At the Asphalt Institute’s (AI) recent 2006 Spring Meeting in Washington, D.C., an industry leader was recognized for his outstanding achievements by being named to the Institute’s Roll of Honor.

Vaughn Marker was named to the Roll of Honor for his outstanding contribution and commitment to the asphalt industry. Marker dedicated his extensive knowledge of asphalt to industry publications, studies, and the promotion of asphalt for decades.

“The Roll of Honor is our most prestigious award,” said Pete Grass, president of the Asphalt Institute. “Mr. Marker has shown unmatched dedication to the achievement of asphalt and we are grateful for his countless contributions.”

Marker received a framed certificate in recognition of his award. The institute also awarded Marker the Asphalt Institute award medallion — a polished brass medallion with engraved AI logo and images of the liquid asphalt supply industry.

Marker began his professional career with the California Division of Highways in June 1942, but only worked a short time before serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II. During the war, he served in Europe, North Africa, and Italy from November 1942 to November 1945.

Returning to civilian life, he enrolled at the University of Nevada and graduated in 1947 with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. After completion of his degree, he returned to the California Division of Highways as Asphalt Paving Specialist until he was recalled to active duty in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.

In 1955, Marker joined the Asphalt Institute as a district engineer in the Pacific Coast Division. He was promoted to division paving engineer in 1958 and managing engineer in 1960 before accepting a promotion as chief engineer at AI’s headquarters in 1974.

Between 1960 and 1973, while at AI, Marker was a guest lecturer at the invitation of Professor Carl Monismith at the University of California, Berkeley, in the Engineering Department. Marker retired in 1983 after 28 years with the AI.

Marker has authored more than 20 papers and publications in addition to his active participation in the development of many of the AI publications. Many of his papers and presentations were on compaction of asphalt mixtures, including: “Compaction of Asphalt Concrete;” Thick Lift Compaction for Asphalt Concrete Bases;” and “Technology of Thick Lift Construction.”

Marker also is credited with authoring AI’s IS-168 publication Tender Mixes: The Causes and The Cures. He was considered by many of his peers to be an expert in the compaction of asphalt mixtures.

In addition to publications, Marker served as an active member of the American Public Works Association, American Road and Transportation Builders Association, Transportation Research Board, and American Society of Civil Engineers.

He also was very active in the Association of Asphalt Paving Technologies (AAPT) having served on the board of directors and as president of the Association in 1973-74.

Marker also is a Life member of AAPT, indicating 30 years of membership in the association. He was named an Honorary Member of AAPT in 1994, recognized by the members for “… having outstanding eminence and of long experience in the practice of some phase of asphalt paving technology.” At the time, he was one of only 13 members in the 70-year history of AAPT to have received the award — a list that includes eight Asphalt Institute Roll of Honor recipients.

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