The student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers at UB has been chosen by the American Institute of Steel Construction to host the national finals of the 1996 National Student Steel Bridge-Building Competition on May 24-25, 1996. The winning two teams from each of 20 regional competitions, approximately 300 students, will compete in the national finals at UB.

Stuart Chen, associate professor of civil engineering and the UB bridge-building team's faculty adviser, led the effort to have the national finals hosted by UB's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. The bid was supported by the UB Engineering Alumni Association, as well as several local professional societies. The event will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the UB School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, which was established in 1946.