Calling All Engineers ... to get involved in Chicagoland Engineers Week. This year’s observance may be one of the most influential gatherings in history. Members of more than 30 engineering societies will gather in the Chicago area to honor the profession and network with other professionals and civic leaders. At the same time, they will be introduced to a new generation to the field of engineering. Dr Alvy Ray Smith: Cofounded or was present at the beginning of four centers of computer graphics excellence: Altamira, Pixar , Lucasfilm, New York Tech. Then joined Microsoft as its first Graphics Fellow, before resigning in 1999. Received two technical Academy Awards for alpha channel concept and for digital paint systems. Invented, directed, originated, or otherwise instrumental in the following developments: first full-color paint program, HSV color model, alpha channel and image sprites, Genesis Demo in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, first Academy-Award winning computer-generated short Tin Toy, first computer-generated film Toy Story, Academy-Award winning Disney animation production system CAPS, and the Visible Human Project. Was a star witness in a trial that successfully invalidated five patents that had been plaguing the digital imaging business. Writes and speaks extensively. Served on the Microsoft Art Committee. Has PhD from Stanford University and honorary doctorate from New Mexico State University. Is a member of the National Academy of Engineering. Retired in 2000 to devote time to the emerging artform of digital photography and to scholarly genealogy, to which he has contributed two books and several learned journal papers. He is Trustee Emeritus of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston.

The Chicagoland Engineers Week Committee invites you to celebrate National Engineers Week 2010 in Chicagoland. Join us February 14-20, 2010 as we celebrate the profession's contribution to our quality of life and reach out to our community's next generation of innovators.

Engineers week will be February 14-20, 2010. The Washington Award Banquet will be Friday, February 19th, 2010 at the University Club of Chicago.

Vision of Chicagoland Engineers Week:

• Stimulate junior and senior high school students to consider careers in engineering, especially through hands-on school projects
• Highlight the contributions of engineers to the well-being of society, especially in Chicagoland.

Engineers work behind the scenes to help improve the quality of life in our communities. Their work isn't always visible, but we count on them for a number of different services. The water we drink is purified by engineering processes. The structure of our houses, the utilities and lighting were enhanced by engineering. Anything our earth's residents use and exist with relies on engineering to make it happen.

Realizing Our Vision

Last year hundreds of middle to high school aged students participated in a variety of mathematic and science programs and competitions. Forty-five of the top achievers get to attend the Chicagoland Engineering Awards Benefit where they will get the opportunity to rub elbows with esteemed engineers such as Michael Brick, as well and receive awards and the accolades of hundreds of teachers, parents and other students at the gathering.

Many who participate in an Engineers Week program will go on to a career in engineering. And those who don't will have caught a glimpse of the important work engineers do and the career heights they can achieve.

Click here to download a PDF and registration form.