The North Dakota Transportation Hall of Honor was created to recognize those who have had a major role and made a lasting impact on the development of the transportation system at the state, county, or local level. It also honors those who participate in highway safety programs or help promote the vital function roadways provide to the citizens of North Dakota.
Jump to prior year honorees: 2020-2030 |2010-2020 | 2000-2009 | 1990-1999 | 1980-1989 | 1970-1979
2020-2030 Honorees
Grant Levi, Retired NDDOT Director, 2024
Grant Levi, retired NDDOT Director, is a dedicated professional who invested more than 37 years improving the state highway system at the NDDOT. Levi served as director from 2013 to 2017. As director, he guided the state's transportation agency through historic infrastructure investments to help support the energy and agriculture industries. During his career, he oversaw operations, project development, planning, pre-construction, construction, and maintenance activities. He played a key role in keeping the transportation infrastructure safe and available for the traveling public during the 1997 Fargo flood. He inspired the creation of the NDSU DOT Student Design Center to introduce engineering students to real world roadway design projects. His efforts led to transportation improvements which increased traffic safety and enhanced the quality of life for North Dakota residents. Levi also made a national impact by serving on several transportation committees, including six years as chair of the AASHTO Materials Committee and 10 years on the Standing Committee on Highways.
Anna Keedy, Educator, 2024
Anna Keedy was a trailblazer in safety education. She began teaching high school for the Minot Public School system in 1919 and then in 1922 transferred to the junior high school to teach 8th grade. There she developed a unique curriculum to promote and educate students on highway safety. Her 1926 project titled “Teaching Street and Highway Safety” was designed to teach accident prevention, promote safe habits, and encourage students to help others. This project was selected over 80,000 other entries for a national award by the Highway Education Board. Outstanding efforts from Keedy were the start of an emphasis on transportation safety education in North Dakota and the concepts she taught not only improved highway safety in North Dakota, but also across the United States.
Paul Diederich, President, Industrial Builders, Inc., 2024
Paul Diederich, President of Industrial Builders, Inc., began working in the contracting industry in 1972. Throughout his career he has been an advocate of public policy to advance transportation and infrastructure. Diederich was elected president of Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America in 2013 and is the only North Dakota member to hold this position. In this role, he testified in Congress several times in support of the transportation bill enacted in 2015, resulting in long-term funding for transportation in the United States. He has been instrumental in the development of several key transportation projects in North Dakota, including the construction of new highways and bridges, and the expansion of existing transportation infrastructure. He is a strong supporter of education for young professionals in the construction industry. He has served as the AGC of North Dakota Education Committee chair for almost 30 years and serves on the AGC of America Education Foundation.
2010-2020 Honorees
Clifford Johnson, NDDOT Bridge Engineer, 2018
Clifford Johnson came to be known as "the first of the big bridge builders" in North Dakota. Clifford served as bridge engineer for the NDDOT from 1924 to 1945. He resigned in 1945 to become chief design engineer with Crocker and Ran Consulting Engineers in Denver, Colorado, and in 1950, went on to start his own engineering consulting firm, Johnson and Associates, in Denver. His engineering consulting firm designed the Grant Marsh Bridge located on the Missouri River in Bismarck and was credited with connecting North Dakota by designing bridges spanning the Missouri River. Johnson was also recognized for bridge designs that span the Red River. Some of his unique design concepts are still incorporated in modern-day bridges throughout North Dakota.
John Paul Windish, Barnes County Roads Superintendent, 2018
John first began working in the highway field in 1948, only 30 years from the official beginning of the NDDOT, and six years to the completion of the interstate system. Windish's career at Barnes County Highway Department encompassed an era of tremendous growth in the highway system for both Barnes County and the State of North Dakota. Through his tenure, he held many positions, including laborer, equipment operator, mechanic and snowplow operator, to list a few. There wasn't a task, job or assignment that needed to be done that John could not or would not complete. John was instrumental in the construction of roadways that would eventually become the paved farm-to-market roads throughout Barnes County. In 1970, John was appointed Barnes County Read Superintendent, a position he held until his retirement in 1998.
