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June 2023 ITE Journal Director's Message: Leaving a Legacy

By Mr. Jeffrey Paniati P.E posted 06-02-2023 07:45 PM

  

All of us hope to leave a legacy in some way, big or small. For many, that legacy is through family or the lives of friends we have touched. For others, it is through involvement in our church, local community, or volunteer efforts. Still, others leave their legacy through the innovation and creativity they bring to their work and transportation projects that enhance quality of life for the public we serve. 


In 2017, ITE established the Legacy Program to help support the next generation of transportation professionals through investments in student and younger member activities. This program was seeded through funds donated over the years in remembrance of ITE leaders like Theodore Matson, Burton Marsh, and Harold Hammond, and was subsequently bolstered by continuing donations from individuals and corporations. Our goal in establishing the program was to better organize and expand ITE’s efforts to grow future ITE leaders and to provide an easy way for ITE members to contribute to these efforts.


The Legacy Program supports a wide range of efforts from K-12 through college to young professionals. It includes the Diversity Scholars Program, the Matson-Hammond Mentoring Program, LeadershipITE, Young Leaders to Follow, Student Leadership Summits, and STEM efforts, including the ITE prize at the national Future City competition. You can find more information about all these programs on the Legacy Program page on the ITE website at www.ite.org/membership/ite-legacy-program


We have been fortunate to attract a wide range of donors to the Legacy Program, including major gifts from companies like Transoft and Econolite, donations recognizing
company founders, such as the Fred Grorove LeadershipITE scholarship and, most recently, the Patrick A. Gibson Diversity Scholarship Diversity Scholarship, estate gifts and scholarships from ITE Past Presidents Al Swanson, P.Eng. (H), Zaki Mustafa, P.E. (H), Ken Voigt, P.E. (H), and Hibbett Neel, P.E. (H), and significant donations from many others. You can find a recognition of all the members of the ITE Legacy Society—those that have contributed more than $1,000 to the Legacy Program—at www.ite.org/membership/legacy-fund-making-a-difference. The Legacy Program and Legacy Society members are celebrated with a permanent display in our new office space.


For my family, the Diversity Scholars program has provided the opportunity to leave a legacy. My wife Kim and I and our two children, Chris and Lauren, have all benefitted from the opportunity to go to college and to reap all the benefits that an education provides. So many young people, especially those from diverse backgrounds, do not have that same opportunity. Through the Legacy Program, we hope to help other families create a similar pathway.


I would encourage all ITE members to consider contributing, big or small, to the ITE Legacy Program. Every dollar donated goes directly to supporting young people. It is a great opportunity for all of us to “pay it forward” and give someone else the same chance for success that we have had. Donations can be made directly through the Legacy Program webpage.


For those of us close to the end of our careers, more significant donations or estate gifts can provide the opportunity to recognize how our careers and lives have been enhanced through our involvement in ITE and leave a legacy with ITE. If you have any questions about the Legacy Program, reach out to me on the ITE e-Community or at jpaniati@ite.org.

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