As we move into summer, many of us find ourselves balancing the demands of work, family vacations, youth sports, summer activities, and the many responsibilities that come with our personal and professional lives. Summer has a way of reminding us that life moves quickly. The days are longer, the temperatures are higher, and the calendar seems to fill up faster than we expect.
It is during these busy times that I am reminded of the importance of balance.
While it is important to meet our professional obligations and pursue our goals, it is equally important to spend time with our families, invest in our relationships, and take time to recharge. The memories we create with those closest to us are every bit as valuable as the accomplishments we achieve in our careers.
At the same time, summer is also a season of growth. It provides an opportunity to reflect on where we are today and where we want to be tomorrow. I have always believed that meaningful progress is often achieved through small, consistent improvements. Becoming just 1 percent better each day may not seem significant in the moment, but over time those incremental gains can lead to extraordinary results.
The same principle applies to ASPE.
As a Society, we continue to move forward together. Recently, we completed our five Region Presidents’ Meetings across North America. These meetings brought together Chapter leaders who are passionate about serving their members and strengthening our Society. I always leave these meetings energized by the dedication, creativity, and enthusiasm of our volunteers.
We also are nearing an important milestone in our annual Chapter reporting process with the submission of Chapter Officer information for the 2026–2027 ASPE year. As a reminder, ASPE operates on a fiscal and leadership year that runs from July 1 through June 30, and I want to thank all of our Chapter leaders who are working diligently to ensure a smooth transition into the new Society year.
As we look ahead, excitement continues to build for the 2026 ASPE Convention & Expo in Oklahoma City this October. As an Oklahoma native, I am especially proud to welcome our members, industry partners, and guests to my home state.
Oklahoma’s history is one of resilience, determination, and opportunity. From the land runs that helped shape the state’s early development to the discovery of oil that fueled economic growth throughout the region, Oklahoma has long been a place where people came to build a better future. It is a state known for its hardworking people, strong communities, and pioneering spirit.
In many ways, those same qualities define ASPE.
Our Society was built by members who believed in a common purpose. They volunteered their time, shared their knowledge, mentored future leaders, and invested in an organization that would benefit generations of plumbing engineers and designers. Because of their efforts, ASPE continues to grow and prosper. Today, our membership is stronger than ever, our educational programs continue to expand, and our community remains united by a commitment to advancing our profession.
This year also carries special significance for our nation. On July 4, 2026, the United States of America celebrates its 250th anniversary. For two and a half centuries, generations of Americans have worked to build a nation founded on freedom, opportunity, innovation, and service. While our country has faced challenges along the way, its enduring strength has always been found in the willingness of its citizens to contribute, improve, and leave things better than they found them.
That spirit is something of which we should all be proud.
As members of ASPE, we are proud of our profession. We are proud of our Society. Most importantly, we are proud to contribute to something larger than ourselves. Whether serving our communities, mentoring a young professional, volunteering at the Chapter level, or helping advance the plumbing engineering profession, each of us plays an important role in shaping the future.
As we continue through the summer and prepare for another exciting Convention & Expo, I encourage each of you to enjoy time with your family, continue investing in yourself, and look for opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.
Together, we will continue building on the strong foundation established by those who came before us while preparing ASPE for the opportunities that lie ahead.
Thank you for your continued dedication, leadership, and support of our Society. I look forward to seeing you in Oklahoma City this October.
As always, I am enclosing Volume 12 of the ASPE Education crossword puzzle. Luther Thevenin, CPD, is one of our many talented contributors to the ASPE Education Committee and he has put together some great puzzles for our ASPE community, so take some time and complete the crossword puzzle. The answers will be posted in my next article.
