The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) honored Ryan Kobbe, PE with the 2020 President’s Medal at the ASCE Annual Convention in October. Kobbe who serves as a Structural Engineer for T-O Engineers, was a recipient of the medal for his ‘dedicated service to ASCE student members both as an inspirational University of Wyoming Faculty Advisor and as an astute leader and student advocate within the Society’.
Instituted in 1986, this award is presented annually to not more than two individuals and recognizes the accomplishments and contributions of eminent engineers to the profession, the Society or the public. The award is conferred at the initiative of the President with the concurrence of the Executive Committee and consists of a bronze medal depicting the ASCE emblem and engraving identifying the award and the recipient.
Kobbe and his wife Dea Kobbe returned to Park County in January of this year when he accepted a position with T-O Engineers. Prior to returning home to the Big Horn Basin, Ryan was a faculty member in the Civil and Architectural Engineering Department at the University of Wyoming from 2008-2019 as well as the Faculty Advisor to the University’s ASCE Student Chapter.
“Working with the students at UW will always be a bright spot in my professional career. I have always wanted to make a lasting difference as an engineer and having the opportunity to influence the next generation of aspiring professionals provided a unique opportunity to do so,” said Kobbe.
Throughout Kobbe’s time in this position students were recognized nationally as finalists for the Robert Ridgeway Award for the Most Outstanding student chapter (2016, 2017, 2018), the Region 7 Distinguished chapter (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019), as well as earned multiple Certificates of Commendation - top 5 percent of all student chapters (2012, 2014, 2015). In addition, students received recognition for community service benefiting others outside of their ASCE student chapter in 2015 and 2018 and won the Richard J Scranton Outstanding Community Service award in 2016.
“Seeing my alma mater, and Wyoming in general, recognized as a special and exceptional place is very satisfying. I have always believed in the power of positivity and in building relationships, and this award is testament that this philosophy can take even small and unassuming groups to new heights,” said Kobbe.
As a consulting engineer, Ryan looks forward to continuing to work with young professionals as he seeks to develop the structural services business line for T-O Engineers. While no longer in the classroom, Ryan continues to support Wyoming’s engineering community through his service as UW ASCE’s practitioner advisor, President of the Wyoming Engineering Society, and active member of the ASCE Wyoming Section.
“The decision to return to consulting after a decade long hiatus in academia was not an easy one to make. The primary driver was my desire to continue to evolve and learn new things. My hope was to have the opportunity to influence the next generation of professionals and leaders beyond the classroom, and I look forward to leading and learning from T-O’s interns and EITs as we seek to solve new engineering challenges,” said Kobbe. “Beyond the professional opportunities offered, my wife and I are recent “empty-nesters” and the milder weather and outdoor activities offered in Cody Country fit well with our lifestyle. Suffice it to say it feels good to be home.”
To learn more about this award and Ryan Kobbe check out this news article published by the Laramie Boomerang.
