“Our Society theme this year is Adapt Today to Shape Tomorrow, which is based on the goal in our Society’s Strategic Plan to adapt. This goal relates to my personal history of moving from a slide rule in my early college days to a hand calculator and now a computer or smartphone as an example of the challenges and opportunities inherent in adapting to new technology. This presentation will describe our Society’s theme for the year with a special emphasis on how the initiatives and directives found within the theme will help our members adapt to our rapidly changing industry and help make them more effective, efficient and productive.”
Tim Wentz, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, HBDP
ASHRAE President, 2016-2017
Tim Wentz is an associate professor, University of Nebraska – Lincoln. As ASHRAE’s president, Wentz chairs the Society’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee. His theme, Adapt Today to Shape Tomorrow, is based on the goal in the Society’s Strategic Plan to adapt. Wentz relates this goal to his personal history of moving from a slide rule in his early college days to a hand calculator and now a computer or smartphone as an example of the challenges and opportunities inherent in adapting to new technology.
“All of us have had to come face-to-face with the challenges of adaptation,” he said. “It’s in the power of adapting that lives, organizations, and communities, are transformed. Our ability to shape tomorrow is borne out of our willingness to adapt today. Together, we can create our future by adapting our resources, investments and technology to shape a more sustainable world.” Wentz was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska. Upon graduation, Wentz went to work for his family’s mechanical contracting firm. As the fourth generation to join the firm, he had the opportunity to develop an expertise in mechanical design, estimating and construction management. He spent 19 years in the industry, working on a wide range of mechanical projects throughout the Midwest, including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, factories and other large commercial enterprises.
Since entering academia, Wentz has received numerous awards and honors for his teaching and service to the HVAC industry. He is the recipient of an Exceptional Service Award, a Distinguished Service Award, the E.K. Campbell Award of Merit, a Region IX Regional Award of Merit, a Region IX Chapter President of the Year and a Regional Energy Award. The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) has named Wentz their national “Educator of the Year” on three occasions and in 2009 awarded him its highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award. He also has received the Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction’s Outstanding Educator Award and the College of Engineering’s Holling Award for outstanding teaching and mentoring. Wentz previously served as president-elect, treasurer and two terms as vice president on the Board of Directors and also as Region IX director and regional chair.
ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is a global society advancing human well-being through sustainable technology for the built environment. The Society and its more than 55,000 members worldwide focus on building systems, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, refrigeration and sustainability. Through research, standards writing, publishing, certification and continuing education, ASHRAE shapes tomorrow’s built environment today. More information can be found at www.ashrae.org/news.