CCEE Hall of Fame Inducts Six Esteemed Alumni

The Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering inducted six alumni to its Hall of Fame, an honor awarded to alumni who have made significant contributions to the profession. 

The Hall of Fame was created to honor the remarkable achievements of graduates who have leveraged their education to excel in their careers and service. Top membership also serves as an inspirational pathway for current students and recent graduates to continue their commitment as they progress in their careers.

“Today, we honor six extraordinary alumni whose exceptional contributions to civil, construction, and environmental engineering reflect the very best of our department,” said Department Head Jaqueline MacDonald Gibson, who opened the ceremony. “Each inductee has not only achieved personal excellence but has also uplifted their communities and advanced our profession. Their stories of innovation, leadership, and service serve as a powerful reminder to our current students of what is possible. We celebrate their legacies and the inspiration they provide for the next generation of engineers.”

The six inductees in the 2024 class for the CCEE Hall of Fame will join 51 members. The group exemplifies alumni whose specialties and expertise extends beyond civil, construction, and environmental engineering. Inductees are selected by members of the CCEE Industry Advisory Board.

“As a testament to the Hall of Fame’s mission to inspire our current students and alumni, just go to the Hall of Fame website and spend some time reading about the members,” said Will Letchworth, chair of the CCEE Industry Advisory Board. “You will find dedicated public servants, members of our nation’s military, founders of companies, inventors, innovators, professors, researchers, and many award winners. […] The members of the Hall of Fame absolutely represent the best of us.”

The Dean of the College of Engineering Jim Pfaendtner also spoke at the event. “On special days like today, we are so excited for the opportunity to take a pause out of our busy work, welcome back some of our most storied and talented alumni, recognize your incredible achievements and celebrate with you,” Pfaendtner said. “Because it is the alumni of our college, the Thinkers and Doers out in the world, who make us most proud of our labors back here on campus.”

The induction ceremony took place on November 1, 2024 in the Duke Energy Hall of James B. Hunt Library on NC State’s Centennial campus.

Learn more about the 2024 inductees:

Chuck Cardwell

Cardwell’s career in structural engineering spans more than 40 years, marked by leadership and dedication. As managing director at Walter P. Moore’s Charlotte office, he has driven growth since 2019, helping to establish the office and making a significant industry impact.

His journey began with a solid education in civil engineering from NC State University, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Cardwell started his career at Newport News Shipbuilding before dedicating over 30 years to SKA Consulting Engineers, rising to Vice President. His leadership shaped significant projects like the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist EAST Care Tower and UNC Charlotte’s football stadium expansion.

Cardwell’s contributions extend beyond his technical achievements. He served as President-Elect of the Association of Medical Facility Professionals and received honors such as the Kurt Ryback Memorial Service Award. His dedication also shined through his involvement with the Construction Professional Network of North Carolina.

Committed to community service, Cardwell led workshops across North Carolina, served on Weddington Methodist Church’s Board of Trustees, and coached youth sports. His life blends professional excellence and heartfelt service, inspiring future generations through his enduring legacy.

Pete Diggs

Diggs grew up in Anson County, NC, and he was the first in his family to attend a four-year university. Determined to succeed, he graduated cum laude in civil engineering in 1985. During college, he earned the Paul N. Howard scholarship, joined honor societies and met his future wife, Polly.

Diggs’ career began with Metric Constructors in Charlotte, where he thrived as a project engineer. Seeking growth, he joined Florida Steel Corporation, launching a 31-year journey in the steel industry. By the time he retired in 2018 as Vice President of Gerdau’s Reinforcing Steel Group, he had shaped a business with 50 locations, 2,400 employees, and $1.2 billion in revenue. He led iconic projects, from stadiums to energy plants.

Throughout his career, Diggs drove growth, leading seven acquisitions and opening five fabrication facilities. His safety initiatives set records, beating industry standards by 50%. He pioneered innovations like “Quick Fab” and built international partnerships. Selected for Insead Business School in France, he strengthened Gerdau’s global leadership.

Diggs also served as Chairman of the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, funding research and scholarships. In 2024, he will be inducted into the CRSI Foundation Hall of Fame. Diggs continues to inspire as a mentor and consultant.

