Pioneer, mentor, and lifelong advocate for the concrete contractors of the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC), Dr. Ward R. Malisch handed on Could 18, 2025 in Lebanon, Tennessee, after a brave battle with most cancers. As a valued member of the ASCC household, he was a superb engineer, revered educator, and a devoted servant to the concrete building business.
In an emailed message to members, the ASCC said that “[his] contributions will go away a long-lasting mark on the group and membership.
The ASCC continues of their memoriam e-mail: Dr. Malisch joined the ASCC in 2008 as our first-ever Director of Engineering, a job he held till 2013. He then served as Concrete Building Specialist till his retirement in 2020. In each roles, Dr. Malisch was a significant technical useful resource for ASCC members throughout the nation, translating advanced engineering ideas into sensible, jobsite-ready information that helped members construct higher and safer concrete initiatives.
Malisch’s profession started in academia, following BS, MS, and PhD levels in civil engineering from the College of Illinois. He went on to show at three universities earlier than becoming a member of the American Concrete Institute (ACI), the place he served as Director of Engineering and later Senior Managing Director. Dr. Malisch was an Honorary Member of ACI and an energetic contributor to a number of key committees, together with ACI 117, 301, and 302, typically serving as a bridge between ACI’s technical group and ASCC’s contractor members.
Over his lifetime, he authored or coauthored greater than 200 articles, books, experiences, and papers on topics of direct significance to ASCC contractors, together with tolerances, flooring, and specs. His work persistently addressed real-world challenges confronted on jobsites, and he had a uncommon reward for providing sensible, contractor-focused options.
A few of his business honors replicate the breadth of his impression:
- ASCC Lifetime Achievement Award (2011)
- ACI Arthur Anderson Award (2010)
- ACI Building Award (2011)
- ACI Roger Corbetta Award (2019)
- NRMCA Richard Gaynor Award (2008)
- Building Writers Affiliation Silver Onerous Hat Award (2006)
Dr. Malisch wasn’t only a technical skilled — he was a mentor, a problem-solver, and a champion of concrete contractors. His voice, insights, and keenness for high quality building helped form the tradition and credibility of the ASCC we all know it at the moment. He will likely be deeply missed and lengthy remembered.
Our ideas are together with his household and all these within the business who have been lucky to name him a colleague and pal.
Relaxation in peace Dr. Malisch. You may be missed.
