| Arturo "Art" Nisperos Downers Grove, Illonois Scientist - Senior Research Petrographer "Hard work, determination and utilizing one's potential to its fullest .... " advised Art Nisperos, achiever of achievers and the pride of Filipino-Americans. |
Among the Filipino-American achievers, Arturo G. Nisperos, born
and raised in San Fernando, La Union in 1941, has the unique
distinction of being the only Asian and one of a handful of
scientists-geologists in the world specializing in the study of
concrete. As a Senior Research Petrographer for Construction
Technology Laboratories in Skokie, Illinois, Art or Arturo - as he
insists to be called by all - is a leading authority on the study of
microscopical examination of concrete, stucco, and other related
construction materials evaluating their quality and causes of
deterioration; troubleshooting concrete problems, and their quality
and suitability for use.
In layman's language, whenever one sees concrete being used in
construction of buildings, roads, etc., Art has something to do
with it. To report and enumerate his achievements in this
uncommon field will require hundred pages. What is more
intriguing about Art is his zeal not only to excel in the
microscopial study of concrete but also his unselfish drive to
serve his community, more specially the Filipino community in the
Midwest.
"Whenever there is a community project which requires talented
and raised in San Fernando, La Union in 1941, has the unique
distinction of being the only Asian and one of a handful of
scientists-geologists in the world specializing in the study of
concrete. As a Senior Research Petrographer for Construction
Technology Laboratories in Skokie, Illinois, Art or Arturo - as he
insists to be called by all - is a leading authority on the study of
microscopical examination of concrete, stucco, and other related
construction materials evaluating their quality and causes of
deterioration; troubleshooting concrete problems, and their quality
and suitability for use.
In layman's language, whenever one sees concrete being used in
construction of buildings, roads, etc., Art has something to do
with it. To report and enumerate his achievements in this
uncommon field will require hundred pages. What is more
intriguing about Art is his zeal not only to excel in the
microscopial study of concrete but also his unselfish drive to
serve his community, more specially the Filipino community in the
Midwest.
"Whenever there is a community project which requires talented
citizens' participation, the City can rest assured that Art is there to volunteer his expertise expecting nothing in
return," commented a friend who has known Art for more than 20 years.
Art's services to the appreciative community were not unnoticed. In 1979, the Citizenship Council of Metro
Chicago awarded him the "Chicago's Most Outstanding New Citizen Award." In the same year, the YMCA of
Metropolitan Chicago bestowed him the "Outstanding Achiever of Industry Award." Not to be left behind, the
Filipino-Americans in the area honored "their" Art in 1982 with the Cavite Association of America's "Most
Outstanding Filipino in the Midwest" award. In 1985, the Philippine Engineers & Scientists Organization
(PESO) named him "Outstanding Leader as President of the Philippine Engineers & Scientists Organization
for 1984-85" and the following year, acknowledged him as "Most Outstanding PESO Engineer/Scientist of
1986. Last year, the Cagayan Circle of Chicago & Suburbs bestowed him the organization's highest honor
given to a Cagayan-born, the "Distinguished Service Award."
"The accolodes given to Art in his profession is mind boggling," commented Deputy Consul General
George G. Aducayen, Jr., of the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago. "Indeed, Art is an asset to the
Filipinos in particular, and to America in general."
During the interview sessions of this article, Art and his lovely wife, Lourdes (Nena), prepared a sumptous
Filipino dinner for this writer at their residence in Downers Grove, a fashionable suburbs of Chicago, Art
showed stacks of awards and certificates extolling him for his achievements both in his profession and his
community participations. The Nisperos' spacious den is covered wall to wall with framed awards,
certificates of achievments, honors and trophies. When congratulated for his meritorious achievments, Art
exclaimed: "Praise the Lord! "
Just this year, six major honors were bestowed to Art. He was included in the 1991 Fifteenth Edition of "Men
of Achievements" and the 1991 Ninth Edition of "International Who's Who of Intellectuals" by the prestigious
International Biographical Centre in Cambridge, England. The American Biographical Institute in Raleigh,
North Carolina included Art in its 1991 Third Edition of "International Directory of Distinguished Leadership"
and its 1992 First Edition of "2000 Notable American Men." Art's significant contributions to a career in the
engineering and related profession earns him also a nomination by the American Biographical Institute's
International Board of Research as "Professional of the Year - 1991 in the Field of Engineering."
What makes Art Nisperos a mega-success in America? What makes him tick? "Ever since my student days,
I have been dreaming of an opportunity wherein I can really explore my potential. I wanted so much to excel
that I concentrated my efforts in my studies as well as to work deligently to tasks assigned to me," explained
Art. "I studied and am still researching to improve my knowledge in my chosen field. Determination, hard
work and utilizing one's potential to its fullest have always been my guiding principle."