Barry W. Gardner

Gardner started his impactful career at Shelco, LLC, in 1984 as a Project Manager. He managed over 25 million square feet of projects, including labs, offices, healthcare facilities, schools, and LEED-certified buildings.

His dedication led to a promotion to Executive Vice President in 1992, overseeing the Winston-Salem office, and by 1998, he expanded his leadership to Raleigh. In 2021, he rose to Chief Operating Officer, supervising both the Raleigh and Triad offices.

Gardner’s commitment to AGC earned him a lifetime membership on AGC of America’s Board of Governors in 2019. He also chaired the Carolinas Board of Directors in 2007, joined key committees, and entered the Carolina AGC Hall of Fame in 2020.

His influence extends to public service, where he led the NC Building Code Council and supports the Frankie Lemmon School as a past chair. Gardner, an NC State Civil Engineering graduate, also gave back to his alma mater by funding scholarships and advising the College of Engineering.

Gardner’s journey exemplifies how dedication, leadership, and community service can drive lasting impact.

Larry Goode

Goode’s journey in civil engineering highlights his dedication and impact. He earned his B.S. from Virginia Tech in 1972, followed by his master’s and Ph.D. from NC State by 1980. 

During his 30-year career with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, he advanced from transportation planning engineer to State Highway Administrator. In this key role, he oversaw the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of North Carolina’s impressive 78,000-mile highway network, the second-largest state-maintained system in the country.

After retirement, Goode continued to influence the industry. He became Vice President of an international consulting firm and later advised the North Carolina General Assembly as an independent transportation consultant. He also conducted research with ITRE and NC State’s Civil Engineering Department, sharing his expertise through publications and workshops for organizations like AGC and ARTBA.

Goode inspired future engineers as an adjunct associate professor and through his service on the Engineering Foundation Board. His leadership in organizations such as ITE and PENC further demonstrates his commitment to the profession. His many awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from NC ITE, recognize his exceptional contributions and dedication to engineering excellence.

Don Kline

Kline graduated from NC State College in 1953. After earning an MSCE degree from the University of Illinois, he spent 15 years with a small structural engineering firm; some projects were innovative, although modest in size. He married Lou Ellen Gardner, who helped him transform from being extraordinarily shy into a confident leader during their 66-year marriage.

At Kimley-Horn and Associates, Kline led designs, not just being a team member. Firmwide, his focus broadened: learning about and teaching contracts, starting a quality improvement program, and becoming the firm’s risk manager. His prominent role in shaping two engineering laws that improved designer selection processes and protected emergency inspectors earned him the 1984 NC Engineer of the Year recognition.

Meanwhile, Kline significantly contributed nationally to the consulting engineers’ organization ACEC, leading its Organizational Peer Review program’s formation, participating on a national committee writing model contracts, chairing committees, and serving as Vice President.  His zeal over 10 years resulted in the Past Presidents Award as the member best serving ACEC.

Kline’s achievements show how seizing opportunities and embracing growth led to an impactful career. His journey highlights the power of continuous improvement through the pursuit of excellence, personally and organizationally.

H.E. “Tony” Withers III

Withers always envisioned his journey at NC State. Inspired by his uncle and mentor, Mark Crotts, BSE 1956, he aspired to be an engineer. With an entrepreneurial spirit since childhood, he took his first job as a paperboy in Salisbury, NC. In 1982, he left L E Wooten and Co. to start H. E. Withers and Associates.

With no clients, he rented a small office in Raleigh, bought a typewriter, and began knocking on doors. After a year, he needed help. His first call went to Sam Ravenel, a former co-worker. Together, they founded Withers & Ravenel in 1983. For 31 years, they built a culture based on hard work and client success.

They moved their office to Cary in 1984 and expanded services to include surveying, environmental, and landscape architecture. Despite hard times in 2008, they faced challenges head-on. They laid off 140 employees but rebuilt and emerged stronger, selling the business to the employees in 2014.

Withers & Ravenel achieved many accolades, including Engineering Fast 50 Awards and Cary Business of the Year. While Ravenel handled operations, Withers alongside his career dedicated himself to community service, co-founding the Miracle League of the Triangle and serving on various boards.