MEMORIAL RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF FEBRUARY 5, 2026
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MEMORIAL RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners celebrating the life of Dr. Cecil Lue Hing
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WHEREAS, Dr. Cecil Lue-Hing, one of the most admired and influential engineers of his generation, passed away January 22, 2026, at age 95. Dr. Lue-Hing’s contributions show a blend of technical mastery, leadership, and a deep commitment to serving his community; and
WHEREAS, born on November 3, 1930, in Jamaica, Dr. Lue-Hing grew up in a family-operated grocery business but quickly developed an interest in civil engineering, which he studied after arriving in the United States in the 1950s. He received his B.S. in Civil Engineering from Marquette University in 1961, his M.S. in Sanitary Engineering from Case Institute of Technology in 1963, and his D.Sc. in Environmental and Sanitary Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis in 1966. After completing his degrees, Dr. Lue-Hing joined the District, eventually becoming Director of what is now the Monitoring and Research Department in 1972. During his 28-year tenure with the District, he produced important advances in anaerobic digestion, emissions control, industrial pretreatment, and waterway improvement; and provided direction on many projects, including the combined sewer overflow, the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan, and the Sidestream Elevated Pool Aeration (SEPA) stations, iconic urban aeration structures that made a dramatic difference in Chicago River water quality. He also established and directed a comprehensive water quality monitoring program and played an instrumental role in the restoration of the Chicago River System. Dr. Lue-Hing’s contributions are incalculable engineering innovations in service to the public good; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Lue-Hing also served as the Board Chair of the Environmental Engineering & Science Foundation; the past President of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists; the past President of the Environmental & Water Resources Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers; and past President of National Association of Clear Water Agencies (NACWA). In addition, Dr. Lue-Hing has received numerous accolades and awards including the Environment Award of the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies; the President’s Award for contributions as a member of NACWA; the Gordon Maskew Fair Award; the Stanley E. Kappe Award; Simon W. Freese Prize from the American Society of Civil Engineers; the Charles A. Emerson Medal from the Water Environment Federation (WEF); the National Government Civil Engineer of the Year from ASCE; the WEF Fellows Award; and induction into the NACWA Hall of Fame. Additionally, the District’s main research facility is named the Dr. Cecil Lue-Hing Research and Development Complex, in honor of Dr. Lue-Hing’s immeasurable contributions to the District’s work; and
WHEREAS, beyond his technical achievements, Dr. Lue-Hing’s legacy also shines in the importance of education: he and his late wife, Dr. Bertha Winingham Lue-Hing, created and supported multiple scholarships at Webster University and Harris-Stowe State University and through the Environmental Engineering and Science Foundation. Their shared commitment to opening doors for future generations stands as a permanent tribute to Dr. Lue-Hing’s impact; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby extend our condolences to the family, friends, and community of Dr. Lue-Hing; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented to the family of Dr. Lue-Hing.
Dated: February 5, 2026