Engineering Alumnus Establishes Memorial Scholarship

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — University of Arkansas engineering alumnus Grady E. Harvell, president of AFCO Steel in Little Rock, has committed $25,000 to establish an endowed scholarship in civil engineering. The gift was made in memory of Harold J. Engstrom, Jr., a former vice president of AFCO, who passed away last year.

The Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineering Harold James Engstrom, Jr. Endowed Scholarship will provide yearly scholarship support for students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in civil engineering, specializing in steel structures, at the University.

"Harold was a friend and mentor to many engineers throughout the state," said Harvell. "His memory and the leadership he provided will continue through this scholarship."

"We are honored to have this scholarship in the memory of Harold Engstrom. His distinguished engineering career personifies the best of our profession," said Interim Dean of Engineering Neil M. Schmitt. "By creating this memorial, Grady is encouraging others in the engineering community to support the scholarship with their gifts."

Harold J. Engstrom, Jr. began his engineering career at the Arkansas Foundry Company (AFCO) when he was 17 years old. After receiving a degree in civil engineering from the U of A in 1939, he continued with AFCO where he rose to the rank of vice president in 1965. He left AFCO in 1978 to become vice president of his son’s company.

In addition to being a civil engineering pioneer, Mr. Engstrom was also a community leader. He served as chairman of the Little Rock City Building Code Appeals Board, state president and national director of the Society of Professional Engineers in Arkansas, and was a member of the Little Rock School Board during the Central High School desegregation in 1957. He was inducted into the College of Engineering Hall of Fame in 1971 and was a member of the Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineering.

Grady Harvell received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the U of A in 1972. A strong supporter of undergraduate engineering education, he established the Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineering Harvell Family Scholarship in 1999 in honor of his parents, Sibyl Walker Harvell and the late Owen Harvell of Melbourne.

Contributions to the Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineering Harold James Engstrom, Jr. Endowed Scholarship may be directed to the U of A Foundation, Inc., College of Engineering, 4153 Bell Engineering Center, Fayetteville, AR 72701.