Minnesota Department of Transportation

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NRRA Pavement Workshop

MnROAD | NRRA | Pavement Conference

Pavement Awards

Each year, the NRRA Conference recognizes a leader at the Minnesota and National level for their contributions to the pavement industry.

2025 Timeline

  • Nominations open November 1-December 6.
  • Voting will happen December 9-30.
    • For Rohrbach award, voting will be done by MnDOT Research staff, LRRB Board Members, and MEO & Friends.
    • For the Skok award, voting will be done by all active NRRA members.
  • Recipients will be notified on January 10.

Awards history

The Minnesota Pavement Conference was the original form of the NRRA Conference, starting in 1997. Each year, someone received an award for service in pavement, which was later named after Gerald Rohrbach, a prominent figure from MnDOT. Beginning in 2016, a second award was established in honor of Dr. Eugene Skok, Ph.D., P.E., a well-known instructor, researcher, and mentor to many in Minnesota pavement.

Gerald Rohrbach Distinguished Service Award for Excellence in Pavement Research in Minnesota

  • 2024: Jerry Geib, P.E., MnDOT
  • 2023: Glenn Engstrom, P.E., formerly of MnDOT
  • 2022: Curt Turgeon, P.E., MnDOT
  • 2020 & 2021: no events
  • 2019: Ben Worel, P.E., MnDOT
  • 2018: Dave Rettner, P.E., American Engineering Testing
  • 2017: Julie Vandenbossche, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh
  • 2016: Michael I. Darter, P.E., Ph.D., Applied Research Associates, Inc.
  • 2015: Gerald Reinke, Mathy Construction
  • 2014: Richard Ingberg, P.E., MnDOT
  • 2013: Rick Kjonaas, Deputy State Aid to Local Transportation Engineer, MnDOT
  • 2012: Dave Janisch, P.E., Minnesota Department of Transportation
  • 2011: Rick West, Otter Tail County, Minnesota
  • 2010: Mike Robinson, MnDOT
  • 2009: Mark Maloney, City of Shoreview, Minnesota
  • 2008: Doug Schwartz, MnDOT
  • 2007: Duane Blank, Crow Wing County, Minnesota
  • 2006: Patrick Hughes. MnDOT
  • 2005: Wayne Fingalson, Wright County, Minnesota
  • 2004: Art Bolland, MnDOT
  • 2003: Erland Lukanen, MnDOT
  • 2002: Gerald Rohrbach, MnDOT
  • 2001: Michael Sheehan, Olmsted County, Minnesota
  • 2000: George R. Cochran, P.E., MnDOT
  • 1999: Eugene L. Skok, Ph.D., University of Minnesota
  • 1998: Roger C. Olson, P.E., MnDOT

Eugene Skok Distinguished Lecture Award for Contributions to Pavement in the United States

  • 2024: David Timm, Ph.D., NCAT
  • 2023: Eshan Dave, Ph.D., University of New Hampshire
  • 2022: Mihai Maristaenu, Ph.D., University of Minnesota
  • 2020 & 2021: no events
  • 2019: Becky McDaniel, P.E., Ph.D., Purdue University
  • 2018: R. Michael Anderson, P.E., Director of Research and Laboratory Services, Asphalt Institute
  • 2017: Matt Witczak, Ph.D., Arizona State University
  • 2016: David E. Newcomb, P.E., Ph.D, Texas A&M Transportation Institute and Mark Snyder, Engineering Consultant