{"id":12789,"date":"2025-06-19T10:02:43","date_gmt":"2025-06-19T14:02:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vanzelm.com\/vZEngineers\/?page_id=12789"},"modified":"2025-06-19T12:54:44","modified_gmt":"2025-06-19T16:54:44","slug":"culture","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vanzelm.com\/vZEngineers\/about\/culture\/","title":{"rendered":"Culture"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_060c6113 has_text_color us_animate_this height_medium width_full with_img\"><div class=\"l-section-img\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Image\" data-img-width=\"1971\" data-img-height=\"514\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.vanzelm.com\/vZEngineers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Culture-Banner.jpg?fit=1971%2C514&#038;ssl=1);background-repeat: no-repeat;\"><\/div><div class=\"l-section-overlay\" style=\"background:rgba(0,0,0,0.15)\"><\/div><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">[vc_empty_space height=&#8221;50px&#8221;]<div class=\"wpb_text_column us_custom_c985ccaf\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">CULTURE<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"g-cols wpb_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div id=\"modal-trg-txt-wrap-7116\" class=\"ult-modal-input-wrapper ult-adjust-bottom-margin   vc_custom_1750352028442  \" data-keypress-control=\"keypress-control-enable\" data-overlay-control=\"overlay-control-enable\"><button  data-ultimate-target='#modal-trg-txt-wrap-7116 .btn-modal'  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}'  style=\"background:#33333300;border-color:#33333300;color:#FFFFFFAD; font-family:&#039;Raleway&#039;;font-weight:600;\" data-class-id=\"content-69ea5a7aa20b03-12414018\" class=\"btn-modal ult-responsive btn-primary btn-modal-lg overlay-show ult-align-right btn-id-69ea5a7aa20b03-12414018\" data-overlay-class=\"overlay-cornertopright\">More About the Background Art...<\/button><\/div>\n<div class=\"ult-overlay content-69ea5a7aa20b03-12414018 \" data-class=\"content-69ea5a7aa20b03-12414018\" id=\"button-click-overlay\" style=\"background:rgba(51,51,51,0.8); display:none;\">\n\t<div class=\"ult_modal ult-fade ult-medium\">\n\t<div class=\"ult-overlay-close popup-top-right\" style=\"width:25px;height:25px;  \"><div class=\"ult-overlay-close-inside\">Close<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"ult-modal-wrap-9710\" class=\"ult_modal-content ult-hide\" style=\"border-style:solid;border-width:2px;border-radius:20px;border-color:#adc3d2;\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ult_modal-header\" style=\"background:#adc3d2;color:#333333;font-family:&#039;Raleway&#039;;font-weight:800;border-color:#adc3d2;\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"modal-icon\"><i class=\"Defaults-info-circle\"><\/i><\/div><h3  data-ultimate-target='#ult-modal-wrap-9710 .ult_modal-title'  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}'  class=\"ult_modal-title ult-responsive\">About the Background Art - The Mural Story<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div  data-ultimate-target='#ult-modal-wrap-9710 .ult_modal-body'  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}'  class=\"ult_modal-body ult-responsive ult-html\" style=\"background:rgba(173,195,210,0.67);font-family:&#039;Raleway&#039;;\">\n\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-7636 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.vanzelm.com\/vZEngineers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Mural-Story.jpg?resize=220%2C293&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"293\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This oil on board painting was created by artist Robert J. Aldern in 1955.\u00a0 While attending the University of Hartford School of Art from 1954 to 1957, Aldern worked part-time as a draftsman for van Zelm Heywood and Shadford.\u00a0 The inspiration for this work of art was clearly derived from the engineering design and drafting activities that Aldern witnessed and was engaged in at van Zelm.<\/p>\n<p>True to its mid-century inception, this painting was created in the Cubist style &#8211; an early-20th-century avant-garde art movement that revolutionized European painting and sculpture, and inspired related movements in music, literature and architecture.\u00a0 Pioneered by Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso, Cubism has been considered the most influential art movement of the 20th century.<\/p>\n<p>In Cubist artwork, objects are analyzed, broken up and reassembled in an abstracted form. \u2014 Instead of depicting objects from a single viewpoint, the artist portrays the subject from a multitude of viewpoints utilizing faceting, or simplification of geometric forms, and the association of mechanization and modern life to represent the subject within a greater context.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-6254 alignright\" style=\"color: #333333; float: right; font-family: -apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,&amp;quot; segoe ui&amp;quot;,roboto,oxygen-sans,ubuntu,cantarell,&amp;quot;helvetica neue&amp;quot;,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; max-width: 100%; orphans: 2; outline-color: #72777c; outline-style: solid; outline-width: 1px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 2.5em 2.5em;\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.vanzelm.com\/vZEngineers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/MURAL.jpg?resize=300%2C174&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"174\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.vanzelm.com\/vZEngineers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/MURAL.jpg?resize=300%2C174&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.vanzelm.com\/vZEngineers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/MURAL.jpg?resize=1024%2C595&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.vanzelm.com\/vZEngineers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/MURAL.jpg?resize=600%2C349&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.vanzelm.com\/vZEngineers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/MURAL.jpg?resize=768%2C447&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.vanzelm.com\/vZEngineers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/MURAL.jpg?w=1971&amp;ssl=1 1971w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>According to Firm legend, the central figure shown holding the slide rule is our founder, Henry B. van Zelm.