Kyle Johnson, Transportation Design & Construction Group Leader, Principal – Bolton & Menk, Inc.
2006 Scholarship Recipient - Oxley Award
ACEC Board Member (2023-present), ACEC Board Alternate (2020-2021, 2022-2023), EEFA Advisory Council (2024-present)
What did receiving the scholarship mean to you at that time?
I was independently funding my school and attempting to do it without taking out any loans. I was doing this by working during school and applying for scholarships. This scholarship had a major impact on making that a reality.
What motivated you to become involved with ACEC?
I had been exposed to ACEC as an intern at Bolton & Menk through the annual softball tournament. That exposure led to me applying for the scholarship. After graduation I wanted to give back to ACEC for their support, so I was on the scholarship committee from 2011-2013. In 2020 I decided to get more involved with ACEC and applied as a Board member and was selected as an alternate. I have been actively involved ever since.
How has ACEC involvement impacted your career?
ACEC helps me contribute to advancing and transforming the engineering industry, including recruiting the next generation of engineers through EEFA. I get great satisfaction with working with smart and talented industry professionals on addressing and solving the issues that our industry faces.
What advice would you give to current college students?
First – enjoy summer, winter, and spring breaks while you have them – those don’t exist when you work full time. Second – Now is the time to try new things and see what you are interested in. There are a significant number of career paths you can take within the engineering field. Try different things and see what gives you the most joy. Third - Be endlessly curious – ask questions, explore new things – a curious mind leads to new paths and opportunities.
Corey Schlosser, Associate and Project Engineer, BKBM Engineers
2015 Scholarship Recipient
EEFA Post-Secondary Task Force & Scholarship Committee
What did receiving the scholarship mean to you at that time?
It meant a lot to me for someone who didn’t have a lot of funding contribution outside of student loans and who was trying to do 18+ credits a semester to graduate within 4 years. It allowed me to focus more time on my academic goals and complete my undergraduate degree without having to worry as much about how I’m going to pay for college necessities or having to stay in school another year to finish the program.
What motivated you to become involved with ACEC?
Just wanting to give back to such a great organization that has not only helped me but many others just like me to pursue our professional dreams in the consulting engineering world.
How has ACEC involvement impacted your career?
It has allowed me to meet some great people, learn new things, and build my network with other engineering professionals.
What advice would you give to current college students?
Get involved in organizations as early as you can. Meeting people and building long lasting relationships can not only have a huge impact on your professional life, but also your personal life.
Keith Jacobson, Partner and former President of VAA, LLC
1984 Scholarship Recipient
2021-2022 ACEC/MN President
What did receiving the scholarship mean to you at that time?
The scholarship from ACEC helped me afford to pursue my passion for engineering and obtain the education that has led to a fulfilling and interesting career as a structural engineer and business owner. Using the funds from the ACEC Scholarship and my other jobs, I was able to achieve a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota and continue my education to obtain a master’s degree at Cornell University.
What motivated you to become involved with ACEC?
ACEC’s mission to promote and support the consulting engineering industry is critical to our success and advancement and I wanted to be a part of that. Our ability to work together as an industry of peers makes us stronger and gives us a louder, clearer voice than we would ever be able to have as individuals and single firms. In addition, having a voice at the local, state and national level is inspiring. I wanted to make a difference and ACEC has helped me accomplish that goal.
How has ACEC involvement impacted your career?
ACEC helped me launch my career by providing a much-needed scholarship at a critical time. The continuing education learning activities, my board and committee involvement and engagement in the legislative process have all helped me to grow as a professional and propelled me in my career so I could achieve more than I had dreamed. In addition, ACEC involvement has not only impacted my career, but has also helped me establish friendships with some extraordinary people along the way. At the end of the day, life is enriched by the people who are in it. Many of the people I have come to know through ACEC have made my life and career more enjoyable.
What advice would you give to current college students?
Work hard – nothing else will ever replace hard work. Be nice – it doesn’t always get you to the front of the line, but it always makes life better. Expand your network – your friends will make the journey much more fun. Give back – someone else helped you and you have no idea how much your special gifts will mean to others.