 | | Steve Elver has spent more than 40 years in the structural engineering profession, but that almost wasn’t the plan. After high school, Steve intended to become a journeyman carpenter, but a waiting list for the training program led him elsewhere. By his sophomore year at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he had found structural engineering and wondered, “Was it fate that steered me to the career path I eventually took?” One highlight of that career was serving as designer of record for the $57 million demolition and reconstruction of the Badger Hydroelectric Plant in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, a complex project involving more than 20 stakeholders and the redesign of a half-mile-long power canal. Steve encourages young engineers to get out from behind their desks and gain site experience, and especially to talk with people in the trades, because everyone on a project can provide valuable insight. A co-worker and former SEAOI president originally talked him into participating in SEAOI, but the camaraderie and connections kept him involved for more than 25 years, including serving as SEAOI President, and recieving SEAOI's Service Award in 2016. For all he has accomplished professionally, Steve considers his family - his wife of 45 years, two sons, two daughters-in-law, and five grandchildren - his greatest accomplishment. His parting advice after four decades in the profession: maintain work-life balance. For Steve and his wife, that means making time to travel together, and planning the next adventure well in advance!
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