<\/p>\n<p>Upon receiving his BFA degree from The University of Hartford in 1957, R.J. returned to Sioux Falls where he opened the Aldern Art Studio.\u00a0 Aldern worked as an architectural and liturgical artist and consultant in addition to creating his own works of art.\u00a0 Recipient of multiple awards for artistic achievement during his lifetime, Aldern was also honored as Artist-in-Residence and served as Director of the Center for Liturgical Art at Augustana College, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.<\/p>\n<p>Born in 1929, Mr. Aldern, \u201can artist and a gentleman\u201d, passed away on June 11, 2011 at the age of 82&#8230; We are fortunate that a part of his artistic legacy resides here at van Zelm, where it has been studied and admired by generations of staff, clients and visitors.\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-9 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>At van Zelm, our culture is built on belonging.\u00a0 We value empathy, trust, and fairness \u2014 and believe every voice matters.\u00a0 Diverse perspectives make us stronger, and we\u2019re committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.\u00a0 Our purpose is to help build a better world, starting with our people.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p><strong>COLLABORATION<\/strong><br \/>\nClient success is our priority. We approach every project as a partnership\u2014offering innovative, sustainable solutions and expert guidance. From planning to completion, we work side by side with clients to exceed expectations and deliver lasting value.<\/p>\n<p><strong>COMMUNITY<\/strong><br \/>\nWe\u2019re committed to making a difference beyond the workplace. Our team volunteers, mentors students, and supports organizations that promote fairness, health, and education. Whether serving meals or inspiring the next generation, we believe in giving back to our communities.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CONNECTIVITY<\/strong><br \/>\nConnection drives our internal culture. We foster strong bonds among team members through collaboration, mentorship, and shared experiences. From project teams to company events, we create space for relationships to grow\u2014building a workplace where people feel supported, energized, and inspired.<\/p>\n<p><strong>COMPANY SPIRIT<\/strong><br \/>\nWe take our work seriously\u2014but never forget to have fun. From potlucks and wellness challenges to sporting events and food trucks, we celebrate our wins and strengthen bonds through shared experiences and team traditions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CAREER DEVELOPMENT<\/strong><br \/>\nWe invest in our people. From mentorship and in-house training to exam reimbursement and professional memberships, we support continuous growth and development. When our team thrives, so does our company.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CHARITABLE GIVING<\/strong><br \/>\nSince 1995, our annual charity golf tournament has supported organizations like the ACE Mentor Program and the New Britain Boys &amp; Girls Club. We also fund an endowed scholarship at the University of Hartford, reinforcing our commitment to the next generation of engineers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-3 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image has_ratio align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:75%\"><\/div><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.vanzelm.com\/vZEngineers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/community-scaled.jpeg?fit=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_small\"><\/div><div class=\"w-image has_ratio align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:75%\"><\/div><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.vanzelm.com\/vZEngineers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/company-Spirit.jpeg?fit=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_small\"><\/div><div class=\"w-image has_ratio align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><div style=\"padding-bottom:75%\"><\/div><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.vanzelm.com\/vZEngineers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/8.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"[vc_empty_space height=\"50px\"]CULTURE More About the Background Art... Close About the Background Art - The Mural Story This oil on board painting was created by artist Robert J. Aldern in 1955.\u00a0 While attending the University of Hartford School of Art from 1954 to 1957, Aldern worked part-time as a draftsman for van Zelm Heywood and Shadford.\u00a0...","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":2,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-12789","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vanzelm.com\/vZEngineers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12789","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vanzelm.com\/vZEngineers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vanzelm.com\/vZEngineers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vanzelm.com\/vZEngineers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vanzelm.com\/vZEngineers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12789"}],"version-history":[{"count":46,"href":"https:\/\/www.vanzelm.com\/vZEngineers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12789\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13146,"href":"https:\/\/www.vanzelm.com\/vZEngineers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12789\/revisions\/13146"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vanzelm.com\/vZEngineers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vanzelm.com\/vZEngineers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12789"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}