Identifying and studying role models, it has always seemed to me, is one of the most important activities structural engineers can pursue in reaching high levels as professionals and as citizens.

Role models vastly differ from mentors who come in the form of favorite engineering professors, colleagues, or bosses. Our superiors mostly teach, train, and/or guide us so that we can perform better, improve our technical skills, and/or advance in our careers. Our role models, though they can trigger improvements, represent a source of "food for thought." They set an example, challenging and inspiring us to expand our horizons so that we can excel beyond engineering, as well as within it.

Typically, we encounter important example-setters early in life, well before we graduate from college and sometimes even before we decide to become engineers. More often than not, our role models are people close to us—parents, caring uncles or aunts, ministers, or schoolteachers. Sometimes they’re even local celebrities, sports heroes, or public figures. Often, these influencers enter our lives briefly and remotely. Nonetheless, they have a consequential effect.

As David Fowler, Ph.D., the director of the International Center for Aggregates Research at University of Texas at Austin, said, "By example, my mother showed me how to be the best person I could be, morally and intellectually, and she encouraged me to get as much education as possible. The principal in my grade school interested me in engineering and, when I was in the ninth grade, my math teacher and football coach focused me toward structural engineering."

In my own life, an early role model was my father, a successful general contractor who inspired me not only to become a structural engineer, but also to start my own business. He told me, "Always do more than is expected of you. Always leave things better than you found them. And never compromise your values. Your reputation is the most sacred thing you have; never lose it."

Since then, many successful engineers and non-engineers have passed through my life and left their marks as role models. They have greatly aided in my growth both as an engineer and as a human being.

In the 1980s, for instance, when my firm was experiencing survival pains during a down economy, I was influenced by Lee Iacocca and his efforts in saving Chrysler Motors from extinction. His call-a-spade-a-spade attitude—as well as the positive, can-do messages in his books and lectures—not only put Chrysler back on track; it also inspired many of us to grow our engineering firms. His never-give-up approach to running a business and marketing during tough times was classic.

Iacocca’s influence then was a major part of who I’ve become today. Similarly, the youthful exuberance, ability to connect, and inspiring persona of President John F. Kennedy also lingers.

Kennedy’s call to put an American on the moon before the end of the 1960s captivated the nation. It also elevated the profession of engineering to an all-time high, causing enrollments to swell at engineering colleges nationwide. In addition to his visionary space exploration goals, Kennedy’s "ask what you can do for your country" challenge changed attitudes and increased interest in public service. Universally, it instilled a deeper commitment to giving back to one’s community and one’s profession.

Connecting with people who influence us often begins with regional similarities. Kimberly Kramer, director of graduate studies at Kansas State University, College of Engineering, said, "Amelia Earhart was born in Kansas and so was I. She, despite the rules a young lady had to follow at the time, pursued her dream. Her belief that she could do whatever she set her mind to allowed her to accomplish many firsts. That was [and is] inspirational. Earhart made a difference and changed our world. We all have the potential to do that."

The deeds of sports leaders like Vince Lombardi and the writings of thinkers like historian David McCullough, author of The Great Bridge and Path Between the Seas, can also significantly influence and move us to greatness. Pacesetters like Iacocca, Kennedy, Earhart, Lombardi, and McCullough stimulate big-picture, look-to-the-future ideas that can modify how we think and which direction we take.

As the 21st century becomes more dependent on sophisticated technologies, structural engineers with broad outlooks and bold visions will increasingly be in demand for their technical expertise, leadership qualities, and sound judgment.

You can maximize those attributes and emulate the positive traits that your role models posses. So keep your antennas high to identify the best ones you can. Remember, who you are evolving into gets tempered by all of your life’s experiences and by the influences of past, present, and future example-setters.

And just as you benefit from your role models, make sure you do what you can to be an excellent example for those who follow you. Give them your inspiration and insight to pursue throughout their lives.

Richard Weingardt, P.E., is CEO and chairman of Richard Weingardt Consultants, Inc., a Denver-based structural engineering firm. He can be reached via e-mail at rweingardt@gostructural.com.