1930 — 2010
Warren Viessman,
D.Eng., P.E., Dist.M.ASCE, Hon.D.WRE
Dr. Warren "Bud" Viessman, D.Eng., P.E., Dist.M.ASCE, Hon.D.WRE, was Professor Emeritus of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida. From 1990 to 2003 he was Associate Dean for Academic Programs of the College of Engineering. Prior to that, he was Chairman of the Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences. From 1975 to 1983, he was Senior Specialist in Engineering and Public Works, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress. He was Professor of Civil Engineering and Director of the Nebraska Water Resources Research Institute, University of Nebraska, from 1968 to 1975, and Professor of Civil Engineering and Director of the Water Resources Center, University of Maine, from 1965 to 1968.
Professor Viessman was born on November 9, 1930 and spent most of his youth in the Baltimore, Maryland area. Dr. Viessman received his doctorate from Johns Hopkins University in 1961.
Professor Viessman is the senior author of widely used textbooks on Water Supply and Pollution Control, Hydrology, and Water Management and his publications total more than 175. In 1978, during his tenure serving on the Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division of Congressional Research Service, Dr. Viessman authored reports on Recommendations to President Jimmy Carter's Federal Water Policy Initiatives (WPI), for improvements in cost-sharing policies and a strengthening of environmental considerations in water resources development. He has served on numerous national, regional and state committees and commissions.
Dr. Viessman served as President of the American Water Resources Association (AWRA) in 1990, and President of the Universities Council on Water Resources (UCOWR) in 1987. He is the recipient of the AWRA Icko Iben Award (1983), the American Society of Civil Engineers' (ASCE) Julian Hinds Award (1989), the UCOWR Warren A. Hall Medal (1994), the Department of the Army Commander's Award for Public Service (1994), the AWRA Henry P. Caulfield, Jr. Medal for Exemplary Contributions to National Water Policy (1996), and the 1999 AWRA President's Outstanding Service Award. He was elected to Distinguished Membership in ASCE, the highest ASCE honor (2001), and was awarded the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers highest honor of Honorary Diplomate, Water Resources Engineer in 2005.
He is a Fellow of the American Water Resources Association; and a Fellow, Life Member and Distinguished Member of ASCE. In 2009, Dr. Viessman was bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award from ASCE's Environmental & Water Resources Institute (EWRI), for his lasting contributions to public service, research, and practice in the environmental and water resources profession.
Dr. Viessman passed away on April 8, at his home with his family at his side. He was 79 years old. Those that knew Dr. Viessman from having been mentored by him or worked with him are lasting testament to his brilliant career, and everlasting contributions to the academic and engineering professions.
Professor James Heaney, Ph.D., P.E., DEE, D.WRE, a friend and colleague of Dr. Viessman for many years at University of Florida reflected on Bud's contributions to educating students and public on water issues:
After Professor Viessman "retired" in 2003, he launched an online Masters Degree Program in Water Resources Planning and Management. Through his tireless efforts, this program has become a model for online graduate water education nationally and internationally. He received the 2005 Education and Public Service Award from UCOWR for his efforts. The one constant in Professor Viessman's efforts throughout his distinguished career is his commitment to excellence. All of us are the beneficiaries of this lasting legacy.
Kyle Schilling P.E., BCEE, D.WRE, Dist.M.ASCE, who worked and collaborated with Bud since 1968 reflected on his friend:
Bud's enthusiasm for making things better and improving the profession was absolutely selfless. He had a personal great wealth of knowledge spanning both technical and policy that was truly formidable. Yet, he had the ability to make the complex simple and transmit ideas to those around him in actionable terms. He encouraged young people and women to not only join the profession; but, to get active and excel. Even in these last few years when many would be slowing down, Bud focused on teaching and developing a new generation of leaders in EWRI and ASCE through meaningful technical publications. Bud was a friend and mentor of 42 years. When Gerry and I were fortunate to visit with him and Betty two weeks before he passed he was optimistic and looking forward to new projects. He was a man of the highest principles and I'm honored to have had him as a friend.
Elizabeth Perez, Ph.D., P.E., D.WRE, a former student of Dr. Viessman at University of Florida and who co-authored with Dr. Viessman the 8th Edition of "Water Supply and Pollution Control" remarked:
Bud Viessman was a dedicated mentor and friend to so many of us. He never stated it as such, but I suspect that his time spent with students and those he mentored meant the most to him. Throughout his lifetime, he received countless awards, published numerous books and papers, and worked on landmark water resources projects. However, his professional legacy is perhaps in the countless students and colleagues he inspired-to be our best and deliver on time, to consider the "entire problemshed", and make meaningful contributions to our profession. No one could ever replace Bud Viessman but perhaps all of us can collectively work hard every day to fill the tremendous gap his passing has left in the water resources community.
Professor Daniel P. Loucks, Ph.D., P.E., Dist.M.ASCE, a friend and colleague to Bud since graduate school:
I've known Bud since we both were fresh out of our graduate schools, and we have been in touch and working together ever since that time. I knew him in Maine, Nebraska, Washington DC, and in Florida, and I know of no one more capable than he of providing leadership in what ever activity he was doing, from directing water research centers (which I recall were always regarded as the most productive and active in the country), to preparing information and options for those in Congress to act upon, to administering university departments, and colleges and national professional organizations.
And at the same time he seemed to be able to publish not only a continual stream of research and policy papers, and ASCE technical committee books, but also numerous editions of popular textbooks in hydrology, environmental engineering and water resources. Absolutely amazing. But what strikes me the most significant about Bud was his regard for his students and for the younger colleagues in our profession. He really cared, and mentored, and got people to do things they would not have otherwise done. He indeed was a giant in our profession and we will all miss him and his advice and wisdom.