ESWP: Society Information: 125th Anniversary Celebration

ESWP 125th Anniversary

ESWP/WQED Video

Premieres April 10, 2008 at 8 PM on WQED

ESWP Commemorative History Book

  • Learn ESWP's history from the early days through the present in this commemorative anniversary book.
  • Professionally written to capture history through research and interviews.
  • Edited by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation
  • Includes a CDROM of the ESWP's 50th Anniversary Book "Pittsburgh" at no additional cost.

Purchase a copy on-line for $95 includes shipping. Click here.

Fundraising Dinner
October 26, 2005
David L. Lawrence Convention Center

What a glorious night!

The Engineers’ Society of Western Pennsylvania celebrated 125 years of service to the engineering community at a Fundraising Dinner on Wednesday, October 26 in the grand setting of Pittsburgh’s David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Almost 1,100 guests attended the event, which featured WQED’s Rick Sebak as the Master of Ceremonies and one of Pittsburgh’s favorite sons- author and historian David McCullough as the Guest Speaker. The event began in high style with a Silent Auction that offered almost 100 items, ranging from signed sports memorabilia to getaway weekends. The Auction Coordinator, Margaret Manges was very pleased with the response to the Auction, where guests browsed and placed bids during the social reception prior to dinner. “People really were impressed with the auction tables, and given the assortment and variety of items donated by our generous sponsors, it was a hit!” said Manges. Strolling violinist Ron Molinaro provided the entertainment.

The call to dinner at 6:40 was welcomed by the guests who were eager to see the premiere of a special video produced by WQED Mulitmedia for the ESWP Anniversary dinner. For the video, Producer Rick Sebak interviewed a number of ESWP members to capture the spirit of the Society and what it has meant to the members who belong, but also to the community at large and the engineering profession. The video featured members Alex Sciulli, Carl Angeloff, Deb Lange, George Tannehill, Tony DiGioia as well as Tim Palucka and Sherie Mershon who are charged with writing the 125 year history of ESWP for a February 2006 book. “What a thrill it was to hear the familiar voice of Rick Sebak exploring the ESWP. The video instantly raised my expectations of the evening,” commented one guest.

Following the military presentation of our Nation’s flag and the booming rendition of the Star Spangled Banner performed by Thomas Octave, Allegheny County Chief Executive Officer, Dan Onorato proclaimed October 26, 2005 as “Engineers’ Society of Western Pennsylvania Day” throughout Allegheny County. Mr. Onorato also presented a letter from Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell, who offered his congratulations to the ESWP upon the 125 year milestone and extolled the Society’s service to the betterment of the Commonwealth. Alex Sciulli offered the invocation, prior to dinner, which featured a petite filet mignon and split breast of chicken as the entrée that was enjoyed by all guests.

Following dinner, dignitaries of ESWP were introduced, including the ESWP Board of Directors and Special Advisory Council, Past ESWP Presidents and Metcalf Award recipients, as well as the students who were guests of many firms that sponsored their attendance. Then emcee Sebak introduced David McCullough with some personal insights to the delight of the gathering. McCullough, famous for his literary works, such as “The Great Bridge” and “The Path Between the Seas”, along with his latest work “1776”, was welcomed with hearty applause. Throughout his almost-sixty minute delivery, the audience sat in perfect silence to enjoy this master storyteller. His perfect blend of patriotism, inspiration and admiration, along with an appreciation for our past, was woven together with thoughts on our present day world. Following the presentation, McCullough entertained questions from the audience before staying on to personally sign copies of his books until everyone was satisfied.

The evening was a fine celebration of ESWP’s 125th Anniversary and a start to the three-year program of events planned by the Society to continue to promote and encourage interest in the engineering profession.

Photo Gallery

The Reception at Heinz History Center

Anthony M. DiGioia Jr., Ph.D., P.E., 125th Anniversary Co-Chair (left), David McCullough, Guest Speaker (center), and Alex G. Sciulli, PE, 125th Anniversary Co-Chair (right)

David McCullough is introduced to Tony and Carole DiGioia (right) by David Teorsky, ESWP General Manager (center)

George F. Babcoke, ESWP Board Member (left) and Rick Sebak, Master of Ceremonies (right)

ESWP President, Michael G. Bock, P.E., Esq. (left), and ESWP Secretary, Deborah A. Lange, Ph.D., P.E., DEE (center) with Rick Sebak (right)

ESWP member, Fred Griffin (left), Michael Bock (center) and Daniel J. Tis, ESWP Board member (right)

The Silent Auction & Reception


Guests browse more than 80 items on the Silent Auction during the social hour.


Guests were entertained by violinist Ron Molinaro.

The Dinner

Over 1,100 guests enjoyed an exciting event at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.


Presentation of Colors by Pittsburgh's Military Entrance Process Station


Proclamation of "Engineers' Society of Western Pennsylvania Day" on October 26, 2005 by Dan Onorato, Allegheny County Chief Executive


Honored guests seated at the head table from left to right: David McCullough, Rick Sebak, Alex Sciulli, Tony DiGioia, Jr. and Michael Bock


Guest Speaker, David McCullough, Author-Historian


Michael G. Brennan, P.E., 125th Anniversary Committee member applauds


David McCullough graciously autographs books after the program.


125th Anniversary Co-Chairs

ANTHONY M. DIGIOIA JR., Ph.D., P.E.
DiGioia & Associates, LLC

ALEX G. SCIULLI, P.E. (Fundraising Committee)
Mellon Financial Corporation

125th Anniversary Committee

MICHAEL G. BOCK, P.E., Esq.
Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP

MICHAEL G. BRENNAN, P.E. (Heinz History Center Exhibit)
Astorino

BERNARD J. FEDAK, P.E. (Fundraising Dinner Committee)
Consultant

DEBORAH A. LANGE, Ph.D., P.E., DEE (WQED Video Project)
Carnegie Mellon University
Steinbrenner Institute

A. ROBERT NECCIAI, P.E. (Carnegie Science Center Programs)
Orbital Engineering, Inc.

CARL W. SCHWARTZ (Advisory Council Liaison)
Westinghouse Electric Company

DANIEL J. TIS (Publicity)
S/D Engineers, Inc.

125th Anniversary Advisory Council

JAY APT
Carnegie Mellon Electricity Industry Center

HOWARD J. BRUSCHI
Westinghouse Electric Company

JUDITH B. CUNNINGHAM
Allegheny Intermediate Unit

REBECCA FLORA
Green Building Alliance

JAMES GARRETT
Carnegie Mellon University

JOANNE E. HAAS
Carnegie Science Center

NANCY HART
Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership

GERALD HOLDER
University of Pittsburgh

ANDREW MASICH
Heinz Regional History Center

THOMAS McCONOMY
Calgon Carbon Corporation

DAN ONORATO
County of Allegheny

ROBERT PEASE
National Development Corporation

JAMES RODDEY
Hawthorne Group

ARTHUR ZIEGLER, JR.
Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation

125th Anniversary Fundraising Dinner Committee

STEVE BACHENHEIMER
HATCH

TREVOR FARRAND
R.T. Patterson Company

BERNARD J. FEDAK, P.E. (Chair)
Consultant

TOM JURECKO
Aker Kvaerner

MARGARET MANGES (Silent Auction Coordinator)