Art acquired his Bachelor of Science in Geology degree from Asia's foremost educational institution, the
University of the Philippines in 1962. In 1965, for a period of almost two years, he took up Postgraduate
Studies in Engineering Geology from Utah State University and the University of Wyoming under the
scholarship grant by the U.S. AID and the Philippine NEC.
Art's experience as a Geologist in 1963 to 1968 with the Philippine Bureau of Public Works in Manila,
prepared him for his overseas' adventures. "My income in the Philippines hardly amounted to anything. I
felt justified, however, because I was able to contribute to the Philippines whatever little knowledge I gained
from my post graduate studies abroad," claimed Art.
Art left the Philippines in 1968 to become a supervsing geologist/geochemist with Kenting Earth Sciences in
Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
His desire to experiment his talents and explore his potential in the United States followed after his Canadian
assignment. "I always wanted to have the opportunity to work here in America. My dream materialized in 1972
when I joined Flood Testing Laboratory in Chicago, Illinois as a laboratory technician. In 1975, I transferred
to Material Service Corporation first as a Quality Control Engineer/Petrographer and later as a Senior
Research Engineer incharged of Quality Control and Petrographic Laboratory."
As one of the few scientists in the United States in the Concrete Industry, Art's expertise was in demand. In
1988, he moved to Prairie Group in Bridgeview, IL as its Director of Quality Assurance and Technical
Services. Late 1989, he joined his current company, Construction Technology Laboratories, one of the giants
in the concrete industry in Skokie, Illinois, as a Senior Research Petrographer and Supervisor of its
Petrograhic Services.
Art's professional recognition surpasses many of his peers. He was one of those that passed the first
examinations for geologists given by the Philippine Civil Service in 1967. He is the only Filipino accepted and
certified by the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) as well as being certified by the State of
Indiana as a Professional Geologist. He holds the distinction since 1981 as Program Chairman and
Co-Editor of Proceedings of the International Cement Microscopy Association (ICMA). Aside from ICMA and
AIPG, he is active both in the national and international levels of professional organizations, among them:
Geological Society of America (GSA), Association of Engineering Geologists (AEG), American Concrete
Institute (ACI), and American Society of Testing & Materials (ASTM).
In spite of his active participation in his professional organizations, Art never fails to actively participate with
the local Filipino community. He is either a president or a major officer or an active member of Philippine
Engineers and Scientists Organization (PESO); La Union Circle of Chicago, People from La Union
Samaritans, University of the Philippines Club of America, Cagayan Circle of Chicago & Suburbs, La Union
High School Alumni Association, Filipino-American Association of South DuPage, Filipino Friendship Society
of Bolingbrook, Illinois; Filipino-American Voters League of Illinois, and the Western Suburban Philippine
Civic Group.
"I am active with the Filipino group because I want my three children: Arthur, Arnez and Arnold to be exposed
to the rich Philippine culture and tradition," explained Art.
Art's wife, Lourdes (Nena), who is a dynamic achiever herself, supports all of Art's endeavors. "We still find
time to enjoy our family life, more specially with our three boys, relatives, friends and neighbors," claimed
Nena. "I enjoy meeting Art's business colleagues and Art likes socializing with my colleagues, too."
n Chicagoland, as most people refer to the Windy City or the City with the Loop, the Filipinos pride
themselves of having an enormous reservoir of talents. The community has, in its midst,
outstanding physicians, nurses, lawyers, businessmen, scientists and many others. But when the name,
Arturo G. Nisperos, is mentioned, the proud smile becomes a proud wide grin. #
return," commented a friend who has known Art for more than 20 years.
Art's services to the appreciative community were not unnoticed. In 1979, the Citizenship Council of Metro
Chicago awarded him the "Chicago's Most Outstanding New Citizen Award." In the same year, the YMCA of
Metropolitan Chicago bestowed him the "Outstanding Achiever of Industry Award." Not to be left behind, the
Filipino-Americans in the area honored "their" Art in 1982 with the Cavite Association of America's "Most
Outstanding Filipino in the Midwest" award. In 1985, the Philippine Engineers & Scientists Organization
(PESO) named him "Outstanding Leader as President of the Philippine Engineers & Scientists Organization
for 1984-85" and the following year, acknowledged him as "Most Outstanding PESO Engineer/Scientist of
1986. Last year, the Cagayan Circle of Chicago & Suburbs bestowed him the organization's highest honor
given to a Cagayan-born, the "Distinguished Service Award."
"The accolodes given to Art in his profession is mind boggling," commented Deputy Consul General
George G. Aducayen, Jr., of the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago. "Indeed, Art is an asset to the
Filipinos in particular, and to America in general."
