Karl M. Romstad Endowed Chair in Civil and Environmental Engineering

Dr. Karl M. Romstad (1940-2024), a beloved professor, mentor, colleague, friend, husband, and father was a living legend among graduates of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE). A triple degree-holder from the University of Wisconsin, at Madison, Karl joined the Civil Engineering faculty at UC Davis in 1967. Seismic structural design was his research focus though teaching was Karl’s passion. He was an unusually effective professor that allowed students to thrive. These skills, and students, ultimately led to Karl receiving the UC Davis Distinguished Teaching Award, as voted by alumni in 1990. Karl retired from UC Davis in 2000.

A group of alumni have initiated a fundraising campaign to raise $2M to establish an endowed chair in the Department and Civil and Engineering. The Chair position will be established as an administrative chair to be held by the individual appointed to serve as the Department Chair of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department. Chair funding will be put toward strategic initiatives in CEE, such as, seizing emerging opportunities, developing innovative programs and launching initiatives that benefit faculty, students, and staff.

If the fund doesn’t reach the $2M minimum to endow a chair, the Fund will provide support for the Karl M. Romstad Endowed Professorship in CEE, Faculty Fellowship in CEE or a Teaching Award in CEE.