November 2025 SEAOSD President's Report

"The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves” – Steven Spielberg

October was a challenging month for my family and me, as we said goodbye to my father after his courageous 18-month battle with ALS. He was 79 years old—a hero, a mentor, and a source of inspiration who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

As a mentor, my father had a rare gift: he saw people not just as they were, but as they could be. He believed everyone holds the potential for greatness, and his conversations left others feeling inspired to be better—at home and at work. For him, mentoring wasn’t a task; it was a calling.

I’m encouraged to see that same spirit reflected in SEAOSD’s recent mentoring initiatives. In October, our Student Liaison Committee (SLC) and Younger Member Forum (YMF) successfully launched their Mentorship Program. Earlier this month, the Women in Structural Engineering (WiSE) group hosted a well-attended Speed Mentoring event. These activities embody the energy and culture that make SEAOSD special.

Much like Shakespeare’s words on mercy—“It blesseth him that gives and him that takes”—mentoring enriches both mentor and mentee. I invite you to engage more fully with SEAOSD, its committees, and its events. Together, we can continue to inspire and elevate one another.

Jeremy Callister
SEAOSD President 2025-2026