Michael G. Callas Professorship in Civil Engineering

MICHAEL G. CALLAS, Engr 1943, 1947 (MSE), was a leading structural engineer, as well as a longtime friend and generous contributor to the university. He received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1943 and a master’s degree in structural engineering in 1947. After completing his studies at Johns Hopkins, Mr. Callas went to work for the Whiting-Turner Construction Company and, in 1958, founded Callas Contractors, Inc., a general contracting company for construction, repairing, and remodeling of buildings and public works of all kinds.

Mr. Callas was a member of the Whiting School of Engineering’s National Advisory Council and the Civil Engineering Visiting Committee. In 1992, the Johns Hopkins Alumni Association recognized his contributions to the university with the Heritage Award. He was also a dedicated and highly respected leader in his community. In 1998, the Mason-Dixon Boy Scouts presented him with its Distinguished Citizen Award and Maryland State Governor Parris Glendening also awarded Mr. Callas the Governor’s Citation for his years of community service and unwavering commitment to the young people of Maryland. As president, regional director, 1992 Volunteer of the Year, and chairman of the Business-Education Partnership Committee, he demonstrated clear leadership skills in the Hagerstown-Washington County Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Callas began contributing toward the Michael G. Callas Professorship in Civil Engineering in 1989, and made provisions in his will to fully fund the endowment through his bequest. He passed away in 2004, leaving behind a strong legacy at Johns Hopkins.