Alvin Anderson Award

Professor Alvin G. Anderson, a native of Duluth, Minnesota, received his B.C.E. in 1933, and Ph.D. in 1950 from the University of Minnesota in Civil Engineering. Professor Anderson’s early years were with the Soil Conservation Service of the U. S. Department of Agriculture. It was during this period that he developed the strong interest in sediment transport and hydraulic structures that continued throughout his career. Following service with the Offi ce of Scientifi c Research and Development of the National Defense Research Committee during the second World War, he returned to the University of Minnesota. Here he combined his love of teaching and his interest in students with an active research program in areas such as sediment transport, fl ow in bends, hydraulics in culverts, and air entrainment by high velocity flow.

He received the Normal Medal of ASCE in 1961, and the J. C. Stevens Award from ASCE in 1965. He was a Fellow of ASCE for many years, and was the Chairman of the Hydraulics Division from 1975-1976. He was also a member of the International Association for Hydraulic Research, the American Society for Engineering Education, and the American Water Resources Association. Professor Anderson unexpectedly passed in July 1975. He was currently serving as the Director of the St .Anthony Falls Laboratory and Associate Head of the Department of Civil (and Mineral) Engineering at the time of his death. Approximately 100 former students, friends, and colleagues from around the world responded to news of his death with donations to the Alvin G. Anderson Memorial Fund to be used for an annual award in his name. The Alvin G. Anderson Award was thus established, to be given annually to a graduate student or students pursuing graduate study at the University of Minnesota in the area of Hydraulic Engineering and/or Water Resources.

The Anderson award provides a $1,500 stipend to the student, as well as $500 for the purchase of books related to the recipient's study interests.

This award is given to a University of Minnesota student pursuing graduate studies in water resources. Special consideration is given to students involved in the sediment transportation field.

The Anderson award provides a $1,500 stipend to the student, as well as $500 for the purchase of books related to the recipient's study interests.

Nominations should include student CV and transcript.  Please send nominations to SAFaward@umn.edu 

Past Recipients: