Charles Ellis, a Purdue University civil engineering professor long overlooked for his role in the Golden Gate Bridge project, was honored with a plaque on Thursday, Nov. 21.

 

Paul Giroux, a nationally recognized construction engineering expert, presented the plaque to Purdue and the School of Civil Engineering during a luncheon in the Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms, honoring Ellis' work as the structural design engineer for the span.

 

Giroux, a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, was ASCE's chairman for a Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary event in 2012. The plaque, a duplicate of one installed at the bridge last year, was presented on behalf of ASCE.

 

Until recently, Ellis, a Purdue civil engineering professor from 1934-1946, had not received credit for his pivotal role in the project.

 

Also during the luncheon, Purdue recognized a $250,000 estate donation made by one of Ellis's students, Purdue alumnus Fred W. Apsey Jr., and his wife, D. Yvonne Apsey. Fred Apsey received a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Purdue in 1941. The Apseys' gift will be used for civil engineering scholarships in honor of Ellis.