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Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering

Distinguished Alumni

Distinguished Alumni is for alumni who have significant professional achievement and service in their chosen field. The awardee could be acknowledged for a successful career or could be a young alumnus who is having an exceptional impact beyond their years.

Learn more about each awardee by clicking their photo!

2025 Inductees

Richard Fosse Portrait

Richard Fosse

BS CE 1982
Accomplished career in public service, an expert in disaster preparedness and response, and a passionate educator
Inducted 2025

Paul Francois Portrait

Paul Francois

BS ConE 1991
Leader in construction engineering excellence, dedicated philanthropist and advocate for Cyclone Engineer success.
Inducted 2025

John Hartwell Portrait

John Hartwell

BS CE 1971, MS 1974
National impact in environmental engineering, and an inspiring mentor to the future of the profession.
Inducted 2025

Eugene Postma Portrait

Eugene Postma

BS ConE 1991
Dedication to the field of construction engineering and the expansion of education. Accomplished business leader and mentor.
Inducted 2025

Richard Soukup Portrait

Richard Soukup

BS CE 1967
Accomplished engineer, fervent community creator, and enthusiastic supporter of the continued excellence of Iowa State.
Inducted 2025

Chad Surprenant Portrait

Chad Surprenant

BS CE 1993
Outstanding entrepreneurship, business leadership and dedication to engineering excellence and innovation.
Inducted 2025

Col Robert Tener Photo

Col. Robert K. Tener

MS CE 1962, PhD 1964
An innovative engineering educator and accomplished veteran with a passion for mentorship, service, and industry progress.
Inducted 2025

Rebecca Travis Portrait

Rebecca Travis

BS CE 1984
Leader in business and expert in stormwater management, dedicated to advancing the industry and serving the community.
Inducted 2025

Brian Witte portrait

Brian Witte

BS CE 1999
International expert, leader in construction engineering, and inventor of innovative construction solutions.
Inducted 2025

2024 Inductees

Click on each picture to read a longer bio of each inductee.

Madan Arora

Madan L. Arora

MS CE 1968, PhD 1970
International impact, advancement and innovative contributions in the wastewater industry and dedication to industry education
Inducted 2024

James Cable

BS CE 1964, MS 1976
Nationwide impact and expertise in concrete paving engineering and pioneering research advancements to the industry and industry education
Inducted 2024

Ryan Callaghan

Ryan Callaghan

BS CE 1995, MS 1996
Entrepreneurial leadership in the heavy civil and industrial construction industry, innovative practices and licensure advocacy
Inducted 2024

Islam El-adaway

Islam H. El-adaway

PhD ConE 2008
International leadership and innovation in construction engineering research and enhancements to academic and industry collaborations
Inducted 2024

Gordon Smith

Gordon Smith

BS CE 1975
National leadership, service and advancements to the concrete pavement industry and founder of concrete technology organizations
Inducted 2024

2023 Inductees

  • Karen Giese

    BS CE 1998, MS 2001
    International impact and leadership in the transportation industry, development of innovative transportation methodologies
    Inducted 2023

  • Scott Higgins

    BS ConE 1983, MS 1985
    Innovation in the construction industry, distinguished leadership on high-impact projects
    Inducted 2023

Past Inductees

  • Ronald G. Burg

    BS CE 1977
    Distinguished leadership and innovation in the concrete industry through consulting and the American Concrete Institute
    Inducted 2022

  • Michael J. Conzett

    BS CE 1976, MS CE 1978
    Impact on public health and safety and environmental issues, and leadership in national professional organizations
    Inducted 2022

  • Beth Duyvejonck

    BS ConE 1997
    Influence and leadership in construction engineering and construction education, strong advocate for women
    Inducted 2022

  • Pamela K. Harman

    BS ConE 1979
    National leadership in inspiring women in STEM, and as outreach frontrunner for NASA and innovative curriculum expertise
    Inducted 2022

  • Jack F. McGuire

    BS CE 1963
    Expertise in structural engineering, development of aircraft design and analysis, and leadership in the engineering industry
    Inducted 2022

  • Max Porter

    BS CE 1965, MS CE, PhD CE
    International impact in structural engineering, notable contributions to education, research, professional societies
    Inducted 2022

  • Norman Riis

    BS CE 1961
    International leadership in civil engineering, and strong impact on regional construction as the leader of Story Construction
    Inducted 2022

  • Rudy J. Tekippe

    BS 1965, MS 1966
    International expert in environmental engineering, implementation of wastewater management, and innovative design development
    Inducted 2022

  • Charles WilsonShelley Mayne Wolff

    BS CE 1980
    National leader in civil engineering, expert in project management training and implementation, and advocate for women in engineering
    Inducted 2022

  • Ben BillerBenjamin J. Biller

    BS CE 1981, MS CE 1982
    Executive leadership in management and project performance, impact on bridge and transportation engineering, and influencing the next generation of engineers
    Inducted 2021

  • Jeff ColemanJeffrey W. Coleman

    BS CE 1976, MS CE 1977
    National leadership and influence in the concrete industry, construction law, and the engineering profession
    Inducted 2021

  • Michael GoodkindMichael N. Goodkind

    MS CE 1967
    Leadership in the architecture, engineering and construction industries through a premiere consulting firm, and cultivating an elevated standard of quality and innovation
    Inducted 2021

  • Charles WilsonCharles W. Wilson

    BS CE 1941
    Leadership, innovation and expansion of a regional company in the structural precast and architectural industries, and active engagement in local community
    Inducted 2021