The Cal Poly Pomona chapter of the civil engineering honors society Chi Epsilon has been recognized as the District Prominent Chapter of 2012. The chapter was honored at the Pacific District Conference, Nov. 10 & 11 at CSU Long Beach.

Cal Poly Pomona civil engineers competed against 12 other chapters in the district, including Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, USC and UC Berkeley, for the title and trophy. Students were judged on competitions and presentations at the conference, as well as their activities and participation rates throughout the year. At Cal Poly Pomona, students organize an annual job fair and volunteer in the community.

"I feel honored to serve as the faculty adviser of the Cal Poly Pomona chapter of Chi Epsilon. The award clearly demonstrates the student officers' and members' commitment and dedication to the student club and the civil engineering field," says Wen Cheng, assistant professor of civil engineering.

"It's the first time we've ever won this award," adds chapter president Eddie Vega, a senior. "It's just an exciting year for us. Hopefully there's more excitement to come."

With 34 initiates this year, the chapter is on track to reach a milestone of its 1,000th member since the organization was established in 1982 at Cal Poly Pomona. Once initiated, they are members for life, and the chapter currently has 985 lifetime members.

(Photo: left to right, Allison Edgerley, Chi Epsilon initiate; Shannon Tynan, corporate relations chair; Eddie Vega, president; Gregory DiLoreto, ASCE national president; Dr. Wen Cheng, faculty advisor; Chandni Patel, secretary; Adrian Rodriguez, vice president; Patricia Hsia, marshal; Jesse Morton, treasurer.)