The Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) and the DFI Educational Trust Legends Committee has chosen Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Sam Clemence as a recipient of one of the DFI Legends Awards for 2023. This award was established to honor practitioners that have made significant contributions and advancements to the research, design, construction, manufacturing and use of deep foundations.

The following criteria were considered by the committee:

· Impact, value and sustainability of achievements

· Legacy

· Pioneering contributions

· Exceptional industry leader; visionary, mentor

· Technological ingenuity, innovation and/or application of advancements of design, construction or equipment

· Steadfast professionalism, character and integrity

· Ingenuity of design and construction techniques

· Broad impact on industry

Clemence has more than 40 years of teaching experience at Syracuse University in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. His academic work focuses on geotechnical engineering, soils and foundation design, and history of technology. Selected as a Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor of Teaching Excellence in 1996, Clemence has received several teaching and professional honors, and has numerous publications.

“I am honored to receive this wonderful award.  My research and design work has always been a team effort with invaluable contributions from graduate students, faculty colleagues and industry partners.  I am so grateful for the Deep Foundations Institute for this recognition,” says Clemence.

“Sam is a valued member of the department and a beloved colleague and instructor,” says Civil and Environmental Engineering Department Chair Andria Costello Staniec. “I am thrilled to see his research accomplishments and his lifelong work recognized by DFI. I can think of no one more deserving of the Institute’s Legend Award than Sam.”

The award will be presented during the DFI’s 48th Annual Conference in Seattle from October 31-November 3, 2023.