CEAE Academy

David D. Darwin
Distinguished Professor and Chair, KU CEAE

David Darwin, Deane E. Ackers Distinguished Professor, joined KU in 1974 and, at the time of his election, had been serving for 49 years, including 10 years as department chair. Dave is a leader in structural engineering and materials research with an emphasis on all things concrete and played a major role in upgrading the laboratories across the department. Dave is a Past-President and Honorary Member of the American Concrete Institute, a Fellow of the Structural Engineering Institute and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and a Distinguished Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Anthony "Tony" Thompson
B.S. Architectural Engineering
B.A. Environmental Design

Anthony (Tony) Thompson is the Chairman/CEO of Kwame Building Group, Inc. (KWAME), the first African American ESOP corporation in the state of Missouri, which he founded in 1991. Headquartered in St. Louis, MO, KWAME is a construction management/program management firm that serves as an independent agent to the client/owner.   KWAME provides, along with other services, exceptional project management, scheduling, estimating, contract/claims administration and document controls.

Tim Connolly
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1989
M.S. Civil Engineering, 1990
President, Corporate Strategies

Tim worked for HDR in Omaha for 27 years as a structural engineer, Director of Risk Management and Compliance, and Director of International Operations.

Currently, President of his own consulting firm, he provides strategic consulting services to clients on complex project planning and execution, organizational development, cultural change, and corporate restructuring.

William "Max" Maxwell Lucas
B.S. Architectural Engineering, 1957
M.S. Architectural Engineering, 1962
Dean of the KU School of Architectural and Urban Design

Dr. Lucas was instrumental in launching the school into the digital age through his advocacy of computer-aided design. His establishment of study abroad programs in the school led to the current tremendous global reach, which sets KU’s program above many others.

He began his academic career at KU in 1962 as an assistant professor of architecture, and he became a full professor in 1971. He worked as an assistant to Chancellor Archie Dykes from 1974 to 1976, and he became the first director of KU’s Facilities and Planning Department from 1976 to 1978. He served as the dean of the School of Architecture and Urban Design from 1981 to 1994.

Clinton O. Robinson
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1985
M.S. Civil Engineering, 1991
Associate Vice President, Director of State & Local Government Affairs, Black & Veatch

After 25 years of civil engineering design and construction, Clint Robinson initiated a role of State and Local Government Affairs at Black & Veatch. In this capacity he educates elected officials on issues of critical human infrastructure in support of our industry. Clint Robinson is a fourth generation Jayhawk whose great grandfather, David H Robinson, was one of the first three professors teaching Greek and Latin at KU in 1865. Clint developed a love for language too and his love for the Spanish language created an opportunity for him  early in his career to perform water and wastewater engineering services in Latin America. He is a strong supporter of public STEM education as a creator of the CAPS Network;  innovator and speaker with the Edison Awards Steering Committee; and advocate for the engineering profession as a Founder of the Engineering Change Lab of the US.  Mr. Robinson is a Fellow with the American Council of Engineering Companies and has received several honors for his years of leadership there.

Emmanuel K. Attiogbe
M.S. Civil Engineering, 1980
Ph.D. Civil Engineering, 1985
Global Head of Innovation, BASF Construction Chemicals

Emmanuel K. Attiogbe has over 40 years of experience in engineering research and application development with respect to the use of concrete as a construction material. He holds several patents on the development and evaluation of innovative materials to enhance the durability and structural performance of concrete. Emmanuel is a Fellow of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and has served on the ACI Board of Direction. He has authored several technical papers and was awarded the ACI Wason Medal for Materials Research in 1995. He also received the ACI Henry L. Kennedy Award in 2015 for notable contributions as Chair of the Technology Transfer Advisory Group of the ACI Strategic Development Council, and for many technical contributions in the field of concrete materials.