During the interview sessions of this article, Art and his lovely wife, Lourdes (Nena), prepared a sumptous
Filipino dinner for this writer at their residence in Downers Grove, a fashionable suburbs of Chicago, Art
showed stacks of awards and certificates extolling him for his achievements both in his profession and his
community participations. The Nisperos' spacious den is covered wall to wall with framed awards,
certificates of achievments, honors and trophies. When congratulated for his meritorious achievments, Art
exclaimed: "Praise the Lord! "
Just this year, six major honors were bestowed to Art. He was included in the 1991 Fifteenth Edition of "Men
of Achievements" and the 1991 Ninth Edition of "International Who's Who of Intellectuals" by the prestigious
International Biographical Centre in Cambridge, England. The American Biographical Institute in Raleigh,
North Carolina included Art in its 1991 Third Edition of "International Directory of Distinguished Leadership"
and its 1992 First Edition of "2000 Notable American Men." Art's significant contributions to a career in the
engineering and related profession earns him also a nomination by the American Biographical Institute's
International Board of Research as "Professional of the Year - 1991 in the Field of Engineering."
What makes Art Nisperos a mega-success in America? What makes him tick? "Ever since my student days,
I have been dreaming of an opportunity wherein I can really explore my potential. I wanted so much to excel
that I concentrated my efforts in my studies as well as to work deligently to tasks assigned to me," explained
Art. "I studied and am still researching to improve my knowledge in my chosen field. Determination, hard
work and utilizing one's potential to its fullest have always been my guiding principle."
Art acquired his Bachelor of Science in Geology degree from Asia's foremost educational institution, the
University of the Philippines in 1962. In 1965, for a period of almost two years, he took up Postgraduate
Studies in Engineering Geology from Utah State University and the University of Wyoming under the
scholarship grant by the U.S. AID and the Philippine NEC.
Art's experience as a Geologist in 1963 to 1968 with the Philippine Bureau of Public Works in Manila,
prepared him for his overseas' adventures. "My income in the Philippines hardly amounted to anything. I
felt justified, however, because I was able to contribute to the Philippines whatever little knowledge I gained
from my post graduate studies abroad," claimed Art.
Art left the Philippines in 1968 to become a supervsing geologist/geochemist with Kenting Earth Sciences in
Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
His desire to experiment his talents and explore his potential in the United States followed after his Canadian
assignment. "I always wanted to have the opportunity to work here in America. My dream materialized in 1972
when I joined Flood Testing Laboratory in Chicago, Illinois as a laboratory technician. In 1975, I transferred
to Material Service Corporation first as a Quality Control Engineer/Petrographer and later as a Senior
Research Engineer incharged of Quality Control and Petrographic Laboratory."
As one of the few scientists in the United States in the Concrete Industry, Art's expertise was in demand. In
1988, he moved to Prairie Group in Bridgeview, IL as its Director of Quality Assurance and Technical
Services. Late 1989, he joined his current company, Construction Technology Laboratories, one of the giants
in the concrete industry in Skokie, Illinois, as a Senior Research Petrographer and Supervisor of its
Petrograhic Services.
Art's professional recognition surpasses many of his peers. He was one of those that passed the first
examinations for geologists given by the Philippine Civil Service in 1967. He is the only Filipino accepted and
certified by the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) as well as being certified by the State of
Indiana as a Professional Geologist. He holds the distinction since 1981 as Program Chairman and
Co-Editor of Proceedings of the International Cement Microscopy Association (ICMA). Aside from ICMA and
AIPG, he is active both in the national and international levels of professional organizations, among them:
Geological Society of America (GSA), Association of Engineering Geologists (AEG), American Concrete
Institute (ACI), and American Society of Testing & Materials (ASTM).
In spite of his active participation in his professional organizations, Art never fails to actively participate with
the local Filipino community. He is either a president or a major officer or an active member of Philippine
Engineers and Scientists Organization (PESO); La Union Circle of Chicago, People from La Union
Samaritans, University of the Philippines Club of America, Cagayan Circle of Chicago & Suburbs, La Union
High School Alumni Association, Filipino-American Association of South DuPage, Filipino Friendship Society
of Bolingbrook, Illinois; Filipino-American Voters League of Illinois, and the Western Suburban Philippine
Civic Group.
"I am active with the Filipino group because I want my three children: Arthur, Arnez and Arnold to be exposed
to the rich Philippine culture and tradition," explained Art.
Art's wife, Lourdes (Nena), who is a dynamic achiever herself, supports all of Art's endeavors. "We still find
time to enjoy our family life, more specially with our three boys, relatives, friends and neighbors," claimed
Nena. "I enjoy meeting Art's business colleagues and Art likes socializing with my colleagues, too."
n Chicagoland, as most people refer to the Windy City or the City with the Loop, the Filipinos pride
themselves of having an enormous reservoir of talents. The community has, in its midst,
outstanding physicians, nurses, lawyers, businessmen, scientists and many others. But when the name,
Arturo G. Nisperos, is mentioned, the proud smile becomes a proud wide grin. #
Washington D.C. Since 1987
Washington D.C. Since 1987
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