Island University Announces New Student Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has welcomed a new student chapter at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC), marking a significant milestone for engineering at the Island University. Formally known as the  Islander Civil Engineers (ICE) group, the initiative has quickly grown in the time since its 2023 foundation from just a handful of students to over 80 active members, and has asserted itself as an integral part of the ASCE engineering community. This growth reflects the chapter’s ongoing dedication to nurturing leadership skills, professional development, and technical expertise among aspiring civil engineers.

The efforts of the ICE group culminated in their submission of an official application to the ASCE that highlighted their successful student engagement, and their dedication to growing the organization from the ground up. With support from the ASCE Texas section and local professionals, TAMU-CC is now home to the 24th official ASCE student chapter in Texas and joins over 400 student chapters across the country.  As an official chapter, TAMU-CC students will be eligible to compete in regional and national ASCE competitions, such as the concrete canoe and steel bridge challenges, while also gaining access to scholarships and networking opportunities.

For the founding president of the chapter and Civil Engineering major, Anya Carlson ’25, this achievement is the result of an extensive group effort and shared vision.

"We had to complete a 12-month plan with a variety of events, including general meetings, student presentations, and service projects," explained Carlson. "It was hard work, but now there will be many students who will benefit from it."

Dr. Hua Zhang, an Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, emphasized the long-term value of the chapter – which benefits not only student members, but TAMU-CC as an institution.

“This chapter will play a critical role in the recruitment and retention of our students,” said Zhang.  “It will grow alongside our engineering program, helping to prepare students for both industry and professional leadership.”

As TAMUCC’s civil engineering program works toward its certification with the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the ASCE student chapter will undoubtedly serve as a driving force behind student success, providing a sense of community as well as vital opportunities for personal and professional growth.