William C. Clawson
B.S. Business Administration, 1972
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1976
M.S. Civil Engineering, 1978
Ph.D. Civil Engineering, 1980
Vice President, HNTB Corporation

Bill began his 40-year career with Exxon Production Research Company in Houston, designing and analyzing offshore platforms.  Returning to Kansas, he joined HNTB‘s Kansas City Bridge Department, serving in numerous key positions including Bridge Group Director, Central Division Bridge Service Group Director and Central Division Operations Officer.  Bill served as HNTB’s National Bridge Quality Officer prior to his retirement. Bill was noted for providing quality consulting services to his Midwest DOT and national railroad clients, as well as his local civic activities in Leawood, KS and as a strong advocate for KU’s CEAE Department.   He continues to consult on national bridge projects.

Deborah English
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1986
M.S. Civil Engineering, 1994
Senior Project Manager, Envr. Advisors & Engr., Inc.

Her varied consulting career has encompassed over 36 years of technical and managerial experience in environmental and civil engineering with Black & Veatch, SCS Engineers, and Environmental Advisors and Engineers, Inc. (EAE).  Her experience ranges from environmental audits and due diligence to landfill design and remedial investigation and construction for clients that include private corporations, municipalities, and state and federal agencies.

At Black & Veatch, she was program manager for remediation of multiple manufactured gas plant sites in Iowa, and at SCS Engineers, she was the corporate quality manager, a vice president, and office manager. She is now enjoying her part-time gig with EAE as the corporate quality manager and a senior project manager for a small, woman-owned business.

Her passion for quality has dominated the latter part of her career, but her passion for the environment has not dimmed. As a Johnson County Master Naturalist, her spare time is devoted to education, outreach, and service to the management of natural resources and natural areas for the State of Kansas.

Tom Mulinazzi
Professor Emeritus, University of Kansas

Tom joined the CEAE Department in 1979 after being on the University of Maryland faculty for 6 years.   At KU, he taught courses in the transportation area and surveying.  He served as an associate dean of the School of Engineering from 1987 to 1990 and from 1992 to 2001.  He served as the chair of the CEAE Department from 2003 to 2008 (?) and from 2012 to 2013 (?).  He was on the Kansas State Board of Technical Professions, where he served as secretary, vice president and president of the Board.  Under a contract with the Kansas Department of Transportation, Tom offered seminars or workshops in the transportation field in over 80 cities and 68 counties throughout Kansas. One of his main interests on campus was advising students. He always tried to remember what it was like to be a student.

Mary C. Bloxdorf
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1981
Senior Project Manager at Fehr Graham/Engineering & Environmental

Mary’s 39 year career in bridges and transportation began working for the Illinois Department of Transportation for 8 years before switching to private consulting. She was President of her own consulting firm for 23 years managing bridge/transportation projects throughout the state of Illinois. Mary has held offices with the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers, Structural Engineers Association of Illinois and served on the Illinois Professional Engineering Board.

Ronaldo T. "Nick" Nicholson
B.S. Civil Engineering
Vice President, Critical Infrastructure/Mobility Solutions Market, Parsons

Ronaldo “Nick” Nicholson has over 37 years of service in public and private sector transportation, most recently providing advisory and program management services for two Virginia DOT ($3.3 billion and $2.3 billion) projects. Nick also served as the Chief Engineer/Deputy Director of the District of Columbia’s DOT for 4 years. He has received several awards for his leadership, including recognition as a Trailblazer in Civil Rights by AASHTO for his innovations to achieve DBE compliance on MegaProjects in Virginia. Nick gave the 2017 J. A. Tiberti Family Lecture.

Craig Finley
B.S. Civil Engineering
Managing Principal, FINLEY Engineering Group

With over three decades of experience and numerous high-profile projects in his portfolio, Craig is among the acknowledged leaders in the bridge engineering and construction industry. Craig Finley is a registered professional engineer in 41 states, as well as the District of Columbia and the Provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, Canada.

Mike Orth
B.S. Civil Engineering
M.S. Civil Engineering
Executive Vice President, Executive Managing Director of the Americas Region-Water Business, Black & Veatch

Mike Orth oversees the Americas business’s growth efforts in traditional water and wastewater treatment design services along with supply, storage, conveyance, asset management, and energy solutions for water utilities through both traditional and alternative solutions, such as design-build and public-private partnerships.