Melvin J. "Mel" Bullinger, Bismarck City Engineer, 2016
Melvin J. "Mel" Bullinger has played a major role in the transportation system in Bismarck since May 1993. As the city engineer, he held leadership roles in many of the city's major transportation projects, including Bismarck Expressway, Liberty Memorial Bridge replacement, Century Avenue, State Street, Main Avenue renovation, and the reconstruction of North Washington Street. Bullinger was also involved with the Central Dacotah Section of the American Society of Highway Engineers, American Water Works Association, and North Dakota Society of Professional Engineers, and is an active alumni representative for North Dakota State University.
David K. O. Leer, NDDOT Engineer, 2016
David Leer has been known around the NDDOT as a forward thinker in the transportation industry. He was always willing to try new methods or products in an attempt to learn as much about new and innovative techniques in transportation. Some of his work involved a land reclamation project near Underwood, eliminating no-mow along the state highway system, and serving as a mentor to his peers. One of his biggest accomplishments was his role in promoting transportation by serving as the coordinator of the statewide Transportation and Civil Engineering (TRAC) Program which brings transportation professionals into the classroom to inspire young students across the state to consider careers in transportation and civil engineering.
David Sprynczynatyk, NDDOT Director, 2016
David Sprynczynatyk has been a superior leader in the state of North Dakota since the 1980s. He has held top leadership and director roles for the State Water Commission, North Dakota Department of Transportation, North Dakota National Guard, and North Dakota Department of Emergency Services. In his tenure as the Director for NDDOT, Sprynczynatyk oversaw several major projects including the replacement of the Four Bears Bridge, four-laning of US Highway 2 from Minot to Williston, was involved in the design of the Liberty Memorial Bridge, and was instrumental in the relocation project of US Highway 281 in the Devils Lake Basin.
Mark Bittner, Fargo City Engineer, 2014
Mark Bitter was an outstanding leader of the Engineering Department for the City of Fargo. His dedication has enhanced the viability of the region's transportation system for over 35 years. Mark managed much of the growth the City of Fargo enjoys today. He was instrumental in developing a flood response strategy, a Capital Improvement Program, a Pavement Management System, provided direction of the departments implementation of water distribution networks, sewage collection systems, and countless other improvements that benefit the City of Fargo.
Francis G. Ziegler, NDDOT Director, 2014
Francis was a true leader in the transportation industry and was director while the department delivered some of its largest construction programs. He also worked hard to ensure the state's highway infrastructure was able to handle the increasing demands from the agricultural and energy industries in North Dakota. Quality work and safety were at the top of his list when engineering and designing roads and bridges throughout North Dakota.
James Igoe, Igoe Construction Company, 2010
James Igoe established Igoe Construction Company in 1945. He specialized in driveways, gutter, curbing, and sidewalk work. Over the years, James J. Igoe and Sons Construction, Inc., grew and moved into highway construction and built interstate bridges and underpasses on both Interstate 29 and Interstate 94. His company also had a hand in numerous bridge, underpass, and cofferdam projects across the state. James was heavily involved in church and community projects, the Chamber of Commerce, and numerous philanthropies.
Eugene C. Jackson; Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson; 2010
Gene Jackson, of Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson, dedicated his life to the North Dakota highway system by offering his expertise to cities and counties throughout the state. Throughout his career, he has maintained a genuine concern for the transportation system on every level. He has always understood the value of developing good working relationships. Gene is concerned with the big picture for local governments and assisting with short and long-range planning.
Walter Swingen, Swingen Construction Company, 2010
Walt Swingen of Swingen Construction Company, has been a leader in the construction industry for over 50 years. Under his leadership, Swingen Construction Company has built numerous state and local bridges that are an essential part of the highway infrastructure throughout North Dakota. Swingen is a successful businessman who is universally respected. He is community- oriented and active in a number of civic areas. Walt is one of the founding members of the Associated General Contractors of North Dakota Scholarship Fund and has worked tirelessly to fund scholarships for students.
