The ITE Legacy Fund Honor Wall celebrates the people who shape careers, open doors, and quietly invest in the success of others. Every name honored here reflects a story of encouragement, guidance, or belief that helped someone grow into the professional they are today.
These tributes also recognize the generosity of those who chose to give back—to “pay it forward” so that future transportation leaders can benefit from the same support, opportunity, and inspiration.
As you read these messages of gratitude, we invite you to reflect on the individuals who shaped your own journey and the profound, lasting impact that mentorship and giving have across our profession.
About the Honor Wall: Tributes below were submitted by donors in recognition of influential mentors, leaders, and colleagues. To add a tribute, please contact membership@ite.org.
The following tributes were shared in 2025 by colleagues and friends who chose to honor their mentors and peers through a gift to the ITE Legacy Fund.
Honorees: David Mendelson, Walter Gardiner, and Ted Ehrlich
Honored by: Gordon Meth, P.E., PTOE, PTP, RSP2I
In Honor of David Mendelson: "Founder of Garmen Associates, David Mendelson built a firm that became synonymous with excellence, creativity, and mentorship in traffic engineering. Known for his preparation, confidence, and passion for the profession, David nurtured a family-like environment where young engineers could grow. His influence lives on through the many professionals he guided—and through every project shaped by his meticulous and inspired approach."
In Honor of Walter Gardiner: "Walter Gardiner, cofounder of Garmen Associates, embodied the spirit of mentorship and dedication to public service. His creativity in traffic design was unmatched, and his commitment to efficiency and safety inspired a generation of engineers. Walter shared his knowledge generously, instilling in others a lifelong pursuit of excellence in every design."
In Honor of Theodore (Ted) Ehrlich: "Ted Ehrlich was a brilliant engineer and natural mentor whose warmth and humor built lasting bonds among colleagues. Known for his insightful “coaching sessions” and his ability to lift spirits, Ted guided many young professionals during their formative years. His wisdom, laughter, and genuine care left an enduring mark on those fortunate enough to learn from him."
Honoree: Professor Scott Rutherford
Honored by: Carrie A. Falkenrath, P.E., PTOE, PTP, RSP1
“Professor Scott Rutherford—former Professor and Chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Adjunct Professor of Urban Planning and Design at the University of Washington—was my faculty advisor during graduate studies. His passion for transportation was infectious, and his curiosity made every topic feel vital and worth exploring. Dr. Rutherford never relied on textbooks; instead, he encouraged us to think creatively through papers, articles, and case studies. Having worked in consulting before earning his doctorate, he understood the profession beyond academia and developed a career engagement program for master’s candidates, which I was fortunate to experience. He had a fantastic sense of humor and could make any subject lecture-worthy. He led us on field trips to different regions—and even different countries—using various travel modes to experience firsthand the breadth of ideas shaping our field. Most importantly, he was the first to truly ‘see’ me as a future professional. He recognized my interests and goals and guided my studies accordingly, as he did for so many students. Dr. Rutherford was a leader who understood that recruiting, developing, and investing in students from diverse backgrounds was essential to the long-term success of the transportation profession.”
Honoree: Keith Hall
Honored by: Sara E. Patterson, Ph.D., P.E. (DE)
“Keith Hall is one of the first people who comes to mind when I think about those who shaped my career. He dedicated extraordinary time and energy to ensuring that LeadershipITE ran well for so many classes, helping create the robust, respected program we have today. Keith supported me personally and gave me opportunities to grow in my role on the committee. Because of his commitment, countless participants—including me—benefited from experiences that strengthened our leadership and connection to the profession. I donate in his honor to help create those same opportunities for future LeadershipITE classes and for emerging engineers who need support, encouragement, and the chance to grow.”
Honoree: Mike Gill
Honored by: Ben Waldman, P.E., PTOE
“I would like to honor Mike Gill with my donation to the ITE Legacy fund. Mike Gill has built a career that blends technical excellence with a deep commitment to people. Over more than three decades in both the public and private sectors, he has helped deliver projects that have reshaped our transportation systems working on a wide range of projects including signal retiming across hundreds of intersections, planning and design of light rail and multimodal corridors, innovative winter mobility strategies, and complex urban reconstructions that improved safety and connectivity. His professional achievements alone make him worthy of being honored.
But what sets Mike apart is not only what he has accomplished, but how he has accomplished it. He has always led with collaboration, humility, and a genuine desire to see others succeed.
