunities for young people to parlay their skills in math and science into careers in engineering.

“If you have a degree, you have a position waiting for you somewhere,” said Ryan King, a vice president and Omaha office manager for Farris Engineering. “If you have aspirations of being rich, this is probably not the career for you, but you will always have job security.”

Headquartered in Omaha since 1917, global design firm HDR sought a new global headquarters building that reflected the talents and skills of its architects, engineers and planners.

The firm partnered with owner Noddle Companies to design a 10-story, 240,000-square-foot multi-use office building at Aksarben Village. The end result is a striking building with a design that respects its context and fosters collaboration, and in which engineering plays a significant role.

Here's a look at the eight winners of 2020 Honor Awards from ACEC Nebraska. The engineering awards program is designed to promote the profession and careers in conjunction with National Engineers Week, Feb. 16-22.

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Here's a look at 14 engineering feats earning 2020 Merit Awards from ACEC Nebraska. 

COLUMBUS 3RD AND 18TH AVENUES VIADUCTS PROJECT: GRADE SEPARATION OF RAILROAD CORRIDOR

John S. Olsson is the 2020 winner of ACEC Nebraska’s Charles Durham Achievement Award.

The honoree is executive vice president of consulting services for Olsson. In his role, he works with teams throughout the firm to identify and prioritize large public sector clients and projects. Olsson also works with the firm’s practice leaders to enhance the firm’s standing at the municipal and state levels.

Josh Palik of Felsburg Holt & Ullevig and Rob Vanderveen of Lamp Rynearson can add 2020 Young Professional of the Year to their resumes, thanks to the American Council of Engineering Companies of Nebraska. The ACEC award recognizes the accomplishments of Nebraska engineers age 35 and younger who have contributed to the profession and have made a positive community impact. Here, Palik and Vanderveen discuss high points of their career choice.

Josh Palik