Calatrava Family Professorship Established
Santiago Calatrava, left, George Deodatis, the first incumbent of the Santiago and Robertina Calatrava Family Professorship, Robertina Calatrava, and Interim Dean Gerald Navratil
Renowned engineer-architect-artist Santiago Calatrava, his wife Robertina, and their family have established the Santagio and Robertina Calatrava Family Professorship in Civil Engineering at SEAS. Professor George Deodatis, whose research is in the area of probabilistic engineering mechanics, has been named as the first incumbent.
“This generous gift is especially welcome and is a major vote of confidence in the quality and character of the education we provide in SEAS at Columbia University,” said Gerald A. Navratil, Interim Dean of The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. “The Calatrava family is an important part of the Columbia family and this gift strengthens those bonds.” Santiago Calatrava was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University in June, 2007, while two of his sons have been students in the Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics. One holds B.S. and M.S. degrees and the other a B.S. degree.
The Calatrava Family Chair will support the work of Professor Deodatis, whose research includes risk assessment and risk management of large-scale structures in large metropolitan areas subjected to natural and technological hazards. Prof. Deodatis said, “It is an extraordinary honor to be appointed to this Professorship. It is important for SEAS because the name ‘Calatrava’ carries with it immediate recognition and tremendous prestige, not only in the technical/academic area, but to the general public as well. I know our industry affiliates, our alumni and our students will be delighted with the establishment of this professorship. It is of enormous benefit to the Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics.”