Mike has been a steady mentor to countless young engineers, planners, and colleagues. He takes the time to share knowledge, explain not just the “what” but the “why,” and instill confidence in those around him. Many who started their careers under Mike’s guidance now lead teams, agencies, and projects across Colorado and beyond, carrying forward his lessons and his example.
His leadership in firms and agencies was never just about growth in numbers, but about building healthy, supportive cultures. When he led offices or managed large regional teams, his focus was always on creating environments where people could thrive professionally and personally.
Mike’s legacy in transportation is as much about people as it is about projects. The systems he improved will serve our communities for decades, but so too will the network of professionals he has coached, inspired, and championed. Whether through ITE, WTS, ASCE, or informal mentoring, Mike has been a constant presence in strengthening the transportation planning and engineering professional community.
His service extends beyond our borders as well. His Peace Corps work in Nepal designing water systems and trail bridges in partnership with local communities and his leadership in Engineers without Borders exemplifies his lifelong commitment to service and his belief in engineering as a force for public good.
Mike Gill is more than a transportation leader; he is a mentor, a teacher, and a builder of community. His technical contributions have made our systems safer and more efficient, but his mentorship and leadership have made our profession stronger.”
Honoree: James H. Cox
Honored by: John A. Davis, P.E., PTOE, RSP1
“My contribution to the ITE Legacy Fund is in honor of James H. Cox, the former Chief Traffic Engineer for the City of Indianapolis. Mr. Cox was the kind of mentor who didn’t just open doors—he showed me how to walk through them with purpose and confidence. His guidance helped chart the course of my professional life.”
Honorees: Ethlyn Ann Hansen and Arnie Ullevig
Honored by: Jenny L. Grote, P.E., PTOE, PTP
In Honor of Ethlyn Ann Hansen: “Ann Hansen played a defining role in shaping my involvement in ITE and my leadership opportunities when I was first elected as the Western District Secretary-Treasurer in the early 1990’s, and she was an International Director. We became life-long friends and colleagues until she passed in 2021. Now her daughter, Jenifer, and I stay in close communication.
Ann demonstrated what leadership, perseverance, and professionalism look like, especially for women entering a male-dominated field at that time. She not only helped open doors, but she showed how important it is to keep those doors open for others. Honoring Ann through the Legacy Fund is a way of recognizing both her influence on my journey and her lasting impact on our profession. Her example and achievements stayed with me throughout my career, and now it is time for me to pay it forward to other young members through the Legacy Fund."
FYI: Ann was the first woman to graduate with a civil engineering degree from the University of Utah and the first woman master’s graduate from the Institute of Transportation and Traffic Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. Ann also was the first woman to reach the Principal Engineer level in the State of California.
In Honor of Arnie Ullevig: "Arnie was the brave person who gave me my start in transportation, hiring me out of college when I graduated from the University of Colorado in 1983. As my first boss, Arnie shaped not only my early career, but my understanding of what supportive, steady leadership looks like. In fact, he was the one who suggested I join this organization called “ITE”! After my husband and I moved to Phoenix in 1985, Arnie went on to form Felsburg, Holt & Ullevig (FHU), and when I returned to Denver in 2021— the firm welcomed me back with the same generosity and confidence that marked my start in the profession.
Arnie has remained a meaningful figure in my life for more than 40 years. Even now, even though Arnie has retired and moved near his daughter in California, I pay him a visit whenever I am in the area visiting my daughter. Honoring Arnie through the Legacy Fund is a small way to acknowledge the guidance, opportunity, and kindness he offered me as a new graduate and young professional—and the lasting imprint he made on my career and on our profession. His example and achievements stayed with me throughout my career, and now it is time for me to pay it forward to other young members through the Legacy Fund."
Honoree: Professor Ken Courage
Honored by: Thuha Nguyen, PE, PTOE, PTP, RSP1
"I met Professor Courage while searching for an elective course during my undergraduate studies in mechanical engineering. I was immediately amazed to discover that traffic engineering was its own discipline, and that there was even something called the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (affectionately known to us as “the book with the colorful tabs”). Professor Courage challenged us to apply theory in the most practical ways possible. He pushed us to consider real-world consequences, to think carefully about potential liability in our recommendations, and most importantly, to view every project from the perspective of the end user. His lessons extended far beyond the classroom. He took our graduate class to every ITE meeting, immersing us in the profession and treating us not just as students but as future colleagues. Through his mentorship, he shaped how many of us think, work, and serve the public, leaving a lasting impact on our careers—including my own."