New Surveyors Awards Luncheon Welcomes Students into the Profession

New Surveyors Awards Luncheon Welcomes Students into the Profession

The Surveying and Geomatics program within Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's School of Engineering (SOE) hosted its annual New Surveyors Awards Luncheon on Friday, Oct. 24, in the Morris University Center's Hickory/Hackberry Room. The private event brought together students, faculty, industry sponsors, and campus leaders to celebrate and officially welcome a new group of students into the surveying profession.

The luncheon provided an opportunity for students to connect with representatives from sponsoring companies, fostering relationships that are key to their professional development. Guests enjoyed a warm lunch and lively conversations before a series of remarks from departmental and industry leaders.

John Cabage, PhD, Chair and Associate Professor in Surveying and Construction, opened the event with words of encouragement, followed by remarks from the Dean of the School of Engineering, Cem Karacal, PhD, who praised the dedication and potential of the students entering the field.

Keynote speaker Serena Page, TWM's Illinois Director of Water Infrastructure and Peoria Branch Manager, shared her insights and professional experiences, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and growth within the surveying and geomatics community.

"Every successful surveyor I know can point to someone who took the time to teach them-not just how to run the instrument or write a legal description, but how to think like a professional. A good mentor will help you understand not just what to do, but why you're doing it," Page said.

Following the speeches, Cabage introduced each of the 17 student awardees, who were recognized individually and presented with certificates from their sponsoring companies. Each student took photos with their sponsors to commemorate the occasion.

In closing, Cabage expressed his gratitude to the attendees and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between students and sponsors. He encouraged awardees to maintain connections with their mentors and thanked the companies for their ongoing support, which he described as "invaluable to the continued success of the program."

The event underscored the significance of partnership between education and the profession, a cornerstone of the Surveying and Geomatics program's growth.

With continued support from the School of Engineering, company sponsors, and dedicated faculty, the Surveying and Geomatics program looks forward to expanding opportunities for students and strengthening its role in shaping the future of land surveyors from SIUE.