In Memoriam: Wadi Rumman (1926 – 2021)

Civil & Environmental Engineering emeritus faculty member and alumnus Wadi Rumman passed away on November 25th, 2021.

Wadi S. Rumman was a faculty member in civil engineering at the University of Michigan from 1952 until his retirement in 1988. Before becoming a professor he received his BS, MS, and PhD degrees in civil engineering from the University of Michigan in 1949, 1953 and 1959. 

During his career, he was appointed instructor in civil engineering in 1952, was promoted to assistant professor in 1959, became an associate professor in 1964 and became a full professor in 1975. Professor Rumman also served as the principal graduate advisor in structural engineering.

Rumman’s teaching and research focused on structural analysis techniques and the design of reinforced concrete chimneys. He was instrumental in updating and refreshing the industry standard for analysis and design of circular concrete chimneys and served as the Chair of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Committee 307 for Concrete Chimneys. His authority in chimney design is well known and widely recognized due to his consultation on a multitude of chimney projects throughout the midwest. 

Emeritus Professor Jim Wight worked with Rumman and was also the Chair of the ACI Committee 352.

“Wadi was a great teacher and a friendly colleague with a good sense of humor. We traveled to many ACI meetings together and I enjoyed spending time with him,” said Wight. 

Professor Rumman contributed a large amount of his time to teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate levels; his dedication to teaching was sincerely admired by his students. The CEE Department and U-M community are greatly saddened by his loss.

Wadi Rumman is survived by his loving daughters Mary Rumman and Linda Watkins. There will be a Celebration of Life for Professor Rumman in May of 2022, at a date to be determined.