Dayton Engineer

Cordell Hull, UD engineering alumnus, emeritus member of the board of trustees and long-time benefactor, passed away on December 26, 2022 at the age of 89.

Hull served two terms on UD’s board of trustees from 1995-2000 and 2004-2006. He is a former member of the Engineering Advisory Council (1993-1996) and was awarded the University of Dayton Distinguished Alumni Award in 1994. 

For 20 years, students in the University Honors and Berry Scholars programs have studied and conducted research abroad thanks to the Cordell W. Hull International Fellows Fund, named in honor of Hull’s service and generosity to UD.

Hull was a long-time supporter of programs throughout the University including the Hull Fellows Fund, Lawyer as Problem Solver program, Human Rights Center initiatives and the UD Fund.

Civil engineering professor Joe Saliba remembers Hull as a mentor,  friend and role model, as they both had interests in improving and developing quality engineering education.

“In the realm of civil engineering, Cordell Hull was a visionary leader whose passion for improving the quality of life in communities knew no bounds. His indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to his craft made him a driving force in one of the world's largest construction companies,” Saliba said. “Through his creative genius, he turned dreams into reality, spearheading multi-billion-dollar projects that transformed the fortunes of developing nations.

“Cordell's belief in the power of diversity and the potential of talented individuals from all walks of life was exemplary. He cherished the brilliance of young minds and wholeheartedly supported gifted students through initiatives like the Honors' program.”

Hull was born in Dayton on September 12, 1933. He received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from UD in 1956 and a master’s degree in civil engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1957. In 1962, he graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School with his law degree. Hull served the U.S. Army as a combat engineer and earned the rank of Captain. 

Hull is the founding chairman (now emeritus) and senior advisor to Infrastructure World LLC (IW). He previously retired from the Bechtel Group, serving as a director, member of the executive committee and a senior officer where he helped lead construction, engineering, development and investment activities for major infrastructure projects.

Hull resided in Atherton, California, and is survived by his wife of 65 years, Susan. He is also survived by son Bradford, daughter Pamela, son Andrew, brother Murel, sister Joyce Downs and eight grandchildren.

In addition to his business endeavors, Hull was an avid traveler, reader, self-taught sailor and devoted grandfather.