The Washington Award

About the Award

The Washington Award was established in 1916 by the Western Society of Engineers for "accomplishments which promote the happiness, comfort, and well-being of humanity". It is awarded jointly by the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers, American Nuclear Society, American Society of Civil Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, National Society of Professional Engineers, and Western Society of Engineers.

Award recipients

1919 – Herbert C. Hoover for his achievements as chairman, commission for relief of Belgium 1914-17 and food administrator of the United States 1917-18.
1922 – Robert W. Hunt for his pioneer work in the development of the steel industry in the United States and for a life devoted to the advancement of the engineering profession.
1924 – Arthur N. Talbot for his life work as student and teacher, investigator and writer and for his enduring contribution to the science of engineering.
1925 – Jonas Waldo Smith for the rare combination of vision, technical skill, administrative ability and courageous leadership in engineering.
1926 – John Watson Alvord for his pioneer work in developing the fundamental principles of public utility valuation and his marked contributions to sanitary science.
1927 – Orville Wright for fundamental scientific research and resultant successful airplane flight.
1928 – Michael Idvorsky Pupin for devotion to scientific research leading to his inventions which have materially aided the development of long distance telephone and radio broadcasting.
1929 – Bion Joseph Arnold for pioneering work in the engineering and economics of electrical transportation.
1930 – Mortimer Elwyn Cooley for vision and constructive leadership in the education of the engineer.
1931 – Ralph Modjeski for his contribution to transportation through superior skill and courage in bridge design and construction.
1932 – William David Coolidge for his scientific spirit and achievement in developing ductile tungsten and the modern x-ray tube.
1935 – Ambrose Swasey for his distinguished contribution as a builder of instruments, institutions and men.
1936 – Charles Franklin Kettering for his high achievements in guiding industrial research toward the greater comfort, happiness and safety in the home and on the highway.
1937 – Frederick Gardner Cottrell for his social vision in dedicating, to the perpetuation of research, the rewards of his achievements in science and engineering.
1938 – Frank Baldwin Jewett for inspiring and directing scientific research leading to improvements in the art of communications.
1939 – Daniel Webster Mead for his superior contributions to sound theory, good practice and high ethical standards in the creation of engineering works, as an engineer and as a teacher.
1940 – Daniel Cowan Jackling for pioneering in a large-scale mining and treatment of low-grade copper ores, releasing vast resources from formerly worthless deposits.
1941 – Ralph Budd for vision and courageous leadership in advancing the technological fronties of high speed railroad transportation.
1942 – William Lamont Abbott for advancing the standards of the engineering profession and aiding combustion research.
1943 – Andrey Abraham Potter for distinguished leadership in engineering education and research and patriotic service in mobilizing technical knowledge for victory in war and peace.
1944 – Henry Ford for pioneer development of mass production of low cost automotive transportation which revolutionized the way of life.
1945 – Arthur Holly Compton for his research and teaching in the physical sciences, increasing knowledge of the action of x-rays and cosmic rays.
1946 – Vannevar Bush for outstanding leadership in organizing and directing scientific resources of the nation toward victory in World War II.
1947 – Karl Taylor Compton for progressive administration of engineering education, for leadership in research, and for advancement of American industry in technology.
1948 – Ralph Edward Flanders for highly technical skill in perfecting the tools of the industry and distinguished service in the field of human relationships.
1949 – John Lucian Savage for unselfish public service devoted to the creation of monumental hydraulic structures utilizing natural resources.
1950 – Wilfred Sykes for invention of electrical machines and steel processes for advances in industrial administration and cooperation for counsel to state and college.
1951 – Edwin Howard Armstrong for outstanding inventions basic to radio transmission and reception, and notable service to his country.
1952 – Henry Townley Heald for distinguished leadership in engineering education in industrial technology in scientific research and in civic affairs.
1953 – Gustav Egloff for distinguished leadership in petroleum research and development in professional activities and in community service.
1954 – Lillian Moller Gilbreth for her outstanding contributions to engineering and scientific management, for her unselfish devotion to the problems of the disabled.
1955 – Charles Erwin Wilson for significant leadership in engineering and management and for altruistic devotion to national defense.
1956 - Robert E. Wilson for unusual dedication of leadership through science and engineering to the advancement of research, industry, education and public affairs.
1957 – Walker Lee Cisler for outstanding and untiring service to his country by making the world a better place to live through electric power.
1958 – Ben Moreell for distinguished service as a skilled engineer, outstanding naval officer, industrialist, Christian layman and Hoover Commission associate.