2000-2009 Honorees
Jon Mill, Burleigh County Engineer, 2008
Since 1981, Jon has served this county, state, and region in a most exceptional manner. His conservative fiscal spending, budgeting, and project cost containment has allowed Burleigh County to keep pace with the rapid economic development and transportation needs. Jon is considered one of the region's top transportation leaders and has been active in virtually every committee that involves transportation planning or related issues in our community. Jon has also served as the President of the North Dakota Association of County Engineers and received the County Engineer of the Year award in 1989.
Roger Lee; Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson; 2006
From 1969, until his retirement from Kadrmas, Lee and Jackson, Inc., in 1994, Lee offered his expertise to numerous counties in North Dakota. He was committed to designing and constructing a transportation system that would benefit the entire state of North Dakota. As an individual who lived each business day making the ethics of his profession paramount, his advice was sought by both clients and non-clients. He believed in building good relationships with local officials, state and federal officials, and contractors. Lee was president of the North Dakota Association of County Engineers in 1976 and recipient of that group's “County Engineer of the Year" award in 1987.
Curt Peterson, Association of General Contractors Executive Vice President, 2006
As executive vice president of the Association of General Contractors of North Dakota, Curt represented the contracting industry's legislative and regulatory interests until his retirement in 2005. He was active in association management groups and was a long-time member of the American Society of Association Executives, the North Dakota Association of Executive Directors, and the Midwest Society of Association Executives. In 2001, Curt was chosen by his national peers as president of the AGC of America Executive Leadership Council Board of Directors.
Charles Gullicks, NDDOT Planning and Programming Engineer, 2004
NDDOT Planning and Programming Engineer Charles Gullicks, retired NDDOT Planning and Programming Engineer, was in charge of utilizing all of the federal aid and state funding available for North Dakota roadway and bridge projects. Gullicks led the department in meeting ne federal regulations concerning wetland mitigation, environmental impact statements, and cultural resources. Thanks to his efforts, the department continues to successfully meet these guidelines.
Ray Zink, NDDOT Chief Engineer, 2004
Ray Zink is best remembered for implementing three major reforms within the department: creating the "master equipment operator" position, consolidating maintenance sections without reducing services or employees, and developing the "ow-load" program. Ray worked effectively with three governors, four NDDOT directors, members of both political parties, and co-workers.
Albert Bauman, Mercer County Commissioner, 2002
Albert Bauman served on the Mercer County Commission for 30 years and was instrumental in obtaining federal highway grant money to improve roads along the Lake Sakakawea shoreline. Mr. Bauman worked tirelessly to secure the funding needed to create what is now part of the Lewis and Clark State Highway System. Many of Bauman's colleagues have said the stretch of ND 1806 that
extends from Pick City to Halliday would not have become a reality without his dedication and service.
1990-1999 Honorees
Joseph Kirby, NDDOT Bridge Engineer, 1999
Joseph Kirby started work at the State Highway Department in 1926 and served as Bridge Engineer from 1955 until his retirement in 1969. He helped to create and implement the first certification for professional engineers and served on the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers from 1955 through 1967. As a pioneer in bridge design, he brought the Bridge Division into the interstate era. He created the nation's first computerized box culvert design program, was an early user of precast, pre-stressed concrete beams, and was responsible for the design and construction of many notable and large North Dakota bridges.
Ralph Wood, North Dakota Highway Patrol Superintendent, 1999
Ralph Wood joined the North Dakota Highway Patrol in 1948 and served as superintendent from 1961 to his retirement in 1978. During his tenure, the Highway Patrol was considered one of the best-trained in the nation. Under his leadership, the Highway Patrol Academy evolved into the Law Enforcement Training Center and moved from Camp Grafton to the campus of Bismarck State College. In the 1970s, he worked with the state court system to develop the implied consent DUI law, and later helped secure its passage in the legislature.
Kaye Braaten, Encouraged Public-Private Relationships, 1998
Kaye Braaten has tirelessly encouraged public-private partnerships in dealing with North Dakota's economic realities. As a Richland County commissioner, president of the North Dakota County Commissioners, and president of the National Association of Counties, and on the board of numerous innovative companies, Kaye has championed partnering, good roads, and planning. Under her strong leadership, Richland County was the first in the state to create a transportation plan.
