NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

Each year, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Region 8 honors outstanding engineers and engineering projects that make a lasting impact on our profession and communities. Award recipients are recognized at the Region 8 Fall Assembly Meeting. 

Nominations are due May 1st each year.

Nomination packets must follow the judging criteria, as these are the standards judges will use to evaluate all submissions. Region 8 affirms that awards will only be granted to applicants who fully meet the established criteria. If none of the nominations satisfy these requirements, no award will be conferred.

Region 8 presents four major awards:

• Dale Nelson Engineer of the Year Award (36 Years and Older)
• Kristina L. Swallow Young Engineer of the Year Award (35 Years and Under)
• Large Project of the Year (over $10 million)
• Small Project of the Year (under $10 million)

For questions please contact Governor Oceana Francis.

ASCE Region 8 Dale Nelson Engineer of the Year Award

The ASCE Region 8 Engineer of the Year Award was created in 2012 and renamed in 2019 to honor Dale Nelson, P.E., F.ASCE.

Dale dedicated over 50 years to ASCE and civil engineering, beginning in the mid-1960s as a student at Washington State University. He led major U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects, finished his career with FEMA, and served ASCE in many leadership roles—Anchorage Branch President (1975), Alaska Section President (1978), Region 8 Governor (2007–2010), and Region 8 Director on the Society Board (2015–2018).

More than his titles, Dale was known for his kindness, generosity, and thoughtful leadership. He often traveled long distances to support members in person, offering guidance with respect and grace.

To honor his legacy, the Alaska Section established a memorial scholarship in his name for University of Alaska Anchorage students.

Judging Criteria:

*Nominee must be 36 Years or Older as of 12/31/2025

Nomination Package:

Submit a nomination package which should include the following:

• A cover letter, signed by the nominator
• The nominee’s curricula vitae or biographical information
• A recent color head-and-shoulders photograph of the nominee (MUST BE A JPEG OR PNG)
• Letters of reference with contact information are desired, but not required (maximum of three)
• Age of the nominee (for Engineer of the Year or Young Engineer of the Year)

Requirements:

• The entire nomination package should not exceed 10 pages
• Electronic submittals only (please confirm receipt)
• Submittals should be in a PDF format that readily allows transfer of the nomination content to other documents for evaluation and publication in a Region Newsletter

Submit Nominations Here: Dale Nelson Engineer of the Year Award Nomination Form

ASCE Region 8 Kristina L. Swallow Young Engineer of the Year Award

The ASCE Region 8 Young Engineer of the Year Award was established in 2019 and named after Kristina L. Swallow, P.E., ENV SP, F.ASCE.

Kristina made history as the youngest ASCE President in 2018, inspiring engineers worldwide with her energy, advocacy, and approachable leadership. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona and her master’s from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, quickly becoming active in ASCE through Younger Member activities, Future Cities, the Nevada Section, and the Region 8 Board of Governors.

She received numerous awards as a Younger Member, later serving as Region 8 Director (2013–2015) and as a Legislative Assistant on Transportation Policy (2009–2012) for U.S. Senator Tom Udall. After her ASCE presidency, she was appointed Director of the Nevada Department of Transportation.

Kristina continues to exemplify what it means to be an outstanding young engineer—leading with passion, service, and vision.

Judging Criteria:

*Nominee must be 35 Years or Younger as of 12/31/2025

Nomination Package:

Submit a nomination package which should include the following:

• A cover letter, signed by the nominator
• The nominee’s curricula vitae or biographical information
• A recent color head-and-shoulders photograph of the nominee (MUST BE A JPEG OR PNG)
• Letters of reference with contact information are desired, but not required (maximum of three)
• Age of the nominee (for Engineer of the Year or Young Engineer of the Year)

Requirements:

• The entire nomination package should not exceed 10 pages
• Electronic submittals only (please confirm receipt)
• Submittals should be in a PDF format that readily allows transfer of the nomination content to other documents for evaluation and publication in a Region Newsletter

Submit Nominations Here: Kristina L. Swallow Young Engineer of the Year Award Nomination Form

ASCE Region 8 Large and Small Projects of the Year

The Large and Small Projects of the Year Awards celebrate engineering achievements that make a lasting difference in our communities. These awards recognize projects that demonstrate technical excellence, creativity, and a commitment to improving quality of life across Region 8.

• Large Projects – Construction costs over $10 million
• Small Projects – Construction costs under $10 million

Projects are evaluated on the following criteria:

• Contribution to Communities – How the project enhances the well-being of people and society.
• Resourcefulness – Innovative approaches to planning and solving design challenges.
• Pioneering Methods – Advancement in the use of new materials, technologies, or methods.
• Construction Innovation – Creative solutions that push the boundaries of construction practices.
• Environmental Stewardship – Efforts to minimize impacts on the natural environment.
• Overall Application – The project’s strength and impact across all categories combined.

Judging Criteria:

*The project must have been substantially completed during the 2025 calendar year.

Nomination Package:

Submit a nomination package which should include the following:

• A cover letter, signed by the nominator
• The project’s background information
• A color photograph of the project (additional photos may be submitted if they highlight outstanding project features) (MUST BE A JPEG OR PNG)
• Letters of recommendation supporting the nomination, with contact information (desired but not required, maximum of three)

Requirements:

• The project must have been substantially completed during the 2025 calendar year
• The entire nomination package should not exceed 10 pages
• Submittals should be in a PDF format that readily allows transfer of the nomination content to other documents for evaluation and publication in a Section Newsletter

Submit Nominations Here: Project of the Year (Large or Small) Nomination Form