Society Offers Condolences to Victims
Of Southwestern China Earthquake

                                                                                                                        May 13, 2008

Prof. Tan Qinglian

President

China Civil Engineering Society (CCES)

No. 9 San Li He Road

Beijing

People's Republic of China

Dear Prof. Qinglian:

On behalf of the American Society of Civil Engineers and our 140,000 members, I wish to express our deepest condolences for the loss of life caused by the earthquake experienced in China’s southwestern Sichuan Province. ASCE extends our deepest sympathies to the victims, their families and all who are affected by the disaster. Our heartfelt thoughts are with the many who are suffering at this time of anguish.

We are deeply grieved by the extent of the tragedy and especially saddened by the number of students and children who have lost their lives or are injured.

We are grateful for our continuing relationship with the China Civil Engineering Society and immensely saddened by the devastation that has struck your nation. Through our agreement of cooperation, our organizations are joined by our mutual responsibilities to the global community. We welcome the opportunity to work in partnership at this time of great need, and ask that you inform us of any specific actions you would like us to undertake to assist in addressing the disaster.

                                                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                       David G. Mongan, P.E., F.ASCE

                                                                                                                       President

                                                                                                                       American Society of Civil Engineers