5/15/2009
Written by
Professor Emeritus Narbey Khachaturian passed away May 14, 2009, in Urbana at age 85. His family was at his side.
Professor Khachaturian served on the CEE faculty at Illinois from 1952 through 1989. He earned B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the department in 1947, 1948 and 1952. His research and teaching focused on structural analysis, optimization, and structural design. His contributions were recognized with many awards, including being named an Honorary Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and a Chapter Honor Member of the Alpha Chapter of Chi Epsilon at the University of Illinois. Professor Khachaturian also received the Epstein Award, the Outstanding Teacher ASCE Student Chapter Award, The John Parmer Award, the Halliburton Award for Engineering Education Leadership, the Harold T. Larsen Award of Chi Epsilon, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the ASCE Illinois Section. He served as Associate Head for Undergraduate Programs within the department from 1983-1989.
Professor Khachaturian's son Jon (1978) and his grandson Matthew (2007) also earned B.S. degrees from CEE at Illinois.
Professor Khachaturian was known for always having a kind word, a great smile, and a terrific laugh. He was a true gentleman and a scholar in every sense. He will be missed.