Lloyd Lammer, NDSHD Assistant Chief Engineer, 1998
For 40 years, Lloyd Lammer rose through the ranks of the NDDOT, retiring as assistant chief engineer in 1990. He brought his engineering expertise and dedication to many projects during and after the interstate construction era. Lloyd's most valuable skill was his ability to mediate. His belief in common sense and strong work relationships helped him lead many groups and individuals out of conflict and innovatively unify department maintenance and construction efforts.
Lloyd Thompson, Contractor and Engineering Advocate, 1993
Lloyd Thompson of Fargo, founder of Border States Paving, Inc., consistently provides the state and cities with the best of modern asphalt technology. He has served on and led a number of national and state organizations, including serving as chairman of the National Asphalt Paving Association and serving on the national board of the Associated General Contractors. Thompson was also instrumental in establishing a curriculum in construction management in the engineering department of North Dakota State University.
James Haines, Contractor and Promoter of Plains States Solidarity, 1990
Jim Haines, president and long-time employee of North Dakota Concrete Products Company, is a tireless campaigner and spokesperson for the importance of good roads. For over 20 years he has been instrumental in helping to forge the North Dakota Department of Transportation's working relationship with other rural states. This relationship was crucial as department officials worked to design legislation vital to the transportation needs of North Dakota.
1980-1989 Honorees
Robert E. King, NDSHD Right of Way Engineer, 1988
Robert E. King did more than anyone else to professionalize and modernize right of way acquisition practices in North Dakota. Under his guidance, the Right of Way Section became a large division in order to handle the many new acquisition problems caused by the building of I-94 and I-29. Because of his improvements of negotiation and relocation procedures, the ease and speed with which North Dakota's interstates were built are due in large part to Robert King.
Gerald W. "Cap" McCoy, AGC of ND Executive VP, 1988
Gerald W. "Cap'" McCoy, in his 20 years as executive vice president of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of North Dakota, was known for his efforts to foster a cooperative working relationship between the AGC and the Highway Department. That relationship remains to this day, to the benefit of the people of North Dakota. He was also a fierce lobbyist for good highway legislation, and a highly respected figure at the Capital whether the legislature was in session or not.
Warren Diederich, Contractor and Innovator, 1986
North Dakota has benefitted greatly from Warren Diederich's efforts to secure and preserve additional and special federal highway funds for the state. Through his individual efforts and participation in local and national organizations and committees, he has been instrumental in obtaining federal interstate and dedicated bridge funds for North Dakota. Diederich's contributions of time and effort have benefitted both the highway construction industry and the taxpayers of North Dakota.
George Seaworth, Federal Highway Administrator, 1986
George Seaworth rendered 45 years of faithful engineering services to the people of North Dakota. He began as a structural designer for the State Highway Department and retired as North Dakota Division Administrator for the Federal Highway Administration. He will be remembered for his cooperative attitude during the planning and construction of the interstate system, which enabled North Dakota to be the first state to complete its interstate highway.
Irvin Jordre, NDSHD Bismarck District Engineer, 1984
Throughout his 25 years as Bismarck district engineer, Irvin Jordre maintained the most and oldest mileage in the state. He was a true believer in timely patching and crack sealing, which paid great dividends in the longevity of road surfaces. By practicing preventive maintenance, he saved money for more critical highway improvements. His commitment to the critical importance of routine maintenance will be appreciated by North Dakota drivers for years to come.
Julius A. Roswick, Pioneer Motor Carrier, 1984
Julius Roswick began his trucking career in 1931 as a driver and initiated the Roswick Truck Line in 1932 upon receiving the first special motor carrier operating certificate in North Dakota. In 1938, he merged his firm with two others to form Midwest Motor Express, INC., which is now the largest North Dakota based motor carrier. Julius strongly supported the highway user tax philosophy and encouraged a close working relationship between the motor carrier industry and the highway department.
John McCormick, Jr.; Major Interstate Contractor; 1983
John McCormick, Jr. is recognized for his personal contributions to the North Dakota Highway Construction program over the many years he has been affiliated with the construction industry. Because of these contributions, highway construction techniques and procedures were greatly improved, resulting in substantial dividends to the taxpayers of North Dakota.
