September 2009 - Bill Castle honored by Penn State University

Bill Castle honored by Penn State University – Altoona with “Outstanding Alumni Award” at Ivyside Society Induction Ceremony on September 17, 2009.

Inspiring videos of Penn State Altoona Alumni Award recipients and recognition of benefactors in four categories were just a few of the many highlights of the annual Ivyside Society Induction Ceremony September 17, 2009. The event, held at the Altoona Heritage Discovery Center in downtown Altoona, included a musical performance by Ivyside Pride and a tribute to Nicholas Miskovsky, Ph.D., retired professor of physics. The Ivyside Society was established by the Penn State Altoona Advisory Board in 1987 to honor those who, through their philanthropic support and leadership, share a commitment to the continuing excellence of Penn State Altoona.

Dr. Lori J. Bechtel-Wherry, Chancellor of Penn State Altoona, presided over the ceremony and assisted Michael J. Irwin, Chair of the Advisory Board, with the presentation of medals, certificates and awards.

The Ivyside Society program featured the presentation of awards to four individuals who have distinguished themselves through their professional achievement, community involvement and/or service to Penn State Altoona and the University.

William J. Castle received the Outstanding Alumni Award, which recognizes alumni of the college who have attained a significant level of accomplishment in their careers or contributed significantly to the betterment of society. Candidates for the award are individuals who possess a record of achievement that distinguishes them as leaders in their profession and/or community.

Bill Castle is the founder of The Castle Group, a union of three companies: W.J. Castle, P.E. & Associates, P.C.; Simplified Bridge Systems; and Hydro-Marine Construction Co., Inc. Since 1983, The Castle Group has been involved in all phases of structural/civil engineering, from concept and design to evaluation and construction. The company also specializes in underwater construction inspection services, testing, and hydrographic/fathometric surveys. No other company in the United States is capable of offering the full range of marine/structural engineering services that The Castle Group can provide.

Bill has received numerous professional honors over the years, including the 2007 New Jersey Outstanding Professional Engineer Award and 2005 New Jersey Engineer of the Year Award. In 2006, Bill was elected to “Fellow” status by the American Society of Civil Engineers. That same year, he became the first engineer elected to the Board of Directors of the Association of Diving ContractorsInternational.

Bill’s companies received awards from the New Jersey Department of Transportation/New Jersey Quality Initiative in 2005 and Delaware Valley Association of Structural Engineers in 2006. In 2002, W.J. Castle, P.E. & Associates, P.C., received a Best Small Bridge Award from the New Jersey Quality Initiative Program.

A 1966 Penn State Altoona graduate, Bill and his wife, Janet, have made a $300,000 commitment to the college. In recognition of the couple’s generosity, the fifth floor of the college’s Aaron Building in downtown Altoona will be named The William J. Castle Executive Quarters.

The Castles have a distinguished record of philanthropic support for Penn State Altoona. The Castle Group and Hydro-Marine Construction Co. made a gift to serve as title sponsor of the Penn State Altoona Speaker Series event in April 2009, the same month Bill and Janet were inducted into the University’s Mount Nittany Society. Bill was inducted into the platinum category of Ivyside Society in 2004 after creating a Trustee Scholarship.

In 2004, Bill was presented the Penn State Alumni Fellow Award, the most prestigious honor bestowed by the Penn State Alumni Association. A member of the college’s Campaign Council, Bill previously served on Penn State Altoona’s Development Council.