ABOUT US
It’s 1930. Construction is approved for the Colorado River Aqueduct, bringing water to a rapidly growing Los Angeles. The movie Frankenstein is being filmed in Universal City, and Oran W. Ott becomes the first president of the Southern California Chapter of ASHRAE.
Fast forward 95 years. Los Angeles County is now home to nearly 10 million residents, and the Southern California Chapter has grown to more than 700 members. These professionals continue to meet the challenge of ASHRAE’s mission of shaping the built environment through innovation, education, and collaboration.
Our chapter now awards over $30,000 in scholarships to college students each year and promotes careers in our industry through outreach programs such as ACE Mentor and Scouting events.
We are proud of our history and even more proud of the strong community that continues to grow within our chapter.
CHAPTER HISTORY
1930
Chapter Charter Year
Chartered October 17, 1930 under the American Society of Heating and Ventilation Engineers (ASHVE). One of the earliest chapters in the nation.
1956
Sol*Air Chapter Newsletter
The Southern California Chapter newsletter, Sol*Air, was founded in 1956 after Chapter President Hank Ulovec asked a simple question: “Why doesn’t the Southern California Chapter have a publication?” After attending a regional meeting where other chapters showcased their newsletters, he formed a committee to create one for the chapter.
The committee met in July 1956 to develop the format, content, and name of the publication. Inspired by the growing interest in solar energy and the importance of air movement in the HVAC industry, the name Sol*Air was chosen. The original masthead featured both a sun and a blowing face to represent solar energy and air movement.
The first issue of Sol*Air was published in September 1956 under the first editor, Tom Marshall, and the newsletter has continued ever since thanks to the many editors, writers, and volunteers who contributed their time and effort. Over the years, the publication has included technical articles, chapter news, meeting recaps, industry updates, photographs from events, and member announcements.
What began as a small chapter newsletter has become a long-standing tradition and an important way the Southern California Chapter shares information, recognizes members, and documents chapter history.
1956
ASHVE/ASHAE + ASRE merge to form the modern day ASHRAE organization.
1958
San Diego Chapter emerges as the region grows.
1968
Legacy leader, William Holladay, serves as Chapter President three times.
1984
Presentation Installation Dinner
Article published in the Indoor Comfort News featuring members Dick Gilbert and Clay Lampman who still this day attend our monthly chapter meetings.
1988
Tri-County Chapter Emerges as region grows
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