The Moles Scholarship Donors
Overview & History
They have been called “crazy men in a crazy industry” who gamble their fortunes and reputations against the challenges they meet. Often working underground, they change the face of the earth, building tunnels, dams, highways and bridges. They are defined as heavy construction workers.
In October 1936, a small group of these men who had worked together between 1914 and 1919 on projects under Newark Bay and on the waterfront of Port Newark had a reunion in Jersey City. They had such a wonderful time reminiscing about their experiences and discussing their work that they were inspired to form a permanent organization. On that autumn evening, what was to become the most prestigious heavy construction organization in the world was born.
A special committee met in 1937 to set up the guidelines. The Moles was selected as an appropriate name, membership would include all members of the engineering and construction professions and those supplying materials to the field, and the venue would be moved to New York City. In January 1938, the 32 original members and their guests attended the first Moles dinner. A fraternal spirit was created that has become a hallmark of the group.
The year 1941 marked the creation of an esteemed awards program that annually recognizes outstanding achievements in heavy construction by two men – one a Moles member and one a non member. The first member recipient was John S. Macdonald, cited for his enterprise and courage in building the Queens Midtown Tunnel. The first non-member to be honored was Robert Moses, a master builder who was the guiding force in the creation of the system of recreational areas, parkways, bridges and highways of Greater New York. In 1950, the non-member recipient was former president Herbert Hoover, who was labeled the “Grand Old Mole” for his engineering expertise.
At the same dinner, Dwight D. Eisenhower was the Principal Speaker and was presented with Honorary Membership. Recognizing the rising prominence of women in the heavy construction industry, the Moles initiated its first female member in 1992.
The tradition of presenting two awards each year to outstanding construction individuals has continued to this day at the Annual Awards Dinner held each year in New York City, typically on the last Wednesday of January. The giants of the U.S. construction industry have been and continue to be honored. Such individuals as Stephen Bechtel, Harry W. Morrison, Peter Kiewit, Lou Perini and Guy F. Atkinson were among the earlier recipients. In 2011, Robert E. Alger of The Lane Construction Corporation and Peter O. Shea of J.F. Shea Co., Inc. were the honorees. At right, are the 2023 honorees Non-Member Gerhard Sauer and Member Hank Adams.
The tradition of having a Principal Speaker has also continued. New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo was the guest Speaker in 2012 and the Honorable Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor of New York City was the 2011 Speaker. Earlier dignitaries included Richard M. Nixon, House Speaker Thomas P. (Tip) O’Neill, New York City Mayor Edward Koch and New York State Governor Mario M. Cuomo.
In 1938, the Clambake was established, quickly becoming a traditional event. This event has taken place for over 85 years in August, with its location firmly entrenched for decades at the New York Athletic Club’s summer facility located at Travers Island, Pelham Manor, New York.
In 1956, The Moles inaugurated still another event, the Annual Students Day. Originally held in April of each year, it is now typically held in October to encourage more students to apply for internships. The Students Day tours have become so popular, that in 2023, the Education Committee expanded its outreach, hosting three tours in the New England, New York/New Jersey and Washington, D.C. regions, to which six hundred and fifty students and faculty signed up. The Moles are fortunate to have dedicated members who assist in securing mega projects for these tours; provide donated PPE for each attendee, and volunteer their time to ensure that each tour is successful and safe.