Rich Smith
B.S. Mechanical Engineering
M.S. Architectural Engineering
President and CEO, Henderson Engineers

Rich is responsible for setting Henderson’s overall strategic vision and purpose, building the corporate culture, improving internal and external communication, and fostering leadership engagement. With more than 30 years of experience, the last 25 at Henderson, Rich has been intimately involved with the growth and success of Henderson Engineers at all levels.

Jerry Younger
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1982
M.S. Civil Engineering, 1992
Managing Director of the Kansas Aggregate Producers Association and Kansas Ready Mixed Concrete Association

Jerry retired in 2016 from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) after 30 years, including service as the Kansas Deputy Secretary of Transportation and Transportation Engineer. He is currently the Managing Director of the Kansas Aggregate Producers Association & Kansas Ready Mixed Concrete Association (KAPA-KRMCA).

Julie Pierce
B.S. Architectural Engineering, 1994
Vice President, Henderson Engineers

Julie Pierce is the Vice President of Henderson Engineers. As the director of operations for Henderson’s Kansas City office, Julie leads an engineering team that focuses primarily on sports & recreation, higher education, and corporate markets.

David A. Ross
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1975
President and Owner, David E. Ross Construction

David Ross is president and owner of David E. Ross Construction, a Kansas City-based construction firm.  Under David’s leadership, the firm’s capabilities have expanded to include design-build projects for Fortune 500 companies and high-tech infrastructure projects nationwide. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 2019.

Cindy Wallis-Lage
M.S. Environmental Health Engineering, 1990
President, Global Water Business, Black & Veatch

Cindy Wallis-Lage is President of Black & Veatch’s water business, leading more than 2,500 professionals in over 75 offices worldwide. She is well known in the water industry for her expertise in water reuse and treatment.

Tom Glavinich
B.S. Electrical Engineering, 1976
M.S. Electical Engineering, 1978
D.E., 1990
MBA, 1992
Professor and Chair, Architectural Engineering

Tom Glavinich was a highly respected professor of architectural engineering and construction management from 1992 until his passing in 2014.  Tom initiated the Master of Construction Management program, chaired the Architectural Engineering program prior to our merger, and continued to lead the construction management and architectural engineering programs after the merger.

Craig L. Martin
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1971
CEO, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.

Craig Martin is retired CEO of Jacobs Engineering Group, one of the world’s largest engineering and construction firms.  Under Craig’s leadership, Jacobs expanded to more than 250 offices in more than 30 countries.  Revenue grew from $4.6 billion to almost $13 billion and the number of employees went from 20,000 to 65,000. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 2015.

Ross McKinney
Distinguished Professor and Chair, KU Civil Engineering Department

Ross McKinney, N.T. Veatch Distinguished Professor Emeritus served our faculty with distinction from 1960 until retirement in 1993.  He founded and led our graduate program in environmental engineering.  A member of the prestigious National Academy of Engineering, Ross garnered international acclaim for his ground-breaking research on microbiological wastewater treatment. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 2016.

Harold Phelps
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1985
President, Phelps Engineering, Inc.

Harold Phelps is the founder and president of Phelps Engineering Inc., a thriving engineering and surveying firm in Olathe that specializes in land development and public infrastructure projects.  Harold is the past president of the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City.  As a long-time member and current Chair of our CEAE Advisory Board, Harold has been a strong advocate for CEAE and a generous supporter of student scholarships.  The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 2018.

Stan Rolfe
Distinguished Professor and Chair, KU CEAE Department

Stan Rolfe, A.P. Learned Distinguished Professor Emeritus, served our department from 1969 until retirement in 2014, including 23 years department chair and a term as interim dean of the School of Engineering.  Stan provided tremendous leadership and strengthened our department in innumerable ways.  He is a world-renowned expert in fracture and fatigue of steel structures, a Distinguished Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and a member of the prestigious National Academy of Engineering. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 2014.

Nathan Thomas Veatch, Jr.
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1909
Civil Engineering professional degree, 1924
Founder and Managing Partner, Black & Veatch

Nathan Thomas Veatch, Jr., co-founded the firm of Black & Veatch with fellow KU engineering graduate E.B. Black in 1915.  Mr. Veatch directed the firm until his retirement in 1973.  Under his leadership, Black & Veatch grew from a two-person partnership to a dominant engineering firm employing more than 1200 professionals with projects spanning the globe. 

