Faculty Members Visit Simpson Strong-Tie

aug 26, 2015

Faculty members Pamalee Brady (ARCE), Dale Clifford (ARCH), and Paul Weber (CM) joined department heads Al Hauck (CM) and Al Estes (ARCE) and Assistant Dean Natalie Schaefer for a trip to the Simpson Strong-Tie facilities in Pleasanton and Stockton on August 25-26th.  The purpose of the trip was to discuss and provide feedback on a Simpson StrongTie university proposal to develop a course for the benefit of students from various university engineering programs.  Primary planners for Simpson were Alan Hanson, Rick Reid, and Jeremy Gilstrap.  The participants toured the laboratories and production facilities at both locations.  The resulting plan is to conduct a three-day pilot program for a small group of Cal Poly CM, ARCE, ARCH, and CE students in April.  The students will experience classes on load flow, connections, fasteners, material testing, constructability, career advice and business which will be augmented with facility tours and small group, hands-on exercises.  The pilot program will provide feedback and experience before offering the experience to a larger audience from more locations.  The team was welcomed by Simpson StrongTie President Karen Colonius and COO Ricardo Arevalo (ARCE 85).  Al Estes took the opportunity to present Ricardo with a farewell gift for his distinguished service on the ARCE Advisory Board from 2012 – 2015.