UEF Updates

In 2002, Dr. Belden began serving as the executive director of the United Engineering Foundation, an organization founded in 1904 with a grant from Andrew Carnegie.  Comprised of five members— American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), American Institute of Mining Engineers (AIME), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)—the Foundation’s primary mission is to support engineering and education by, among other means, making grants.

Prior to joining the UEF, he served as the Executive Director of ASME in 1987 to 2002. Belden also served as the executive director and member of the board of trustees of the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE) for 11 years.

Belden retired from the United States Air Force as a colonel in 1976 after a distinguished  22-year career.  His military decorations include the Legion of Merit; and Meritorious Service, Air and Commendation medals.

Belden received his bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska, Omaha, in 1961.  He attended Stanford University, California, and earned a master’s degree in industrial engineering in 1963 and his Ph.D. in 1969.  He holds an honorary Sc.D. from Manhattan College, New York. He is an Honorary Member of ASME, a Fellow of IIE.  Belden is a registered professional engineer in California.