Leading T.Y. Lin International: Alvaro Piedrahita '73

For more than 40 years, in a career that has included awards and special recognition for innovative design and successful delivery of major infrastructure projects, Alvaro J. Piedrahita, P.E. has successfully led technical design professionals on multi-million dollar transportation infrastructure projects for major airports, highways, bridges, transit and rail, and support facilities worldwide. Piedrahita has remained active in the development of large-scale projects, such as the design and construction of the New Northside Runway at Miami International Airport, his technical advisory role on a Florida Department of Transportation committee for the $1.2B Port of Miami Tunnel, and his strategic direction to procure the I-395 to MacArthur Causeway Signature Bridge structure over downtown Miami, yet another billion-dollar project.

As president and chief executive officer of T.Y. Lin International, Piedrahita leads the firm’s strategic direction and market diversification. His leadership has guided the firm to achieve double-digit growth, remain at the forefront of technology and continue to rank among the top design firms in the country. Piedrahita received his M.S. in engineering administration from the University of Tennessee and his B.S. in civil and structural engineering from Newark College of Engineering. He is a registered professional engineer in the state of Florida. His professional affiliations include the Florida Engineering Society (FES) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). On April 19, 2018, Piedrahita will receive the NCE Outstanding Alumnus Award at the college's 20th annual Salute to Engineering Excellence at Nanina's In the Park in Belleville, N.J.

Tell us about your current position.

Since 2008, I have had the honor and privilege to lead and represent T.Y. Lin International (www.tylin.com) as its president and CEO.  T.Y. Lin International ranks among the top transportation infrastructure design firms in the country, and I am proud of the contributions our firm has put forth for the betterment of communities around the globe.

I am humbled by the opportunity to lead and represent a great company that retains some of the brightest minds in engineering today, and to continue to carry on the legacy of excellence and innovation that our founder, Professor T.Y. Lin, envisioned back in 1954.

The firm continues to rank among the top firms in the country, and we are optimistic about the future need for infrastructure in America.

Do you think your NJIT degree helped you to pursue this?  

Yes.  Modestly speaking, I was an average student, but most importantly, I had big dreams for my life, and this institution helped me build the foundation of knowledge that would guide me to realize my dreams. In fact, I can honestly say that the professors and faculty at NJIT encouraged me to achieve those dreams.

Did you ever envisage doing this while you were at NJIT?

No, because I believe when studying one does not assume grand expectations. It is important to dedicate oneself fully to one’s goals.  I believe total devotion to the curriculum and focus enables self-growth.  It is not enough to pass each course; rather, it is essential to allow the fundamentals of the coursework to shape you into the professional you want to become in the future.

What did you do in the year immediately after graduating?

After earning my degree at NCE, I wanted a change of pace.  I moved from Newark and settled down, of all places, in Tennessee. I accepted a position with the Tennessee Department of Transportation as a Bridge Engineer.  I completed their training program and thought it was a great foundation, allowing me to focus on what I truly wanted to do.  I also continued to study and eventually earned my master’s degree in Engineering Administration from the University of Tennessee.

Where did you live when you were a student?

I lived at the TKE fraternity house a few miles away from campus.  However, I spent so much time in the library and cafeteria at NCE that it really felt like my second home.

Did you enjoy your time at NJIT?

No matter where I travel around the globe today for T.Y. Lin International, NCE will always be a source of great pride, great memories  and experiences for me.  Whether I recall the inspirational lessons from my most influential mentors such as Professor Mangasarian, Professor Estrin and Coach Simon, or I recall the comradery of good friends, particularly my fraternity brothers, my time at NCE will always evoke fond memories.

What was your most memorable moment as a student?

I recall Professor Estrin’s technical writing classes that also challenged us to deliver oral presentations to the class, and Professor Mangasarian’s survey classes that included field trips through downtown Newark during those brutal winter days of 1969.

What is your lasting impression of NJIT?

For me, NJIT will always be that institution that is less concerned about one’s gender, ethnicity, cultural, social class or religious beliefs. Instead, my lasting impression of NJIT is an institution that embraces all people of all backgrounds who wish to learn and become stewards of excellence in technology.  I have always recognized and admired how NJIT has changed people’s lives, and I am proud to say that I am also a product of this fine institution.

What advice would you give to those considering a similar career path?

As in any career you choose, the most important advice you should consider is whether your choice contributes to your personal and professional fulfillment. For me, mathematics was always my life’s passion.  It is no wonder that I feel such gratification with engineering as a career choice and such devotion to NJIT where I learned all the important fundamentals I would need later in my professional career.