Students from the Civil and Environmental Engineering program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette earned fir
Big Wins at 2026 ASCE Gulf Coast Student Symposium
Tue, 04/14/2026 - 1:03pm
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Students from the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette recently participated in the 2026 ASCE Gulf Coast Student Symposium, hosted by the University of Alabama, where they competed alongside universities from across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The annual symposium brought together student chapters for a weekend of technical competitions, professional development, and collaboration, allowing participants to apply classroom knowledge in real-world, team-based engineering challenges.
UL Lafayette students delivered an impressive performance across multiple events, earning several top three finishes, including:
• 1st Place – Topographic Survey
• 2nd Place – Timber Strong (Design-Build Competition)
• 3rd Place – Overall Survey Competition
The second-place finish in Timber Strong is particularly noteworthy, as the nationally recognized design-build competition challenges teams to apply structural engineering principles through hands-on construction, testing, and performance evaluation. Beyond podium finishes, UL Lafayette students were strongly represented across a wide range of events, demonstrating consistent participation, teamwork, and technical ability throughout the symposium. Students also took part in additional activities and informal competitions, contributing to the collaborative and competitive spirit of the event.
As part of the supporting staff in attendance, departmental representatives observed firsthand the dedication and growth of the students throughout the competition. From preparation to execution, participants demonstrated not only technical knowledge, but also adaptability, problem-solving, and the ability to work effectively under pressure. Events such as the ASCE Gulf Coast Student Symposium play a critical role in preparing students for t
heir future careers by reinforcing both technical competencies and professional skills. The experience also provides valuable opportunities for networking and engagement with peers and industry professionals from across the region.
Looking ahead, the department is excited to help host the 2027 ASCE Gulf Coast Student Symposium, which will be co-hosted by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and McNeese State University. This upcoming event will provide an opportunity to welcome regional institutions and further showcase the strength of UL Lafayette’s Civil Engineering program.
The department congratulates all participating students for their hard work, dedication, and outstanding representation of the university!