CE alumni Scott Eshleman and Greg Stukel were recognized by the Illinois Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers at the 2014 annual meeting for their professional contributions.

Scott Eshleman, P.E., S.E., C.V.S. – Citizen Engineer of the Year, recognizing professional accomplishments and unique contributions to the civil engineering profession or community.

Ever since his sophomore year in high school, Scott Eshleman has been captivated with the idea of becoming a bridge engineer and somehow using that skill to help others.  In pursuit of that goal, Scott obtained a degree in Mathematics from Goshen College and went on to get his undergrad and graduate degrees in Civil Engineering from Purdue University.  Scott now has 26 years of professional design experience as a Bridge Engineer.  Since 2001 he has served as the Structural Department Manager for Stanley Consultants’ Chicago Office.

In addition to his professional responsibilities, in 2007 Scott joined a humanitarian non-profit organization called Engineers Without Borders.  Since 2007, Scott has personally led over a dozen engineering teams to Central America to build two pedestrian bridges and one 8-span vehicle bridge, working side-by-side with local community members.  In addition, the last two years Scott has been leading a water distribution project that will bring clean water to a 2,000-person village in northwest Honduras.

Scott also serves on the Technical Advisory Board of a similar organization known as Bridges to Prosperity.  Through this organization, Scott works with student chapters to plan, build, and implement construction of foot bridges for developing countries around the world.

Scott enjoys speaking at University engineering seminars, bridge-building training events, professional organizations, and is an avid promoter of cultural awareness and giving back to a world in need.  Scott’s passion for this work is contagious, so be careful or you too may find yourself on an engineering adventure of a lifetime!

Gregory R. Stukel, P.E. – Government Civil Engineer of the Year, recognizing significant contributions to public sector engineering.

Greg Stukel, as a deputy chief of engineering for the Illinois Tollway, is responsible for the design and construction of the agency’s 286-mile system of roadways serving 1.4 million daily drivers in Northern Illinois.  Currently, he assists in delivering the third year of the Illinois Tollway’s 15-year, $12B capital program, Move Illinois:  The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future.

Mr. Stukel has more than 25 years of professional engineering experience and has been employed by the Tollway for more than 21 years.  Prior to joining the Tollway in 1992, Mr. Stukel was employed by consulting firms working on various transportation projects, including light rail transit, railroads, and highways.

Mr. Stukel earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Purdue University.  He is a registered professional engineer in Illinois and a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.  He is married with three children and currently resides in Naperville, Illinois.