At its twice-yearly meeting, the ASTM International board of directors approved a proposal for a new membership-wide, “society” award in honor of longtime member Werner H. Gumpertz, who died in 2017. Three board members also visited the Simpson Gumpertz & Heger headquarters, located in the city (Boston) where the board meeting was held.

Gumpertz, who volunteered with ASTM International for 57 years, served as chair of the roofing and waterproofing committee (D08) and was active in four other committees. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and advanced engineering degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He went on to found Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, a multinational engineering firm.

“As a result of his exceptional work on standards over six decades, Werner Gumpertz played a major role in creating strong technical foundation for our modern built environment,” said ASTM International President Katharine Morgan. “Our board is thrilled to celebrate his legacy by creating just our eighth society-level award in his honor.” 

Per the approved proposal, the Werner H. Gumpertz Award will be presented annually to an engineer, scientist, or architect who has made significant professional contributions to the field of building technology and/or to multidisciplinary technical problem-solving in the construction industry. 

“As the consummate ASTM International member, Werner Gumpertz gave much more of his talents and time than what he received in return,” according to Ralph Paroli, Ph.D., former chair of ASTM International’s board of directors and former chair of the roofing and waterproofing committee. “This is a fitting way to honor him.”

Media Inquiries: Dan Bergels, tel +1.610.832.9602; dbergels@astm.org 

Release #10916