Renowned author, engineer and Duke University professor Henry Petroski shared his unique insights on “Success and Failure in Design: Lessons from History” at the 2008 Vecellio Distinguished Lecture, held on the campus of Virginia Tech in October 2008.

Petroski, a professor of both civil engineering and history, has written more than a dozen books on design, covering everything from complex bridge structures to the everyday pencil. He has been featured on numerous radio and television programs, has lectured before national and international audiences, and is the recipient of numerous awards and honorary doctoral degrees.

The lecture series is sponsored by an endowment from the Vecellio Family Foundation and individual family members in support of the Vecellio Construction Engineering and Management Program at Virginia Tech, where several Vecellios have graduated, including the late Leo Vecellio, Sr. (class of 1938), Leo Vecellio, Jr. (1968) and Michael Vecellio (2001).

The Vecellio endowment also supports scholarships, fellowships and a full professorship at the school.