Dear AEI Member, I would like to thank you for considering supporting the Architectural Engineering Institute with a voluntary contribution. Your assistance is essential to the vitality of the institute and allows us to expand the programs that are of interest to you. Please be assured that your voluntary contribution is appreciated and that the AEI volunteer leadership and staff will be good stewards of your gift. The Architectural Engineering Institute has had many great accomplishments including: The creation and maintenance of the architectural engineering professional licensure exam (which is offered by 41 states); The Journal of Architectural Engineering; Conferences, seminars and other educational and networking occasions; and Support of architectural engineering education through the Academic Council and student chapters. Your voluntary contribution will help launch the following initiatives in 2005: A bi-monthly electronic newsletter; A new AEI Web site which offers on-line articles, announcement of career opportunities and information about AEI and the building industry; A new on-line magazine starting in January 2005 which will include relevant technical articles; A conference on security in 2005; The second Architectural Engineering Conference in 2006; and most importantly ... Establishment of a number of new technical committees. (You should have already received an e-mail inviting you to join AEI's new committees. If you have not, please e-mail AEI at aei@asce.org to learn more.) If the future of building design, construction and maintenance is important to you, we encourage you to consider helping to establish these new activities with a voluntary contribution to AEI. The AEI Board of Governors suggests a voluntary contribution of $25; however, other amounts would be greatly appreciated. We thank you for your support. Sincerely, Bijan Mohraz, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE AEI President