Civil engineers build the world's infrastructure.
In doing so, they quietly shape the history of nations around the world. Most people can not imagine life without the many contributions of civil engineers to the public's health, safety and standard of living. Civil engineering's contributions to daily life, including transportation, clean water and power generation, are magnificent in scope and functionality. The American Society of Civil Engineers, a professional organization representing more than 123,000 civil engineers, celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2002. They laid a foundation for what proves to be one of the most prominent engineering societies in the world.