A Tribute from the American Academy of
Environmental Engineers & Scientists (AAEES)
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Cecil Lue-Hing, D.Sc., P.E., DEE, NAE (1930 to 2026)
The American Academy of Environmental Engineers & Scientists (AAEES) joins the environmental engineering and science community in mourning the passing of Dr. Cecil Lue-Hing, who died on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the age of 95. His life’s work represents a rare blend of technical mastery, visionary leadership, and a deep and abiding commitment to service.
Born on November 3, 1930, in Highgate, Jamaica, Dr. Lue-Hing rose to become one of the most admired and influential engineers of his generation. He grew up in a family-operated grocery business and developed an early interest in civil engineering while attending Kingston Technical High School, where he excelled in science-intensive coursework.
In the 1950s, he emigrated to the United States to pursue engineering studies. He earned his BS in Civil Engineering from Marquette University in 1961, his MS in Sanitary Engineering from Case Institute of Technology in 1963, and his D.Sc. in Environmental and Sanitary Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis in 1966. His doctoral work advanced diagnostic methods for identifying pesticide-related fish kills using enzyme analysis - a forward-looking blend of chemistry, biology, and environmental engineering.
Dr. Lue-Hing’s relationship with AAEES was long-standing and transformative. As President of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers in 2010, he served with humility, candor, and thoughtful introspection. He often spoke about the honor of standing among peers he deeply respected and the responsibility that comes with professional credentialing. His reflections on leadership continue to guide our Academy in its mission to uphold the highest standards in environmental engineering and science.
Since becoming a Diplomate (Board Certified Environmental Engineer) in 1982, Dr. Lue-Hing strengthened the Academy through decades of sustained service. He first served as a Trustee on the Academy’s Board from 1993 to 1996. He was selected as the 2003 AAEES Kappe Lecturer, a role he cherished most for the opportunity to engage with young engineering students. At the time of his passing, he remained deeply involved and committed, serving as Chair of the Certification by Eminence Committee, as a member of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers Certification Board, and as President of the Environmental Engineering and Science Foundation, the Academy's sister non-profit organization.
Widely recognized for his technical achievements, Dr. Lue-Hing transformed the practice of environmental engineering. His twenty-eight-year tenure as Director of Research and Development at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago produced foundational advances in nutrient management, anaerobic digestion, emissions control, virology, industrial pretreatment, and waterway improvement. His pioneering work on the Sidestream Elevated Pool Aeration (SEPA) stations, iconic urban aeration structures that dramatically improved Chicago River water quality, represents the very best of engineering innovation in service to the public.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, the Chicago District named its flagship research facility the Dr. Cecil Lue-Hing Research and Development Complex. This honor stands as a permanent tribute to his leadership, innovation, and impact.
Dr. Lue-Hing’s professional excellence was further acknowledged through some of the highest honors in the field. These include election to the National Academy of Engineering in 2000, induction into the NACWA Hall of Fame in 2010, and major AAEES honors including the Gordon Maskew Fair Award (2001) and the Stanley E. Kappe Award (2016). Additional distinctions include the Simon W. Freese Prize from the American Society of Civil Engineers; Government Civil Engineer of the Year from the ASCE Illinois Chapter; the Environmental Award of the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies; the Charles A. Emerson Medal from the Water Environment Federation (WEF); National Government Civil Engineer of the Year from ASCE; and the WEF Fellows Award. These honors reflect not only the breadth of his contributions but also the integrity, energy, and generosity with which he pursued them.
Beyond his institutional and technical achievements, Dr. Lue-Hing’s greatest legacy lies in the people he inspired. Countless students, early-career engineers, and colleagues benefited from his mentorship, sincerity, and belief in the power of education. He and his late wife, Dr. Bertha Winingham Lue-Hing, created and supported multiple scholarship initiatives including scholarships at Webster University and Harris-Stowe State University, and the Cecil and Bertha Winingham Lue-Hing Diversity Scholarship established through the Environmental Engineering and Science Foundation in 2025. Their shared commitment to opening doors for future generations continues to shape the profession.
These gifts reflect Dr. Lue-Hing’s belief in education as a pathway for opportunity - especially for students from historically marginalized backgrounds.
At 95 years old, Dr. Cecil Lue-Hing leaves behind a legacy defined not only by scientific accomplishment but also by humility, compassion, and service. His contributions as a leader and mentor strengthened the Academy, advanced the profession, and improved the environmental quality of communities across the nation.
With profound respect, gratitude, and admiration,
Dr. Jeffrey Greenfield, P.E., BCEE, BCES
AAEES President
|
