Douglas W. Barr

Institute of Technology, May 7, 2010

Douglas W. Barr received a bachelor of science (1948) and a master of science (1949) in civil engineering from the University of Minnesota. He founded Barr Engineering Company in 1954 and served as president until 1985. In retirement, he continues to be active in the company, serving as a senior advisor and consultant. The company has several hundred employees with offices in five cities in Minnesota. Many of those employees are graduates of the University of Minnesota, especially from the Department of Civil Engineering. Not only is his company recognized for its technical expertise in civil engineering projects but also for its forward-looking views in human resource management. Barr Engineering has been listed as one of the top ten places to work in the Twin Cities. He has been a leader in the civil engineering profession in Minnesota and is credited with completing several water resource projects that have protected the state's aquatic resources and improved the quality of life for Minnesotans. A number of his projects have received national awards including, a dam designed and constructed in one week in response to an emergency on the Mississippi River at St. Anthony Falls; another one constructed in the Boundary Waters Wilderness Area, which reflects surrounding nature; and an earthen dam that covers more than a half-mile and is 150 feet high that had to be constructed on peat substrate. He is the recipient of several prestigious awards and honors including, Engineer of the Year Award from the Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers, and the Outstanding Achievement in Water Resources Award y the American Society of Civil Engineers, Minnesota Section. He is dedicated alum who has served on the External Advisory Board of the Department of Civil Engineering for many years and also as a guest lecturer.