L. William Zahner, III
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1979
President and CEO, A. Zahner Company

L. William (Bill) Zahner III is president and CEO of the A. Zahner Company, an architectural metal company in Kansas City.  His company has produced metal facades and other architectural components for high-profile buildings worldwide for acclaimed architects such as Frank Gehry.  Zahner also produces metal sculptures for artists. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 2017.

Paul D. Barber
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1957
Chief of Engineering Directorate, Civil Works
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Paul Barber served a distinguished 35-year career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, mainly in the Kansas City District.  He culminated his career as chief of engineering at the Corps’ headquarters in Washington, D.C. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 1997.

Frank J. Becker
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1958
Chairman and CEO, Becker Corporation

Frank Becker is a Kansas business leader and a generous supporter and advocate for the KU School of Engineering. Businesses he has owned and operated include the Becker Corporation, a trucking firm in El Dorado; the First National Bank of El Dorado; and Becker Investments Inc. in Lawrence. He is a past chairman of the Kansas Turnpike Authority. His honors include the Distinguished Service Citation from KU and the Fred Ellsworth Medallion from the KU Alumni Association. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 1991.

J. Robert Benz
B.S. Civil Engineering and Business Administration, 1964
Vice President, Phillips Petroleum Company

Robert Benz served a distinguished career with Phillips Petroleum Company in positions that included vice president of the Worldwide Rubber Chemicals Division and vice president of International Business Development for Chemicals.  He has served on the School of Engineering Advisory Board for more than 20 years and is a member of the School of Business Board of Advisors. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 2009.

Jack Boyd
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1952
M.S. Civil Engineering, 1961
Chairman of Boyd, Brown, Stude and Cambern

Jack Boyd is respected for his contributions as the founder of Boyd, Brown, Stude and Cambern, a highly successful engineering consulting firm, and for his insight, dependability and willingness to contribute as a neighbor and fellow citizen. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 1998.

Theodore J. Cambern, Jr.
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1958
M.S. Civil Engineering, 1965
Ph.D. Civil Engineering, 1974
Vice President and Principal, TranSystems Corp.

Ted Cambern Jr. was pivotal in the 1995 creation of TranSystems Corp., a major international transportation consulting firm headquartered in Kansas City.  Prior to the formation of TranSystems, Ted was a partner in the engineering consulting firm of Boyd, Brown, Stude and Cambern. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 2001.

Michael Chun
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1966
Ph.D. Environmental Engineering, 1970
President and Headmaster, Kapalama School, Hawaii

Michael Chun made his mark in both engineering and education.  He was the director and chief engineer of the Department of Public Works for the City and County of Honolulu before assuming administrative roles with Kamehameha Schools, the largest independent school system in the U.S.  He served as president and headmaster of the 9,000-student Kapalama School in Honolulu. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 2010.

Warren Corman
B.S. Architectural Engineering, 1950
Director of Facilities, Kansas Board of Regents
KU University Architect

Warren Corman served as director of facilities for the Kansas Board of Regents for 31 years, overseeing the planning and construction of more than 300 building projects at state universities in Kansas.  After retiring from that position, Warren worked many more years as KU's university architect and special assistant to the Chancellor.  Warren was integral to the completion of the Memorial Stadium renovation, the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics and the School of Engineering's Eaton Hall. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 2004.

Jack F. Daily
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1957
Partner, Lutz, Daily & Brain Consulting Engineers

Jack Daily was a leader in the design of electric power units and waste treatment systems that protect the environment. He made exceptional contributions to his community and to the engineering profession. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 1995.

Paul Endacott
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1923
President, Phillips Petroleum Company

Paul Endacott’s accomplishments on KU’s basketball courts are surpassed only by his outstanding work in the petroleum industry and his many contributions to the university.

He led Kansas to consecutive Helms Foundation national championships in 1922 and 1923.  He was named Helms Foundation Player of the Year in 1923 and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1972.  After college, Paul joined Phillips Petroleum Company and rose to the position of president and CEO. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 1991.

