As we celebrate 25 years of recognizing the outstanding achievements of our alumni, the Charles E. Via, Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is honored to announce the 2025 Alumni Awards recipients. This annual tradition showcases the profound impact our graduates have on the engineering profession and their communities. On March 20, 2025, faculty, alumni, and friends gathered to honor this year's class of alumni award recipients. 

Since its inception in 1998, the Academy of Distinguished Alumni has inducted 169 accomplished professionals, and this year, we continue this legacy by welcoming five new members. Additionally, four young professionals will be recognized as Outstanding Young Alumni for their early career achievements and commitment to excellence.

Each of this year’s honorees exemplifies dedication to their alma mater and the profession, making significant contributions in their respective fields. Their careers span various disciplines, yet all share a common passion for innovation, leadership, and service.

Outstanding Young Alumni

Cardman

Michael Cardman

B.S. Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2011
Hailing from Charlottesville, Virginia, Michael Cardman is a Principal at Bowman Consulting, Inc. His expertise spans engineering and finance, and he has made notable contributions in land development, education, and professional licensure. His dual passion for precision in engineering and financial strategy has led to a career where he drives both technical advancement and economic sustainability.

Marcus Freeman

Marcus Freeman

B.S. Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2013
M.S. Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2015
Seattle native Marcus Freeman is a Project Manager at KPFF and a dedicated leader in structural engineering. His commitment to infrastructure development and its societal impact fuels his work, ensuring resilient and sustainable designs that stand the test of time. As a leader in national engineering organizations, he continues to shape the future of the industry.

Sheldon Masters

Sheldon Masters

M.S. Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2011
Ph.D. Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2015
An assistant professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, Sheldon Masters is a leading researcher in water quality and public health. His work has helped drinking water utilities tackle complex challenges, ensuring safer water for communities. His career is a testament to the power of engineering in protecting public well-being.

Heather Todak

Heather Todak

B.S. Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2014
A Senior Associate at Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc., Heather Todak has built her career in structural assessment and nondestructive evaluation. Her passion for maintaining and restoring infrastructure stems from her time at Virginia Tech, where she developed a strong foundation in hands-on engineering solutions.

Academy of Distinguished Alumni 

Hedges

Jamie Bain Hedges

B.S. Civil and Environmental Engineering, 1989
As the General Manager and CEO of Fairfax Water, Jamie Bain Hedges has dedicated her career to public service, ensuring clean and reliable drinking water for millions. Her leadership and vision have made a lasting impact on the industry and community.

LIghthiser

Jeffrey N. Lighthiser

B.S. Civil and Environmental Engineering, 1977
A retired CEO of Draper Aden Associates, Jeffrey Lighthiser has had a distinguished career in land development and infrastructure planning. His contributions to engineering education and professional mentorship have left a lasting imprint on the field.

Skip Notte

Robert (Skip) Notte

B.S. Civil and Environmental Engineering, 1997
Currently a Vice President at Dewberry Engineers, Inc., Skip Notte has combined technical excellence with community engagement. A former soccer player at Virginia Tech, he remains deeply connected to the university through mentoring and professional service.

John Piggott

John H. Piggott

M.S. Civil and Environmental Engineering, 1988
A USAID Foreign Service Engineering Officer and U.S. Navy veteran, John Piggott has used his engineering expertise to improve infrastructure in developing nations. His work in disaster response and humanitarian projects has changed lives across the globe.

W. Scott Wainwright

W. Scott Wainwright

B.S. Civil and Environmental Engineering, 1969
A renowned traffic engineer, Scott Wainwright played a pivotal role in the national adoption of the flashing yellow arrow traffic signal, improving road safety across the country. His career embodies the intersection of engineering innovation and public service.