Mark Wynkoop, NDSHD Chief Engineer, 1982
Mark P. Wynkoop joined the Highway Department in 1919, after serving in World War I, and spent the next 42 years as a highway engineer, including 15 years as chief engineer, before retiring in 1961. He was chief engineer at the time the interstate highway system was started, and much of the planning for it was done while he served in that position.
John Rouzie, Highway 85 and Highway 12 Associations, 1981
John Rouzie is a distinguished private citizen who for many years has promoted good highways in North Dakota. As a businessman and later sole owner of the First National Bank of Bowman, he was one of the leaders in organizing and promoting the Highway 85 Association and the Highway 12 Association. He later moved to Bismarck, where he continued his strong support of the Highway Department.
Harold Schafer; Restorer, Medora; 1981
Harold Schafer represents a business success story. He founded Gold Seal Company and retained company headquarters in Bismarck. His enthusiasm for his home state and generosity to numerous worthwhile organizations and causes explain the widespread respect and popularity in which he is held. Harold restored Medora, former home of Teddy Roosevelt, making it a great North Dakota tourist attraction.
Robert E. Bradley, NDSHD Chief Engineer, 1980
Robert E. Bradley became Chief Engineer of the State Highway Department in 1957 and served in that position longer than anyone else in North Dakota history. A natural leader, his influence is reflected in almost every phase of North Dakota's vast modern highway network. Actively involved nationally, including serving as president of the Mississippi Valley Conference of State Highway Departments, he was the 1960 recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award of the North Dakota Society of Professional Engineers.
Walter R. Hjelle, NDSHD Commissioner, 1980
Walter R. Hjelle became State Highway Commissioner on January 4, 1961, and served in that position longer than anyone else in the history of North Dakota. The highway program, which accounts for the vast majority of the total movement of people and goods in the state, enjoyed its greatest expansion during the years of his direction. In 1977, for example, North Dakota was one of the first states to complete its interstate system. Noted for his dynamic leadership, he has long been recognized as one of North Dakota's ablest administrators.
1970-1979 Honorees
Erling Henrikson, NDSHD Construction Engineer, 1979
During Erling Henrikson's 44 years with the Highway Department, approximately $775 million in highways and bridge construction work was completed--including nearly all of the interstate system. As head of the Construction Division, he developed field procedure manuals and short instructional courses for employees.
Through his efforts, millions of dollars were saved when North Dakota permitted unrestricted use of drum dryers for mixing asphalt paving materials. Active on numerous highway boards and commissions, Erling Henrikson will be remembered as a quiet and unassuming man with high standards of excellence.
Adrian C. Taylor, Pioneer Concrete Contractor, 1979
Adrian C. Taylor has made many significant contributions in the field of engineering. He received the Outstanding Service Award from the Bismarck Chapter of the North Dakota Society of Professional Engineers and the Ellwyn Chandler Award--the state Society's highest award for accomplishments in engineering. He was instrumental in the design and manufacture of prestressed concrete beams used on the Interstate Highway System while employed by North Dakota Concrete Products.
James Connolly, Pioneer in Highway Safety, 1978
As an organizer and officer of the North Dakota Driver and Traffic Education Association, James Connolly began and, for years, maintained statewide driver education records. Serving as president of several safety councils, he shared his knowledge of highway safety with others. Connolly's work in saving lives and property through safety programs makes him an essential part of the successful highway story in North Dakota.
James Lamb, NDSHD Commissioner, 1978
The shortage of manpower and money during the war years, coupled with the need to maintain a strong road network for national defense, put a strain on the Highway Department--a challenge that James Lamb was able to meet. Throughout his six years as Commissioner from 1939 to 1945, Lamb ensured job security for those with ability and stabilized the department's financial management. He brought a business-like manner to his office, which has been echoed by later commissioners and is necessary to maintain North Dakota's road network as one of the best in the nation.
A.W. Wentz, NDSHD Commissioner, 1978
In 1957, the controversy over the need for interstate highways was just beginning. It took a man with foresight, A. W. Wentz, to see the future transportation demands of the state and overcome the objections. Twice while Wentz was commissioner from 1957 to 1961, the Highway Department received the Highway Users Federation Golden Milestone Award for outstanding service in presenting a clear, concise summary of highway improvement progress.