Linton Grinter
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1923
Dean of Engineering, University of Florida

Linton Grinter was honored for his commitment to excellence in teaching, research and educational administration. He was dean of three engineering graduate schools, vice president of two universities and director of research at two institutes of higher learning. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 1984.

William J. Hall
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1948
Professor and Chair, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Illinois

Bill Hall is honored for his devotion to research and education as a distinguished professor and chair of civil engineering at the University of Illinois. He is a renowned researcher in structural engineering, structural dynamics and earthquake engineering. He is a member of the prestigious National Academy of Engineering. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 1985.

Robert Kipp
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1952
MPA, 1954
Vice President, Hallmark Cards, Inc.
City Manager, Kansas City, Missouri

Robert Kipp served the city of Kansas City, Missouri, as director of city development and then as City Manager, facilitating the completion of Kansas City International Airport and Kemper Arena and the initiation of Bartle Hall.  He later joined Hallmark and served as vice president and chairman of Crown Center. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 2005.

David Kraft
Professor and Dean, KU School of Engineering

David Kraft served as dean of the KU School of Engineering from 1978 to 1994.  As dean, he formed the School of Engineering Advisory Board and established the Distinguished Engineering Service Award.  He launched the master’s degree program in engineering management and, following his term as dean, directed that program at KU Edwards Campus. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 2005.

Stanley Learned
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1924
President and CEO, Phillips Petroleum Company

Stanley Learned was honored for his leadership of Phillips Petroleum Company and for alumni work at KU.  As president and CEO, he guided Phillips Petroleum to leadership among international oil companies. He supervised the design and construction of the world's first pipeline for long-distance transport of light liquid hydrocarbons. He was president of the KU Alumni Association and chairman of the Greater University Fund. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 1980.

Michael K. Loose
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1975
Vice Admiral and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, U.S. Navy

Michael Loose is a retired Vice Admiral and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations in the U.S. Navy.  He served the Navy's Civil Engineer Corps for more than 30 years.  His positions included commander of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command and chief of civil engineers.  He is currently a senior vice president of Parsons, an international engineering and construction firm. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 2006.

Ross McKinney
Distinguished Professor and Chair, KU Civil Engineering Department

Ross McKinney, N.T. Veatch Distinguished Professor Emeritus, served our faculty with distinction from 1960 until retirement in 1993.  He founded and led our graduate program in environmental engineering.  A member of the prestigious National Academy of Engineering, Ross garnered international acclaim for his ground-breaking research on microbiological wastewater treatment. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 2016.

John McNown
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1936
Distinguished Professor and Dean, KU School of Engineering

John McNown was honored for his contributions to the field of fluid mechanics and his leadership in engineering education.  He served KU as dean of the KU School of Engineering and Architecture and later as A.P. Learned Professor of Civil Engineering.  He worked extensively with the World Bank and other organizations to initiate and improve engineering education in Africa and elsewhere in the developing world.  He was a member of the prestigious National Academy of Engineering. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 1988.

Dwight F. Metzler
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1940
Kansas Secretary of Health and Environment

Dwight Metzler was honored for his dedication to the protection and proper use of America's water resources. He served the state of Kansas as chief of water supply and development for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.  His service at the national level included a term as president of the executive board of the American Public Health Association.  He was a member of the prestigious National Academy of Engineering. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 1984.

Thomas M. Murray
Ph.D. Engineering Mechanics, 1970
Distinguished Professor of Structural Steel Design, Virginia Tech University

Thomas Murray is a distinguished professor emeritus at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.  He is a renowned expert on structural steel design whose research has led to significant improvement in the economy and safety of steel-framed buildings.  He is a member of the prestigious National Academy of Engineering. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 2004.

George E. Nettles, Jr.
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1950
President and CEO, Midwest Minerals Inc.

George Nettles was honored for his leadership in the coal-mining industry.  He was president and CEO of Midwest Minerals, which constructed plants and provided equipment and services to coal mining operations throughout the world. He was vice president of the manufacturing division of the American Mining Congress, director of Kansas City Power & Light Co., and a director and chairman of the board of the Kansas Association of Commerce and Industry. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 1985.

Jim Patton
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1964
President, Americas Division, Black & Veatch

Jim Patton is retired president of the Americas Division of Black & Veatch.  Under his leadership, the firm greatly expanded its worldwide environmental practice, with 50 overseas offices on six continents.  Jim has been credited with helping provide more than one billion people around the world -- including many citizens of Kansas -- with access to safe drinking water or sanitary water disposal services. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 2003.

John H. Robinson
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1949
Managing Partner, Black & Veatch

John Robinson was honored for his distinguished career at Black & Veatch, where he served as managing partner.  A former national president of the American Water Works Association, John was recognized as a leading expert in water system planning and treatment plant design. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 1988.

Thomas B. Robinson
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1939
Managing Partner, Black & Veatch

Tom Robinson served the engineering profession with distinction and excellence as managing partner of Black & Veatch and chairman of the board of Black & Veatch International.  He served as the first chairman of the KU School of Engineering Advisory Board and as president of the American Consulting Engineers Council.  Tom was a member of the prestigious National Academy of Engineering. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 1982.

Dave Ruf, Jr.
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1960
Chairman, President and CEO, Burns & McDonnell

Dave Ruf Jr. is a former chairman and CEO of Burns and McDonnell and a civic leader in the Kansas City area.  Dave led the team that bought back the firm from Armco Steel and established the employee stock ownership plan.  His drive and enthusiasm were vital to the great success of the employee-owned firm. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 1996.

Robert L. Smith
Distinguished Professor and Chair, KU Civil Engineering Department

Robert L. Smith was a pioneer in the field of water resource development.  His career combined public service, private-sector practice, university teaching, and research about water issues. Instrumental in shaping water policy for the states of Kansas and Iowa, his pioneering studies became the model for other states around the nation.  As D.E. Ackers Distinguished Professor at KU, Bob directed the Water Resources Research Institute and served a six-year term as department chair.  He was KU’s first member of the prestigious National Academy of Engineering. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 1993.

Scott Smith
M.S. Civil Engineering, 1981
Director of Strategic Initiatives, HNTB Corporation

Scott Smith is director of strategic initiatives at HNTB, with responsibility for the infrastructure business, including highways, bridges, rail, aviation, and transit. Since joining the firm in 1985, he has served in a number of key positions, including president of HNTB’s Central Division and CEO of HNTB Corporation.  His commitment to bettering the community has earned Smith widespread accolades from Kansas City civic leaders and engineering peers. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 2011.

Charles E. Spahr
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1934
Chairman and CEO, Standard Oil Company of Ohio

Charles Spahr was honored for his leadership of the Standard Oil Company (Ohio) and for his efforts in opening Alaska's North Slope oil reserves to the U.S.  As chairman and CEO of the company, he negotiated a merger with British Petroleum (BP) and headed the American Petroleum Institute during the Arab oil embargo of the early 1970s. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 1980.

Gregs Thomopulos
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1965
President and CEO, Stanley Group Inc.

Gregs Thomopulos led the Stanley Group Inc., a major international engineering, environmental and construction firm, to new heights of success, particularly in the global arena.  During his tenure as chairman and CEO, the firm grew substantially and gained recognition as an Engineering News-Record Top 100 engineering organization. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 2002.

Murli Tolaney
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1969
M.S. Environmental Engineering, 1971
Chairman and CEO, Montgomery Watson Inc.

Murli Tolaney brought commitment, enthusiasm, and vision to the California-based James M. Montgomery Consulting Engineers.  As executive vice president and CEO, he orchestrated a merger with the United Kingdom's Watson Hawksley to form Montgomery Watson, the first truly global environmental engineering firm, achieving a pre-eminent position in both water and wastewater services.  The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 2000.​​

Kenneth J. Vaughn
B.S. Civil Engineering, 1957
M.S. Civil Engineering, 1963
President, Larkin and Associates

Ken Vaughn's career has been a noteworthy combination of public service and private practice.  As principal and president of Larkin and Associates, a consulting engineering firm in Kansas City, was responsible for many high-profile public improvements, including an award-winning project that stabilized Kansas City’s Brush Creek following the tragic 1977 flood that devastated the Country Club Plaza. The KU School of Engineering awarded him the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 2007.