PROFILES
Mark Bellamy, P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.), Meritorious Service Award for Community Service for Exemplary Voluntary Contribution to a Community Organization or Humanitarian Endeavour
Mark Bellamy, P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.), fondly remembers his first volunteer role with APEGA. It was 1988 and his first week on the job at UMA Engineering (now AECOM), and he was learning the ropes as a water resources Engineer-in-Training. That same week, the APEGA Lethbridge Branch hosted the APEGA Annual Meeting and Conference. His new boss encouraged volunteerism, and that’s how he found himself driving a van full of APEGA delegates around southern Alberta, giving them a tour of the region’s irrigation infrastructure, including the Oldman River Dam construction site. He enjoyed the experience so much, he's now spent over 23 years volunteering with APEGA’s Lethbridge Branch Executive, taking on various roles from Member- at-Large to Branch Chair. In fact, it was just the start of a lifelong commitment to volunteerism, not only within his profession, but in his community. ” “Between volunteering and my career, it’s kept me very busy — but it really balances my life. Volunteering is personally rewarding, I gain so much more out of the experiences than I could ever contribute,” says Mr. Bellamy, a managing senior principal and office leader with Stantec in Lethbridge. “For me, it is a professional responsibility to volunteer in the community that you live in and be an active and supportive member of your community.” It was his involvement with the Branch Executive that led him to volunteer for the APEGA classroom outreach program, helping nurture a love of science and math in young students. He and Branch Outreach Coordinator Cal Koskowich, P.Eng., FEC., FGC (Hon.), started talking about restarting the Lethbridge Regional Science Fair, which hadn’t been held for several years. In 2003, they established the Southern Alberta Technology Council (SATC), a non-profit organization that aims to get young people interested in science, technology, and engineering. Thanks to their hard work, SCI-FUSION was born, an annual event that combines the Lethbridge Regional Science Fair and the APEGA Science Olympics. In addition to SCI-FUSION, SATC also works with the Alberta Science Network (ASN) and APEGA to bring the Scientists & Engineers-in-the-Classroom program to southern Alberta schools. Mr. Bellamy served as SATC’s President for 11 years and remains a director. He’s also on the ASN board. He’s a strong believer in giving youth opportunities to take part in “mind-expanding” educational programs. “It’s about creating excitement and enthusiasm for science and
-photo courtesy Mark Bellamy, P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.)
COMMUNITY BUILDER
For Mark Bellamy, P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.), being a Professional Engineer means giv- ing back both to his profession and to his community. He’s shown here by the historic Lethbridge CP Rail Viaduct, commonly known as the High Level Bridge.
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