perspective


Taking advantage of opportunities

While studying mechanical engineering at the University of Notre Dame, I joined ASME, along with about 50 others in our mechanical engineering class who were encouraged to do so by one of our professors, Jack Lloyd.

That was nearly 25 years ago, and Jack and I are still very active with ASME. What has kept my interest and involvement in the Society for nearly 25 years?

First of all, I love the technical conferences that ASME sponsors and the people associated with these conferences. For example, the ASME Power Division, of which I am a member, sponsors the annual International Joint Power Generation Conference. These conferences are usually held in interesting cities, such as New Orleans (2001), Scottsdale (2002) and Atlanta (2003).

I really enjoy meeting new ASME members from different countries around the world. I also like seeing the same people who have been involved in the power industry for many years.

Another reason that I love ASME is for the opportunity it provides to get published. During my career, I have written and had published more than 40 technical papers. While only a handful have been with ASME, these are the most treasured because they are the highest quality papers, having been reviewed by peers in the industry.

As an ASME member, I also have had the opportunity to chair individual technical paper sessions, where associates in my industry specialty — generator refurbishment — have come together and presented a series of papers. I have referred to the papers from these sessions many times over the course of my career.

The two monthly publications that ASME produces for the membership are also valuable. Mechanical Engineering magazine's supplement, Power, in particular, is full of technical information about the power profession, while ASME NEWS helps me keep track of what is happening within ASME.

The Society also gives members a chance to give back, or contribute, to the engineering profession by volunteering a little of their time.

As with most volunteer organizations, ASME offers an opportunity to give and get at the same time.

Please consider giving back by becoming a little more involved in your division, perhaps in one of its technical committees, or by attending one of the next conferences. If you become involved, you'll have opportunities to chair sessions, write papers, and become friends with associates involved in the same business you are.

— William G. Moore, P.E.
Editor, ASME Power Division Newsletter

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