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Alumnus names engineering program as sole beneficiary of his estate

Warren Gibson, PhD (CIT ’65; GRS ’69, engineering mechanics; GRS ’71, engineering), would be the first to say he benefited from the education he received from his alma mater. After all, it led him to a job at the U.S. Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory and later, to become co-founder of an engineering company.

Gibson had happily demonstrated his appreciation through more than a quarter century of annual fund donations, but now the engineering school was asking for a much larger gift. 

Shortly after the request, he turned to his best friend since childhood, television broadcast pioneer Bill Baker (ADL ’66; GRS ’68, ’72 communication sciences), for advice. 

Thinking about his experiences, Gibson told Baker the university had not only contributed to his professional success but also to his lifelong love of learning. He’d gone on to faculty positions at Santa Clara University and San José State University and, after retirement, pursued a master’s degree in economics.

After this reflection, Baker replied: “Gibson, you owe Case!”

Gibson took his friend’s words to heart. He went on to fund upgrades to the concrete, geotechnical and supported structures labs, as well as the renovation of what is now the Warren C. Gibson Library in the Bingham Building. The experience was humbling for the Cleveland Heights native who’d dreamed of attending Case Institute of Technology—now �ǿմ�ý—since he was 12.

Now, Gibson hopes to help others make their dreams a reality: His latest commitment designates the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Case School of Engineering the sole beneficiary of his estate.

“It’s rewarding to see the school’s progress in recent years,” said the alumnus. “I hope [my gift] will make more students aware of the enormous challenges and endless opportunities available in civil engineering.”

The first $2 million of the bequest will establish the Alfred E. and Mary W. Gibson Fund—named for Gibson’s grandparents—to support graduate students in the department, with remaining funds going toward expanding research opportunities.

“Bill woke me up and he deserves credit for that,” said Gibson. “So now, I ask my fellow alumni: What do you owe �ǿմ�ý?”

Warren Gibson and Adel “Tony” Saada, professor emeritus of civil engineering, outside the Warren C. Gibson Library

Originally published in the winter 2024 issue of Forward Thinking magazine