February 2019 – Diane Durscher, PE, Receives the 2019 ACEC/MD Community Service Award

Diane Durscher, PE, Associate with WM’s Water Resources Department, has received the American Council of Engineering Companies/Maryland (ACEC/MD) 2019 Community Service Award. ACEC/MD gives this award to a member who has demonstrated great service to their community and bolstered the image of the engineering profession. Diane was recognized for her years of volunteering with the Maryland Engineering Challenges, as well as her service to her church.

The ACEC/MD focused on several core criteria, which included demonstrating sustained commitment to  the community; showing public leadership; being active in local, county, and/or state government; displaying influence outside of professional issues; as well as contributing to the quality of life in the community. For 11 years, Diane has served as a specifications judge for the Wood Bridge Challenge, where high schoolers design a structurally-efficient bridge; she’s also served on the committee to promote and enhance this challenge. She’s also been involved with the Safer Racer Challenge for 10 years. She has served as a presentation judge for the Future City Challenge, and as a team mentor for the Theme Park Challenge.

Diane serves on four ministries with her church. She is the Chair of the Decorations Committee, and has an integral role with the AWANA Bible club’s Cubbies group for kids between three and five years old. She serves with Vacation Bible School and works on the sound team.

She is also active with her local community arts scene: For the past four years, she has submitted to, and participated in, the Home Arts exhibits for the Howard County and Maryland State fairs. She volunteers with the biennial Empty Bowls charity event at the Columbia Arts Center.

The award also recognized Diane for helping homeowners in parts of Mississippi that were devastated by Hurricane Katrina. For seven years, she dedicated one week each summer to assist in disaster relief construction efforts.

 

We congratulate Diane and thank her for her community service.