Professional Achievement Award
Daniel R. Meckes, Eng ’82
Saint Louis, Mo.
Dan Meckes recently retired from a distinguished 42-year career with Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, an engineering and consulting firm focused on civil infrastructure. “What I liked most about my job and my profession was being part of projects that positively shaped the communities we served and improved the quality of life for those community members,” he says.
His decision to attend Marquette was inspired by his great-uncle, Leo Lechtenberg, Eng ’38, who received the College of Engineering Distinguished Alumnus award in 1976, just before Dan began applying to college. “Since I was interested in engineering, this stood out to me,” Dan recalls. “It also probably helped that they won the National Championship in 1977!”
He found deep friendships at Marquette, which were cemented by “playing intramural football and basketball at the Rec Center, and the parties we had at our house at 816 N. 17th Street,” he says. “Those friendships continue to this day and have played a big part in shaping me into who I am.”
The Jesuit values he encountered on campus remain important to him. He and his wife, Heidi, are currently on an eight-month journey of studying and praying the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, called the Bridges Retreat. It involves daily scripture readings and prayer, along with weekly meetings with a small group and prayer companion. “The retreat has been a blessing as we have grown deeper in our relationship with Jesus … and appreciate the wonder of creation and God's unconditional love for us,” Dan explains.
What advice or insights from your own experiences would you share with current students?
Current students, enjoy the time you have at Marquette. It goes by so fast. I remember wanting to finish school and move on to the next big step and start my career. There is always going to be that “next big step.” Don't forget to appreciate what you have in the moment.
Name a Marquette faculty or staff member who had an impact on you, and how.
I lived at McCormick Hall my freshman year, and I will always remember the calming influence of Fr. Rick Abert.
