Jeffrey C. Irving, P.E. October 5, 2009

Upon Graduation from Princess Anne, I attended Columbian Prep School in Washington, DC, to raise my college entrance scores with the thought of attending the United State Naval Academy. I was successful in attaining an appointment to the academy, but did not attend. Instead, I married Barbara Ann Horstman (PA 63). I attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) in 1965. While at Tech, I was in the Corps of Cadets for 4 years.

Upon Graduation (March 1965), I began work with the Norfolk based Structural Engineering firm of Fraioli-Blum-Yesselman. I remained with the firm for 10 years, rising to the position of Vice-President. Not enjoying the long hours, I went to work for the US Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District, where I remained until retiring in 2007. I work in the Structural Section and first worked in Military work, designing structures for the military bases in Virginia. In 1987, I became the project manager for the Local Flood Protect Project for the City of Richmond, Virginia. This project cost $150 mil and stretching approx 4 miles on the north bank and 6 miles on the south bank of the James River at Richmond. The project has concrete flood walls which are a maximum of 32 feet tall (most flood protections are approximately 18 feet tall), a 6 mile earthen levee system, approximately 12 closure structures ranging 32 feet in height and 60 feet in width, an elaborate interior drainage package which had to be linked to an over 100 year old combined sewer system. This project took 10 years and 1/3 of my federal career.

In 1988, I changed positions to project management where I remained until my retirement in 2007. I became the Chief, Civil Branch, overseeing large civil works projects, which included flood walls, hurricane protection systems, oyster restoration, etc.

In 1984, I began work as an Adjunct Instructor at Old Dominion College where I am still working today. I instruct in the Civil Engineering Technology Department. I teach Structural Engineering courses by Teletechnet methods (broadcast over air waves and internet). My classes have an average attendance of 50 students and extend across America.

In 1970, I became involved with the Boy Scouts of America and remain very active today. I have held all most all local volunteer positions for the Tidewater Council and several in the next higher level, called Area. I take Boy Scout groups every other year to Maine canoeing in the wilderness area. I have made 13 trips in the 30 years of wilderness canoeing. I have been on the staff of every National BSA Jamboree since 1981. I do group cooking at our camp (over 25 years), cooking on week-ends for as many as 1300 people. I hold 4 beads in Wood Badge (1981), Vigil honor in the Order of the Arrow (1979), the Silver Beaver Award (1980) and the second highest honor Scouting awards, the Silver Antelope (2001). Obviously, I fully enjoy working with the youth of America, helping them become valuable citizens and leaders of our country.

Barbara and I have three children. Timothy Irving a Baptist Minister in South Hill, VA. He lives there with his wife, Deane, and three of our grand Children, Joshua, Amy and Philip. Laurie Irving Gardner who lives with her husband, Jeffrey (an oceanographer), in Haddam, Ct. They have two of our grand children, Michele and Emilea. Michael Irving, a dog groomer and artist, lives with his wife, Leanne, in Chesapeake, VA. They have three of our grandchildren, Shane, Marrissa and Erin. In 2010, Barbara and I will celebrate our 49 wedding anniversary.