Posted on April 5: Civil engineering alumni partner with McMaster to design effective structures

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Civil_Engineering_donation_.jpg” caption=”Centre for Effective Design of Structures donation”]A generous gift to McMaster University's Centre for Effective Design of Structures from two civil engineering graduates will aid in preparing structural engineers for the challenges of building in the 21st century.

Brothers Vladimir and Chedo Sobot, who founded Sobotec Ltd. in 1988, announced their $100,000 contribution to the Centre today (Monday).

Sobotec Ltd. is a privately owned Hamilton-based company that produces high-tech and visually appealing wall systems for commercial buildings. From five employees in a 5,000-sq.-ft. plant, Sobotec has grown rapidly and now employees hundreds of men and women in a 72,000-sq.-ft. Hamilton facility. Sobotec employees provide consulting services and building products to major clients in Canada and the United States.

To build for the challenges of tomorrow, students in civil engineering programs must have access to the latest technologies and the most current research today. Sobotec's gift will help McMaster to ensure that graduates understand the durability of materials, possess advanced analytical skills, identify clients-specific needs, and satisfy sustainability concerns including reduced maintenance and extended service life of structures. McMaster's commitment to linking research with education ensures that the Centre for Effective Design of Structures is on the cutting-edge of developments in civil engineering technology.

McMaster University's Centre for Effective Design of Structures, created in May of 2002, is funded by the Ontario Research and Development Challenge Fund, McMaster University, and industry partners.

Photo caption: Vladimir Sobot and McMaster President Peter George sign a gift agreement for McMaster University's Centre for Effective Design of Structures. Also pictured, at back from left, are Mo Elbestawi, dean of engineering, Chedo Sobot and Robert G. Drysdale, director of the Centre for Effective Design of Structures.