When I look back on my career as a structural engineer, I can point to one defining moment that set everything in motion. As a college student, I sat in a concrete design class and, almost instantly, felt something click. I knew concrete was an important material in building construction, but now I recognized that I wanted to be the person who designed concrete for its many uses. I had always excelled in math and science, but that day was different—it was my “aha” moment. From then on, I never doubted that structural engineering would be my chosen career.
After college and throughout my career, I was fortunate enough to encounter mentors at nearly every stage. These were not formal mentorship programs; instead, they were individuals who took the time to guide me, answer my questions, and push me to think critically about my work. Their advice often came in the form of quiet nudges rather than grand gestures, yet the impact was profound. I will always be grateful for those relationships because they developed not only how I practiced engineering but also how I learned to mentor others.
In 2019, NCSEA created a Foundation with the purpose of supporting Innovation, Advocacy and People in structural engineering. This foundation allows structural engineers to focus on all aspects of the profession, not just the technical.
Throughout my career, innovation often appeared most vividly in my forensics work. When a building is damaged, no textbook exists to provide the answer. I had to rely on my technical knowledge, creativity, and judgment to craft solutions in unique and challenging circumstances. The NCSEA Foundation embraces that same spirit of innovation, not only by encouraging creative problem-solving, but also by reaching beyond the profession. The Foundation’s We SEE K–12 outreach program introduces students to engineering at an early age, showing them that structural engineering is both technical and imaginative. By introducing the profession in classrooms, we plant the seeds of innovation in the next generation.
Advocacy lies at the core of the Foundation, it ensures that our profession has both the recognition and the authority it deserves. My effort to establish a structural engineering license in Florida required learning an entirely new skill set: the legislative process. That experience showed me that advocacy does not stop at the office or the job site; it extends into the halls of government, where we must champion strong standards that protect the public and elevate our profession. The Foundation continues this work by educating communities nationwide on the importance and value of licensure, reinforcing accountability as the cornerstone of structural engineering.
At the same time, structural engineering has always been about people. Whether working with clients, collaborating with teammates, or coordinating with contractors, our success depends as much on communication and trust as it does on technical expertise. The NCSEA Foundation embraces this truth by creating environments where engineers can collaborate, connect, and grow. Through programs that link mentors with mentees, educators with students, and practitioners with the public, the NCSEA Foundation strengthens not only individual engineers but the profession. By awarding scholarships, engaging classrooms, and involving licensed professionals, we ensure that people remain at the center of every project, and every mission we pursue.
Perhaps the best way to explain why the Foundation’s purpose matters is to share a personal story. Early in my career, I didn’t see the value of participating in professional organizations. To be honest, it wasn’t encouraged by my employers at the time. For years, I held back, thinking I had nothing meaningful to contribute.
That changed as I matured, and with the encouragement of later employers, I joined both FSEA and NCSEA. I learned how the organizations worked, gradually took on leadership positions, and eventually served in every officer role. To my surprise, I found that I not only belonged but also had the ability to make a difference. That realization was transformative. Today, after more than 45 years in structural engineering, I view our role as creating opportunities for others to have that same realization, to see themselves as essential contributors to the profession’s growth.
The NCSEA Foundation is poised to provide the people, resources, and vision to take structural engineering to heights we never imagined possible. It is not just about what we build, but about the legacy we leave: a stronger profession, a more informed public, and a new generation of engineers inspired to carry the torch forward.
That is why the NCSEA Foundation is not only professional to me, but also personal. It reflects my journey, my mentors, my lessons learned, and my hopes for the next generation. It reminds me that the same “aha” moment I felt in that college classroom is possible for thousands of students yet to discover their purpose in structural engineering.
About the Author
Thomas A. Grogan Jr., PE, SE, F.ASCE, is the current president of the NCSEA Foundation Board. He also served on the NCSEA Board of Directors and with the Florida Structural Engineering Association.