Meet Augustine Verrengia PE, Civil Market Leader, WGI
The ASCE Texas Section Board of Direction members were asked to fill out a questionnaire so that the Section’s members might get to know them a little better on a personal level. These are Augustine Verrengia PE’s answers.
When did you first get involved with ASCE at any level (student chapter, local branch, section)?
My experience with ASCE began when I was in college at the University of Texas-San Antonio. I first learned about some of the events that they were holding on campus from other civil engineering students and soon thereafter I began going to monthly meetings, participating in the steel bridge competition, and ultimately served on the student chapter board as Vice President.
What do you love the most about being a civil engineer?
I love that the work we do as civil engineers has such a visible impact on the well-being of the communities that we work in. In my experience, I’ve learned that the improvements we make to infrastructure and the built environment help communities to function more efficiently, cleanly, and beautifully.
What’s your most memorable project?
My most memorable project is the Space Center Houston – Independence Plaza, where we took the original Boeing 747 NASA 905 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with the Space Shuttle Independence replica training module mounted on top and turned it into a museum that the public can go inside. This was personally such a special project for me because my grandfather worked for NASA for many years, and therefore I grew up with a huge fascination for NASA and the space program.
Give us three words to describe what a civil engineer does?
Analyzes, Plans, & Solves.
What is your favorite holiday?
New Years
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I like to stay active by doing things like swimming, biking, running, or doing yoga…but when I’m not moving around, I love to be on the lake or laying by the pool, or spending time down at the coast with the family.
What is your favorite band?
The String Cheese Incident
Who is the most famous person you have met?
Anthony Bourdain