1959 – James R. Killian, Jr. for exceptional leadership and achievement in scientific and technological education and distinguished service to his country.
1960 – Herbert Payne Sedwick for leadership and achievement in electric and gas utilities, for true service in educational and humanitarian fields, and for developing young engineers.
1961 – William V. Kahler for exceptional leadership in advancement of communications, for distinguished service in civic affairs and for aid to education and humanity.
1962 – Alexander C. Monteith for outstanding contributions in power generation and utilization and distinguished service to education and development.
1963 – Philip Sporn for pioneering leadership in the technology of power generation and distribution and for distinguished service to education and to his government.
1964 – John Slezak for inspiring leadership in the field of engineering management, for distinguished and dedicated service to education to the American way of life and his country.
1965 – Glenn Theodore Seaborg for leadership in scientific education and for inspiring and directing major developments in nuclear power for peaceful uses of the atom.
1966 – Augustus Braun Kinzel for advancing the role of the engineer in industry and education and developing the National Academy of Engineering.
1967 - Frederick Lawson Hovde for his vision and leadership in coordinating the engineering and scientific resources of the nation with the national defense and for continuing contributions to engineering education.
1968 – James B. Fisk for distinguished leadership in the field of aerospace communications and for notable service to his country.
1969 – Nathan M. Newmark for specific contribution to the advancement of engineering knowledge of structures subjected to earthquake or blast and for inspiration to others in improving the environment.
1970 – H.G. Rickover for unique and determined leadership in the development and application of nuclear energy to ship propulsion and the generation of electricity; and for his zeal for excellence in higher education.
1971 – William L. Everitt for his exceptional leadership and innovation in engineering education, for distinguished contributions to science and the advancement of the engineering profession and meritorious service to society.
1972 – Thomas Otten Paine for his contribution to the advancement of human progress through the application of engineering, science and economics and his leadership of the Apollo program, and one of history’s greatest scientific engineering and exploration achievements.
1973 – John A. Volpe for outstanding service to his country as Governor and United States Cabinet Secretary and for his dedication, leadership and achievements in transportation.
1974 – John D. deButts for distinguished leadership in the advancement of American communications, a vital national resource.
1975 – David Packard for pioneering contributions to the electronics industry, dedicated service to our country, his community and higher education.
1976 – Ralph B. Peck for eminent international leadership in, and pioneering contributions to, soil mechanics and foundation engineering practice, education and research, and distinguished service to all people.
1977 – Michael Tenenbaum for distinguished achievements in the steel industry and dedicated service in the interests of the welfare of all.
1978 – Dixy Lee Ray in recognition of significant scientific accomplishments and dedicated service through education and government.
1979 – Marvin Camras, in recognition of significant engineering research and inventions in the field of electronic communications, which have added to human welfare and happiness.
1980 – Neil A. Armstrong for dedicated application of engineering principles to the expansion of man’s knowledge and horizons.
1981 – John E. Swearingen for farsighted petroleum industry leadership emphasizing domestic energy resource development and fostering opportunities for minority individuals and enterprises.
1982 – Manson Benedict for his key role in the development of technologies and educational programs for the safe and economic generation of electricity from nuclear fission.
1983 – John Bardeen for his outstanding engineering leadership in research and development in solid state and low temperature physics and for service to higher education and to our country.
1984 - Robert W. Galvin for his commitment to excellence, vision, and leadership in the electronics industry, in the education of youth, and in the understanding private enterprise system.
1985 – Stephen D. Bechtel, Jr. for his skillful, foresighted and efficient leadership in construction and engineering worldwide and dedication to the engineering profession and education.
1986 – Mark Shepherd, Jr. for leading the development and mass production of transistors and integrated circuits and bringing to mankind the benefits to their many applications.
1987 – Grace Murray Hopper for her pioneering work in developing the first computer language, the first compiler, and the first language compiler, extending the benefits of the computer revolution to experts and lay persons alike.
1988 – James McDonald for his role in improving the quality of American products through advanced engineering technology.
1989 – Sherwood L. Fawcett for his outstanding work in applying science in the service of mankind and his many years of innovative contributions to industry, business, government and education.
1990 - John H. Sununu for his contributions as an engineer, inventor, and educator as well as governor of New Hampshire and White House chief of staff.
1991 – Frank Borman for his lifelong commitment to aviation and space as commander of the Apollo mission that circled the moon and for his achievements as chairman of Eastern Airlines.
1992 – Leon M. Lederman for his contributions to the study of high energy physics.
