DES PLAINES, IL (April 22, 2003) - Based in Durham and Raleigh, the North Carolina Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) recently presented the ASSE Foundation with $500 for the "James A. Oppold Accreditation Fund." The ASSE Foundation established the fund last year in memory of James A. Oppold, CSP, Ph.D., of Raleigh, ASSE's representative to the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

The accreditation fund provides financial assistance to colleges, universities and other institutions that are applying for ABET accreditation of occupational safety, health and environmental programs both at the graduate and undergraduate levels. There are currently 11 ABET accredited safety degree programs in the U.S.

North Carolina Chapter President James McRight of Raleigh said, "We present this donation in memory of James Oppold and his dedication to certifying safety programs. This fund will help college and university safety programs in obtaining ABET accreditation."

Established in 1955, the North Carolina Chapter has over 200 members throughout Bladen, Chatham, Columbus, Cumberland, Durham, Franklin, Granville, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Orange, Person, Robeson, Sampson, Vance, Wake and Warren counties.

An ASSE member since 1975, Oppold actively participated with ASSE and ABET in the certification and accreditation of college and university safety, health and environmental degree programs. Prior to retiring in 1992, Oppold served as director of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in North Carolina. He received a B.S. in Physics from Loras College, Dubuque, IA, a M.S. from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Florida. In addition, he was a member of the American Industrial Health Association and the Health Physics Society.

The ASSE Foundation will accept donations for the accreditation fund from members, chapters, regions, corporations or any individual who would like to honor the memory of James A. Oppold. To donate to this fund, simply earmark the contribution "Oppold Fund" and send it to: American Society of Safety Engineers, Att: Foundation, 1800 East Oakton Street, Des Plaines, IL 60018.

Chartered in 1990, the ASSE Foundation is committed to ensuring the future of the occupational safety and health profession by providing financial resources to individuals and organizations. This year the Foundation will award nearly $50,000 in annual scholarships to occupational safety, health and environment college students. Funding for the Foundation comes from corporations and voluntary donations from ASSE members - individual and through chapters countrywide for applied safety research, scholarships, fellowships, internships and professional development. For more information on the Foundation and its programs visit www.asse.org/foundat.htm.

Founded in 1911, the non-profit ASSE is the oldest and largest professional safety organization and is committed to protecting people, property and the environment. Its more than 30,000 members manage, supervise, research and consult on safety, health, transportation and environmental issues in all industries, government, labor and education. Contact ASSE at www.asse.org for more information.

     

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