Archie Campbell, Pioneer Contractor, 1976
Beginning his career in 1915 at the age of 18, Archie Campbell became one of the state's first dirt contractors. Campbell received his first Highway Department contract in 1917; since then, he has constructed over 1,500 miles of roads within North Dakota. Campbell's contributions will be a lasting monument to his skill, responsibility and integrity.
Reuben Reich, NDSHD Materials Engineer, 1976
Reuben Reich retired from the Highway Department after 33 years, leaving behind the development of a new and advanced division of Material Testing and Research. His efforts led to the use of native material, which has greatly influenced cost reduction in road building. Reich's record of proficiency provided for unparalleled highway transportation in North Dakota.
Maxine Scarff, NDSHD Maintenance Employee, 1976
Maxine Scarff's loyal service spans 34 years in the Maintenance Division. She pioneered winter road reports, which have provided for public safety for many years. Her employment with the department was not confined to regular working hours: Miss Scarff extended her duties into weekends and holidays. Her exemplary contributions will be long remembered.
Worl A. "Buzz" Wise, NDSHD Materials Engineer, 1975
Following World War II, North Dakota's highway system was in need of much repair. With construction materials in short supply, major restoration seemed impossible. It was during this period that Materials Engineer Wise introduced the concept of stage construction. By placing thin overlays of asphaltic concrete over roads initially, then returning to complete the project in future years, funds could be stretched, and more roads repaired.
George Dixon; Founder, Good Roads Association; 1975
In 1918, upset that people were getting lost between Fargo and Grand Forks, George Dixon took it upon himself to sign the entire roadway. Because of curtailed highway funds in the early 1940s, he organized the Good Roads Association. Through the group's efforts, legislation was passed that got North Dakota's road program on its feet once more.
Dean Hagen, NDSHD Secondary Roads Engineer, 1975
With the pressing need for improved farm-to-market roads in the late 1940s, the Highway Department initiated a Secondary Roads Division where Dean Hagen was at the head for 25 years. In addition to improved rural roads, signing safety features were instigated and bridges upgraded. Hagen's efforts laid a lasting foundation for many programs to be developed later.
Esky Solberg; Legislator, Highway Supporter; 1975
Esky Solberg has a long involvement in highway activities. For 25 years, he served as chairman of the North Dakota Highway Users Conference. As a member of the national conference, his influence was felt across the nation. He was the highway spokesman at the state's constitutional convention and continued this role in the State Senate for several years.
James O. Kyser, NDSHD Maintenance Engineer, 1974
James Kyser was Maintenance Engineer from 1967 to 1974. During his tenure with the department, he implemented several new programs. Among them were an increased use of salt to cut ice and snow on highways during winter months, a chemical program for weed control, and a management program whereby work is measured in man-hour cost rather than cost per mile.
John L. McCormick, Sr.; Pioneer Contractor; 1974
A pioneer contractor in the Fargo area, John McCormick's firm built the first concrete highway in North Dakota. Beginning as president of the Fargo Transfer Co., he expanded operations into the McCormick Construction Co., which later became the Northern Improvement Co. John advocated for a close relationship between the construction industry and Highway Department. Above all, he is remembered as a man of his word. With or without a contract, when he agreed to do a job, it was done.
Ray Robinson, NDSHD Maintenance Engineer, 1974
Ray Robinson contributed his entire 45-year work career to the betterment of North Dakota roads. For 27 years, he served as State Highway Maintenance Engineer, organizing the division to modern standards and then initiating such policies as increased snow and ice removal operations, the use of two-way radio operations, and teletype for more accurate winter road information.
Milton L. Rue; Contractor, Legislator; 1974
Milton Rue was a pioneer in highway construction. It is estimated that during his lifetime, Rue Construction built about 750 bridges, including approximately 83 exits on Interstate 94. Upon his death, a leading North Dakotan paid Rue this tribute: "From a humble beginning, he built one of the most successful contracting firms in the state. He had a long and honorable career as a legislator, party official and businessman. He was one of the most charitable men I ever knew."