Dear SEAOI Members,

November is my favorite month. Not because of the cooler weather or the stunning fall colors, or because my birthday is this month, but because it’s the month of my favorite holiday – Thanksgiving. While I do my best to express my gratitude every day throughout the year, I love having the opportunity to intentionally acknowledge life’s many blessings with family and friends.

As members of the structural engineering profession, we also have much to be thankful for. Our work shapes skylines, preserves history, and creates places where people live, work, and gather. While most people may not understand what we do, they trust that the buildings they enter and the bridges they cross are safe. That responsibility is an extraordinary privilege. Our lasting impact is built on the success of our shared collaboration with architects, contractors, fellow engineers, and many others. The relationships created often outlast the projects themselves.

Structural engineers have an incredible ability to innovate. We have benefited equally from a culture that encourages creativity, research, and technological advancement and from colleagues with different backgrounds, experiences, and approaches to problem-solving. The structural engineering knowledge of today was developed by the structural pioneers who came before us. Bridges, schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure we often take for granted represent the work and dedication of generations of professionals. We (in Chicago especially) are fortunate to work in a city with such a rich engineering history, but with that fortune comes the responsibility to carry that legacy forward.

While there is much to be thankful for in our profession, I find that the things I'm most grateful for aren't things at all. They're the people, relationships, and opportunities that have shaped my journey. I'm especially grateful for:

•  Mentors who invested in me and took time to teach, challenge, and encourage me.
• Younger engineers who inspire me with their curiosity, new perspectives, and willingness to challenge conventional approaches to help keep the profession moving forward.
• Volunteers who give their time and choose to contribute every day to SEAOI’s mission and SEAOI staff who work hard behind the scenes to serve and support our members. Thank YOU!
• Genuine friendships created with like-minded people who share my experiences, challenges, and passions through our profession. Continuing education and networking are an obvious benefit of SEAOI membership, but I choose to be part of this organization because of the people.
• Most of all, I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the engineering community and belong to something bigger than myself. As individuals, we can make a difference on our projects. Together, through SEAOI, we can influence the direction and future of our profession.

Of course, gratitude isn't just about recognizing what we've received but also finding ways to give back. One such opportunity is through SEAOI’s charitable arm, the Structural Engineers Foundation (SEF), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to one goal: the advancement of structural engineering. SEF accomplishes this goal by sponsoring and funding scholarships, lectures, awards, publications and research - all aimed at improving structural engineers and structural engineering. Last Tuesday, SEF hosted a sold-out Fall Lecture and will soon be embarking on the application review for the scholarships and research grants. If you’re compelled to contribute to the advancement of the SEF mission, please see here for how to donate or get involved. #GivingTuesday is less than 3 weeks away!

Finally, because I’m so grateful for this community of engineers, I want to be sure you are aware of all the fantastic events we’ve planned for you in the next few weeks.

• On Thursday, November 12^th, join us online for our “Innovation Series: Ground Improvement for Structural Engineers.”
• On November 19^th, join us again online for “Human–AI Agent Collaboration in Structural Engineering and Code Development.”
• On December 1^st, we return to Cliff Dwellers Club for the last dinner meeting of 2026. Jacinda Collins of CAST CONNEX will be discussing NASA’s Mobile Launcher.
• A week later, on December 8^th, we’ll gather at Porter Kitchen & Deck at 150 North Riverside for our Holiday Happy Hour and Toy Drive. Donating a new, unwrapped toy, or contributing to Toys for Tots, will earn you two complimentary drink tickets.
• The Young Engineers Committee is seeking abstracts for the 11^th Annual Young Engineers Symposium. Abstracts are due December 11^th.
• Finally, if you have a mentor or know someone who has made a significant impact in our profession, please consider expressing your gratitude for them by nominating them to SEAOI’s College of Fellows. Applications are due January 15^th.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope you’ll find an opportunity to put your gratitude into action. Take a moment to recognize the people who have helped shape your career, the opportunities you've been given, and the blessings - big and small - that are so easy to take for granted. Thank a mentor, encourage a colleague, volunteer, or invest in the next generation.

With heartfelt thanks,

Michelle Ryland, SE, RA

SEAOI President