ASCE Vision
Civil Engineers are global leaders building a better quality of life.
ASCE Mission
Provide essential value to our members and partners, advance civil engineering, and serve the public good.
ASCE Goals
- Facilitate the advancement of technology to enhance quality, knowledge, competitiveness, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.
- Encourage and provide the tools for lifelong learning to aid our members' continued growth throughout their careers.
- Promote professionalism and the profession throughout society to enhance the stature of civil engineers and to influence public policy.
- Develop and support civil engineer leaders to broaden our members' perspectives, enhance their career growth, and promote the public interest.
- Advocate infrastructure and environmental stewardship to protect the public health and safety and improve the quality of life.
Twelve Society Founders
On October 23rd, 1852 a notice (actual text at right) was sent to practitioners of civil engineering in and near New York City. There were twelve respondents to this invitation. These twelve, who gathered at the appointed time and place in the office of Alfred W. Craven, chief engineer of the Croton Aqueduct Department, became the Founders of the American Society of Civil Engineers and Architects, later the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
ASCE History
When the twelve founders gathered at the Croton Aqueduct on November 5, 1852, and agreed to incorporate the American Society of Civil Engineers and Architects, one can only wonder if they dreamed the profound significance and long-lasting impact ASCE would have on the overall development of society. They laid a foundation for what proves to be one of the most prominent engineering societies in the world.
With projects such as the Croton Aqueduct in New York State, civil engineers work to improve the lives of everyone.
Simply stated, civil engineers are creative, people-serving and problem-solving leaders who make our lives easier to live from one day to the next.
With projects such as the Croton Aqueduct in New York State, civil engineers work to improve the lives of everyone.
Simply stated, civil engineers are creative, people-serving and problem-solving leaders who make our lives easier to live from one day to the next.
On June 16, 1981, the ASCE Metropolitan Section unveiled a plaque on the site of ASCE's founding near the southwest corner of Chambers and Centre Streets in City Hall Park. This plaque commemorates 1852 the meeting of this small group of civil engineers that took place in the office of Alfred W. Craven, then the eminent Chief Engineer of the Croton Aqueduct for the City of New York. The Croton Aqueduct Department was located in the Rotunda Building, which no longer exists.
As civil engineering begins a new millennium, the American Society of Civil Engineers not only reflects on the profession's rich heritage, but equipped with this knowledge, ASCE continues to develop flexible, forward-thinking plans for the future of the society and the civil engineering profession.
Today ASCE is a worldwide leader for excellence in civil engineering. With a mission to advance professional knowledge and improve the practice of civil engineering, ASCE is a focal point for the development and transfer of research results, and technical policy and managerial information. Through strategic emphasis in key areas, including infrastructure renewal and development, policy leadership and professional development, ASCE delivers the highest quality publications, programs and services to its worldwide membership, demonstrating a daily commitment to sustaining the profession.
As civil engineering begins a new millennium, the American Society of Civil Engineers not only reflects on the profession's rich heritage, but equipped with this knowledge, ASCE continues to develop flexible, forward-thinking plans for the future of the society and the civil engineering profession.
Today ASCE is a worldwide leader for excellence in civil engineering. With a mission to advance professional knowledge and improve the practice of civil engineering, ASCE is a focal point for the development and transfer of research results, and technical policy and managerial information. Through strategic emphasis in key areas, including infrastructure renewal and development, policy leadership and professional development, ASCE delivers the highest quality publications, programs and services to its worldwide membership, demonstrating a daily commitment to sustaining the profession.