Senior Erik Hendrickson was recently awarded a scholarship from the Central Jersey Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).The ASCE is America’s oldest national engineering society whose vision is to “position engineers as global leaders building a better quality of life.” Before the Central Jersey Branch could award the scholarship it had to scrutinize “the applicant’s justification of award, education plan, academic performance and standing, potential for development, leadership capacity, and participation in activities related to the Civil Engineering profession.”
Mr. Hendrickson always seemed to have a passion for engineering ever since he was a child growing up in the small town of Belvidere, NJ. As a kid he built forts, snow-huts and shelters. As a Boy Scout he helped lash together timber poles to make towers, ladders, bridges, catapults and trebuchets, and later as an Eagle Scout, he personally designed and built a shed to house equipment for his high school’s sports. When asked about his interest in Civil Engineering, Hendrickson stated “I think most of us take for granted all the structure that is built up around us and that enables us to function from day to day. I feel that being a part of an industry that provides that resource to humanity is going to be very rewarding. What also intrigues me is that the lives of millions of people will rely on engineers such as me, and our gift as engineers to the world is to protect those lives through responsible design and practice.”
Although receiving the scholarship is quite an achievement Mr. Hendrickson is no stranger to awards. He was awarded the Fred O. Armstrong Scholars Award in 2007, and has earned the Scholar Athlete Award in 2007, 2008, and 2009.
Commenting on receiving this accolade, Hendrickson stated “I think I was awarded this scholarship because the ASCE Central Jersey Chapter wanted to help a young professional-to-be that has worked hard and dedicated himself to this field of study.”
Learn More: