May 2026 
Contents
- Contents - a list of highlights in this newsletter! * NEW *
- Section Links - quick links to go to a section of interest! * NEW *
- Greetings - Welcome to MN ASHRAE May 2026 Newsletter. Highlights in this newsletter.
- Chapter Announcement - Engineering Ethics for Professional Engineers May 19 at Roseville Staking Center
- Upcoming Events - 1)May 7-9, 2026 - ASHRAE Region VI Chapters Regional Conference (CRC) in St. Louis 2) May 13, 2026 Dr. Jun Li, ASHRAE Research New Investigator Award Winner Lecture & Lab Tour 3) May 19, 2026 Eng. Ethics for PEs, Roseville Skating Center 4)May 20-22, 2026 IBPSA SIMBUILD 2026 - Hyatt Regency Minneapolis 5)May 21, 2026 - MN ASHRAE Chapter Installation of Officers 6)May 21, 2026 - St. Paul Saints Game - YEA 7)May 28, 2026 - Volunteer Event - 2nd Harvest Heartland 8)June 2, 2026 Rochester: Engineering Ethics for PE's by David Schultz, Hamline University 9)Jun 3, 2026 -2026 MN ASHRAE Golf Outing - Majestic Oaks Golf Club in Ham Lake 10)June 30, 2026 - MN PE Renewals Due. 11)June 27 - July 1, 2026 ASHRAE Annual Conference Austin
- Committee Spotlight - Golf Committee - Historical Committee
- Recent Events - April 14, 2026 ASHRAE Mankato 20th Anniversary dinner, April 15, 2026 - 2026 Spring Education Seminar - DoubleTree Roseville, April 21, 2026 Rochester Section: Your City, your future Sustainability in Rochester;
- Job Board - Advertise Your Internships and Entry-Level Positions for Free on MNASHRAE.org!
- 2025-2026 MN ASHRAE Board of Directors - Listing of Board of Directors and Committee Chairs
- This Month in HVAC History - Ram Gada
- Newsletter Submission Deadline - Due the first Wednesday of each month!
Greetings
Chapter Announcements
The May 7-9, 2026 - ASHRAE Region VI Chapters Regional Conference (CRC) in St. Louis is coming up. Consider attending this event as a professional growth opportunity.
ASHRAE CRC (Chapters Regional Conference) is an annual, in-person gathering of ASHRAE members, chapter leaders, and regional officers.
It focuses on networking, training, technical sessions, and regional business, often culminating in the awarding of the "Golden Gavel" to the top chapter.
Key aspects of an ASHRAE CRC include:
Networking & Socializing: Provides a platform for members to connect and share experiences across different chapters.
Workshops & Education: Offers technical sessions, tours, and training for chapter officers.
Regional Business: Includes meetings for chapter delegates and alternates, featuring a nominating caucus for leadership positions.
Awards: Recognizes outstanding contributions from chapters and individuals in the region.
Leadership Presence: Features addresses from ASHRAE society officers and staff. Each year, a different chapter within the specific region acts as the host for the event
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Make sure to mark your calendars for the Golf Outing:
Wednesday, June 3th, 2026
Majestic Oaks Golf Club Ham Lake, MN
8:00am - Check In & Breakfast
10:00am - Shotgun Start
Following Golf - Awards and Dinner
Please take time to look through all the featured upcoming events for the Minnesota ASHRAE chapter listed below!
Upcoming Events
- May 7-9, 2026 - ASHRAE Region VI Chapters Regional Conference (CRC) in St. Louis - Early Bird Rates End April 3!
- May 13, 2026 Dr. Jun Li, ASHRAE Research New Investigator Award Winner Lecture & Lab Tour
- May 19, 2026 Eng. Ethics for PEs, Roseville Skating Center
- May 20-22, 2026 IBPSA SIMBUILD 2026 - Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
- May 21, 2026 - MN ASHRAE Chapter Installation of Officers
- May 21, 2026 - St. Paul Saints Game - YEA
- May 28, 2026 - Volunteer Event - 2nd Harvest Heartland
- June 2, 2026 Rochester: Engineering Ethics for PE's by David Schultz, Hamline University
- Jun 3, 2026 -2026 MN ASHRAE Golf Outing - Majestic Oaks Golf Club in Ham Lake
- June 30, 2026 - MN PE Renewals Due.
- June 27 - July 1, 2026 ASHRAE Annual Conference Austin
1) May 7-9, 2026 ASHRAE Region VI Chapters regional conference (CRC) in St. Louis
https://ashraeregionvicrc.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?id=26
Official Visitors: ASHRAE President Elect Sarah Maston and ASHRAE VP Devon Abellon , ASHRAE Staff: Stephanie Reiniche
Full Registration $482.02 incl. $32.02 Fee, Sales end on May 7, 2026
Full Registration Companion $268.61 incl. $18.61 Fee -Sales end on May 7, 2026
Tech Session Only $375.32 incl. $25.32 Fee -Sales end on May 7, 2026
Where: Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, Book your stay here.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available! ASHRAE CRC (Chapters Regional Conference) is an annual, in-person gathering of ASHRAE members, chapter leaders, and regional officers. It focuses on networking, training, technical sessions, and regional business, often culminating in the awarding of the "Golden Gavel" to the top chapter. Key aspects of an ASHRAE CRC include: Networking & Socializing: Provides a platform for members to connect and share experiences across different chapters.Workshops & Education: Offers technical sessions, tours, and training for chapter officers. Regional Business: Includes meetings for chapter delegates and alternates, featuring a nominating caucus for leadership positions.Awards: Recognizes outstanding contributions from chapters and individuals in the region.Leadership Presence: Features addresses from ASHRAE society officers and staff. Each year, a different chapter within the specific region acts as the host for the event. Technical presentations: Automatic Control Valves, Chilled Water Plants, Next Gen Chiller Plants: AI Driven Optimization & Decarbonization, Legionella risk management, Smart Steam Plants: IoT & predictive maintenance for Boilers, Grid Impacts from increasing electricity demand, Data Center Updates, Steam 101 - Steam System Basics, Heat Pump Applications - Types of Heat Pump Equipment - From Ducted to Chillers, Modern Motor Technology, Adiabatic Fluid Coolers, The Power of Hybrid Solutions: Benefits of Supplementing Heat Pumps with Boilers, Maximizing Airside Efficiency Through Optimized Water Flow, Decarbonizing Existing Buildings w/ Air to Water Heat Pump Chillers, Pam Duffy DL : Ethical Dilemmas in our Modern World, How to Prioritize When "Everything is Important", Generations in the Workplace and What We Know about Gen Z (so far!); Interpersonal Communications, Coaching Capabilities. Thursday May 7th, 2026: 11am - 5pm Registration 11-5, 6pm - Welcome Party (Sport & Social)Friday May 8th, 2026: 8am - 9am: Breakfast & Keynote, 9am - 4pm: Companion Event and Companion Lunch, 9am - 12pm: Technical Talks (see topics below, 3 tracks available, PDHs), 12pm - 1pm: Presidential Lunch, 1pm - 430pm: Technical Talks (see topics below, 3 tracks available, PDHs),6pm - 8pm: Awards Dinner, 8pm: After Party Saturday May 9th, 2026: 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Leadership Training, 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM: President Elect Training, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: CRC Debrief
2) May 13, 2026 Dr. Jun Li ashrae research new investigator award winner lecture and lab tour, university of Minnesota me lab
University Of Minnesota ME Building --Room ME125, 111 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Join us for lecture, lunch, and lab tour of Dr. Jun Li's Engineering Lab at the University of Minnesota. Prof. Jun Li is the 2026–2027 recipient of the ASHRAE New Investigator Award. The ASHRAE New Investigator Award (NIA) assists new university faculty members to develop research capabilities in HVAC&R related fields. The award comes with a base grant of $50k per year for two years. Jun Li's research aims to reduce energy consumption and assist in the decarbonization for the society. Registration will be limited to 15 people! Lunch with sandwiches and drink will be served at the meeting. Cost to attend is $10. This is a student-friendly event! See the Chapter Announcement section above for more information on Dr. Jun Lin and the ASHRAE Research New Investigator Award. This event is being sponsored by the Student Activities Committee, Research Promotion Committee and Historical Committee. Contact Mike Pouchak at [email protected]
3) May 19, 2026 Engineering Ethics for Professional Engineers - Roseville Skating center
https://mnashrae.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?id=4288:00 AM - 10:00 AM
2661 Civic Center Drive
Roseville, MN 55113
Join us at the Roseville Skating Center for a FREE event sponsored by the ASHRAE DEI Committee: Engineering Ethics!
The presentation topic is Engineering Ethics by David Schultz, Hamline University Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Legal Studies, University of Minnesota Professor of Law.
Eligible for 2 PDH credits towards Ethics requirement.
David has authored more than 45 books and 200+ articles on various topics, including ethics. Among David’s secrets is that he has a master’s degree in astronomy.
Register Now4) May 20-22, 2026 IBPSA SIMBUILD 2026 - Hyatt Regency Minneapolis - Early bird rate ends March 16, 2026!
What Is SimBuild? From Models to Reality: Bridging Simulation and Operational Performance
SimBuild: May 20—22, 2026, hackSimBuild: May 18—19, 2026, Workshops and Tours: May 19, 2026 Registration is Open! https://simbuild.ibpsa.us/
| Early Bird Rate Deadline: March 16, 2026 | Early Bird Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| IBPSA-USA Member | $775 | $925 |
| Non-member | $995 | $1,145 |
| IBPSA-USA Student Member | $375 | $425 |
| Student Non-member | $475 | $525 |
| Sponsor/VIP | $0 | $0 |
5) May 21, 2026 Installation of Officers 12-2PM BrookView Golf Course, Golden Valley
The Installation of Officers event has a long standing tradition within our chapter. Every year past presidents of the chapter and current leadership get together to take part in the installation ceremony. This event is also a place where members are recognized and celebrated for their contributions to the chapter and to ASHRAE. Please join us to meet and chat with past leadership and your next leaders that will continue pushing ASHRAE forward!
Tickets
$30.00 Member Attendee
$30.00 Non-Member Attendee
$0.00 Past President Attendee
6) May 21, 2026 St. Paul Saint Game - YEA - St. Paul, MN
YEA is hosting a St. Paul Saints game at CHS Field on May 21st! We have reserved tickets on "The Balcony" which includes a pregame buffet, so come hungry! The 90-minute pregame buffet starts at 5:30pm and is available until 7pm. Game time is 6:37 PM. *We are limited to just 15 spots, so get yours now!
Tickets: $0.00 Young Engineer in ASHRAE (YEA) Attendee
7) Volunteer Opportunity : 2nd Harvest Heartland
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
7101Winnetka Ave N
Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
Give back and assist with sorting, labeling, weighing and packing various food items to meet immediate needs and help feed our hungry neighbors!
You must register ahead of time before participating; those who would like to volunteer can email [email protected].
Notes:
- Volunteers are asked to arrive at least 10 minutes early to check in, store belongings, and be ready for the prompt start of the shift. Late arrivals will miss essential safety information and may need to reschedule.
- Ages 8 and older
- Is Family Friendly
- Is Not Outdoors
- Is Wheelchair Accessible
- Closed toed shoes
- No sleeveless shirts
- Please leave jewelry at home or store in locker on-site
- Requires volunteers to be able to twist and bend down, stand for the duration of their shift, and lift up to 5 pounds. Some positions require the ability to lift 40 pounds. There are a limited number of seated positions available
8) June 2 Rochester: Engineering Ethics for Pe's by David Schultz, Hamline University
https://mnashrae.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?id=412
ASHRAE Minnesota Chapter - Rochester Section , Engineering Ethics for PEs
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 1 pm – 3 pm , Speaker: David Schultz, Hamline University Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Legal Studies, University of Minnesota Professor of Law. Speaker Biography: David has authored more than 45 books and 200+ articles on various topics, including ethics. Among David’s secrets is that he has a master’s degree in astronomy. Ethics for professional engineers. Agenda: Ethics: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Location: Rochester Public Utilities , Community Room , 4000 East River Rd NE , Rochester, MN 55906 Cost: No Charge ; Parking: Rochester Public Utilities Parking Lot , Overflow parking at Foster Ahrend Park . Please RSVP by EOD Friday, May 29, 2026 at mnashrae.org
9) Jun 3'26 -2026 MN ASHRAE Golf Outing - Majestic Oaks Golf Club in Ham Lake
https://mnashrae.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?id=419
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Wednesday, June 3th, 2026
Majestic Oaks Golf Club Ham Lake, MN
8:00am - Check In & Breakfast
10:00am - Shotgun Start
Following Golf - Awards and Dinner
ADDITIONAL WAYS TO PARTICIPATE:
HOLE SPONSORSHIPS
Elevate your company’s visibility with local contractors, engineers, and building owners by sponsoring a hole. It’s a great way to show support and connect with the community.
RAFFLE PRIZE DONATIONS
Contribute a raffle prize (suggested minimum value $50) and be recognized as a donor during the event. It’s an easy and impactful way to help raise additional funds!
[email protected]
10) MN PE Renewals Due by June 30, 2026!
The renewal window for licenses and certificates is now open. ALL licenses and certificates expire on June 30, 2026, regardless of the date issued. You must complete the required professional development hours (PDH) before you renew.
- your PDH hours;
- your license or certificate number;
- the last four digits of your ID number (for US citizens that's the last four of your social security number; for non US citizens, it's the last four of your ITIN); and
- your credit card information;
11) June 27 - July 1, 2026 ASHRAE Annual Conf. Austin TX - Early bird rates end April 27!
Registration for the 2026 Annual Conference is now open!
Attending the 2026 ASHRAE Annual Conference is your opportunity to connect with the brightest minds in HVAC&R and building science while gaining insights you can immediately apply to your work.
Attendees include engineers, architects, designers, researchers, manufacturers, contractors, and emerging professionals from around the world.
Register today to deepen your expertise, grow your career, and expand your professional network.
Register by April 27 for the best rates at
ashrae.org/2026annual
Committee Spotlight
GOLF Committee
Committee Co-Chairs: Nick Davis, Eric Nachbar
The Golf Committee organizes the chapter's annual golf outing, a key fundraising event that supports chapter activities and scholarships. This committee manages all aspects of the event, from securing sponsorships to coordinating logistics, ensuring a fun and successful experience for participants.
Email Contact: [email protected]
Historical Committee
Recent Events
- April 14 '26 ASHRAE Mankato 20th Anniversary Dinner
- April 15, 2026 - 2026 Spring Education Seminar - DoubleTree Roseville
- April 21, 2026 Rochester Section Monthly Seminar: Your City, Your Future: Sustainability
ASHRAE Mankato 20th Anniversary Dinner
There was a celebration at for the 20th Anniversary of Mankato student branch with a program with between students, alumni, and industry. The event included networking, remarks from current board, chapter overview, 20-year reflection / recognition, Dinner, Industry and chapter speakers
2)April 15'26 2026 Spring Education Seminar - DoubleTree Roseville -
"Building More Efficient Systems Together"
https://mnashrae.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?id=421
April 15, 2026, 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM DoubleTree by Hilton Roseville, 2540 North Cleveland Ave, Roseville, MN 55113 Directions
The 2026 Spring Education Seminar hosted by ASHRAE was a big success , featuring four educational and technical topics with a theme focusing around "Building More Efficient Systems Together" with presentations focusing on heat pump and electrification systems in design, local code application to designs, and troubleshooting systems and design to promote proper operation and longevity of systems. 4 PDHs were available for attendees.
3. April 21 Rochester Section Monthly Seminar: Your City, Your Future: Sustainability
SPEAKERS - Kayla Betzold is the Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Rochester, Minnesota, where she leads initiatives on clean energy, climate resilience, and community sustainability. Previously, she served the City of Louisville, Colorado, overseeing the development and implementation of environmental programs, projects, and policy initiatives in alignment with the City’s Sustainability Action Plan. With over a decade of experience in municipal sustainability, including work spanning three states, Kayla brings deep expertise in advancing policies and partnerships that reduce emissions, improve air quality, and foster more resilient communities.
Job Board
Advertise Your Internships and Entry-Level Positions for Free on MNASHRAE.org!
Are you looking to bring fresh talent into your company? MNASHRAE is committed to helping students and young professionals kick-start their careers in the HVAC&R industry. We are offering free advertising for internships and entry-level positions on our website, MNASHRAE.org. This is a great opportunity for companies to connect with eager students and recent graduates who are passionate about HVAC&R and ready to contribute to the industry. To post a position or learn more, please submit an ad on the website, https://mnashrae.org/jobs, or contact Rolf directly at [email protected] Let’s work together to build the next generation of HVAC&R professionals!
2025-2026 Board of Directors
Committee Chairs
[email protected]
Rochester Section President
Student Activities Co-Chair
[email protected]
Nathan Kegel
Sustainability Chair
[email protected]
Allison Peterson
Volunteer Outreach Chair
[email protected]
Anthony James Hughes
Young Engineers in ASHRAE Co-Chair
[email protected]
Jake Strawhecker
Young Engineers in ASHRAE Co-Chair
[email protected]
Ryan Traeger
Young Engineers in ASHRAE Co-Chair
[email protected]
This Month in History
HISTORY OF A PERSON; RAM GADA
Ram Gada was born on November 16, 1940 in Bombay, India. He has two brothers, two sisters and his mother still living in India. His father died in 1976. Elementary, intermediate and high school education took place in Gujarat, India with a high school diploma received in 1958. Ram went on to college at L.E. College, Gujarat
University, India, majoring in mechanical engineering for five years. He earned a B. E. Mechanical Engineering Degree in 1963. In 1964, Ram emigrated to the United States and enrolled at North Dakota State University. He received an M.S. Mechanical Engineering Degree in 1965. Upon completion of his formal education, he joined the firm of MCE & Associates in Minneapolis in 1965.
In 1967, Ram returned to India to marry his wife, Neena. The Gadas have a son in financial work and a daughter in advertising. Ram remained with MCE & Associates until 1980. He steadily progressed and at the time of his resignation from the firm, he was Vice President - Energy Management and Associate - In - Charge of
Mechanical Engineering. In 1980, Ram realized a lifetime ambition. He resigned from MCE & Associates and formed his own firm. The experience of working on
energy-related projects became a valuable resource with his newly established firm. Energy management and mechanical design services are prime engineering services available from Gada & Associates, Inc. Well known clients for which they have provided repeat engineering services during the past 18 years include Hutchinson Technology, Inc., University of Minnesota, 3M Company, State of
Minnesota, Robbinsdale School District, Alliant Tech Systems, Metro Council Transit Operations and MNDOT. Significant projects of Gada & Associates, Inc.:
St. Olaf College (1981) - Energy analysis, including a comprehensive energy management plan and retrofit of the existing facilities. Robbinsdale School District - 1987 Comprehensive Energy Management Program for 20 schools. In 1993, a heating plant and engineering facilities office design. Rice Memorial Hospital (1990)- Conversion of steam system to District Heat supplied high temperature water. HTI Assembly and Photo Etch Facility - 1995-96 mechanical design of
500,000 SF manufacturing plant/office buildings at Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Alliant Tech Systems - Retrofit of 1,300 ton cooling plant with efficient chillers, conversion to primary/secondary variable plumbing system from constant flow.
Rama Gada has been an active member of ASHRAE since 1969 and has
served in all of the elective positions of the Minnesota Chapter, including President in 1981-82. He was the Chapter Historian in 1984 and 1985. Awards and citations:
Society Presidential Award of Excellence Minnesota Chapter, 1982 Who's Who in Engineering Fifth Edition , American Association of Engineering Society, 1982,
Gold Ribbon History Awards ASHRAE Region VI, 1983, '84, X85., Minnesota Chapter Energy Award 1st place, Category II, 1988, ASHRAE Region VI Energy Award 1st Place, Category II, 1988, Mr. Gada is a registered professional mechanical engineer in Minnesota, Wisconsin and South Dakota. He reads three languages and speaks four languages fluently. Affiliations: American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE), American Consulting Engineers Council (ACES) and MN CEC., Listed in the American Association of Engineering Societies "Who's Who in Engineering," Fifth Edition - 1982.,
Newsletter Submissions Deadline
May: Golf