1993 – William States Lee for his contributions to safe operations of nuclear power plants.
1994 – Kenneth H. Olson for his development of Digital Equipment Corporation into the world’s leading manufacturer of network computer systems and equipment.
1995 – George W. Housner for his leadership in promoting protection of life and property through rigorous seismology research and design applications of predicted structural response.
1996 – Wilson Greatbatch for his invention of the implantable cardiac pacemaker , which has conferred widespread benefit on humanity.
1997 – Frank Kreith for his inventions, research and applications of science to technology that serves humanity.
1998 – John R. Conrad for distinguished leadership in the electrical power industry and exceptional commitment to urban development.
1999 – Jack S. Kilby for his distinguished electronics career, including the invention of the monolithic integrated circuit which was the foundation for modern electrics.
2000 – Donna Shirley For her lifelong commitment to aerospace engineering and for her leadership as Manager of the Mars Exploration Program that resulted in successful missions to Mars with the landing of the Pathfinder and Sojourner Rover on the planet and the insertion into orbit of the Mars Global Surveyor.
2001 – Bob Frankston For his invention with Dan Bricklin of the first computer spreadsheet program, which led to the proliferation of the computer industry, which in turn led to the economic expansion of the late 20th century.
2001 – Dan Bricklin For his invention with Bob Frankston of the first computer spreadsheet program, which led to the proliferation of the computer industry, which in turn led to the economic expansion of the late 20th Century.
2002 – Richard J. Robbins For his innovation as the developer of the modern tunnel boring machine which has become the world-wide standard method of long rock tunnel excavation. The decrease in costs and danger of rock tunneling with this machine have led directly to a major increase in tunneling for the public good in transportation, sanitation, power and water supply throughout the world.
2003 – Eugene A. Cernan For demonstrating human’s capacity for space flight and performance on the moon, as well as contributing to mankind’s knowledge of the moon through invaluable research while on the lunar surface.
2004 – Nick Holonyak For his pioneering contributions to the development of power silicon electronics and invention of the first semi-conducting light-emitting diodes in a visible part of the spectrum.
2005 – Robert S. Langer For his extraordinary contributions to biomedical engineering and biomaterial design, including his pioneering work in the field of controlled drug release delivery systems, specifically for the treatment of cancer.
2006 – Henry Petroski For his accomplishments in writing which have made the practice of engineering understandable to the general public.
2007 – Michael J. Birck For his achievements and leadership in revolutionizing the telecommunications industry around the world. In addition, he is being recognized for contributions to engineering research, education and outreach through his involvement with universities, high schools, and museums.
2008 – Dean Kamen For his numerous contributions and innovations to society and for expanding the frontiers of healthcare worldwide. He is an inventor, entrepreneur, and a tireless advocate for science and technology.
2009 – Clyde N. Baker For his international reputation in the design and construction of deep foundations.
2010 – Alvy Ray For recognition of his seminal contributions to computer color systems, the advancement of computer graphics, and fundamental changes in the motion picture and visual arts, and for use of engineering to enhance the enjoyment of life.
2011 – Martin C. Jischke For his dedication and leadership at Purdue University and other academic institutions in promoting engineering research, institutional development and the pursuit of excellence in education.
2012 – Martin Cooper For contributions to the technology of personal wireless communications.
2013 – Kristina Johnson For her contributions in optics, engineering education, service as an Under Secretary in the Department of Energy, and her innovative leadership in energy.
2014 – William Nye For fostering a scientifically literate society, to help people everywhere understand and appreciate the science that makes our world work.
2015 – Bernard Amadei For engineering a better world, one well, one bridge, one community at a time.
2016 - Dr. Aprille Joy Ericsson for creating Space orbiting systems to enhance Science knowledge for the betterment of mankind and for human exploration.
2017 - Mr. Charles W. Hull for his invention of stereolithography and its endless applications toward the betterment of society.
2018 – Dr. Ivan Sutherland – For his Pioneering efforts in the computer graphics revolution that led the way to today’s “Virtual Reality” world.
2019 - Margaret Hamilton - "She in fact is the person who came up with the idea of naming the discipline, software engineering, as a way of giving it legitimacy" - Nenad Medvidovic
2020 - Dr. Richard Berger - For merging his medical and mechanical engineering talents together he pioneered new “minimal invasive” surgery procedures
2021 - Dr. John Goodenough - His discoveries in the world of materials has catapulted batteries to be everywhere in every part of one's life
2022 - Dr. John Rogers - For his technology achievements through principles that unscramble humanity's medical challenges.