Giving From the Heart

Judith Kearney
ASME Foundation

The ASME Foundation has a vision. We see an increasingly complex global society facing issues even more demanding than global warming, crumbling infrastructures, and energy shortages.

We also see solutions to the problems of tomorrow, just as we are meeting today's challenges, because we know that many of those solutions will come from mechanical engineers. Our vision is brightened because we know we can rely on the heartfelt generosity of ASME members who share our commitment to the future of the profession to support our activities.

The ASME Foundation has a solid record of providing scholarships to aspiring engineers, grants for innovative programming, and recognition of professional excellence. Last year, 82 students received scholarships totaling $204,000 from ASME for study from freshman year through graduate school. Even more students were able to benefit from loans acquired through the Foundation. In addition, the Foundation board of directors approved six innovative projects for funding for a total of $247,100. Finally, 60 ASME engineers, including students and those having made lifetime achievements, were recognized at the Society level for making an indelible contribution to the global community and, at the same time, promoting excellence in the profession.

We can be assured that the future will be increasingly dependent on expanding science and engineering technology. Mechanical engineers, because of their multidisciplined training, are in a position to fill the talent pool for business and industry to grow and to respond to whatever the future calls for. We must strive to support them in continuing to be the best and the brightest engineers they can be.

Through the generous gifts of ASME members, we will expand all Foundation activities. Our scholarship offerings will grow so that we may continue to attract and nurture even more of the most promising students. Innovative programming available through ASME and funded by the Foundation will enable students, those who teach them, and practicing engineers to be adaptable and entrepreneurial, able to keep up with technology that changes at lightning speed. Through the ASME Honors and Awards program we will grow the base of funding to increase the promotion of excellence in the field.

The ASME Foundation (http://foundation.asme.org) can accomplish all this with your help. Please open your heart and give generously to help ensure that ASME engineers will be the best intellectual resources available to the future. The global community is counting on us.

 

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