It was with great sadness that we learned our much-loved colleague and friend, Dr. Kam Movassaghi, PhD, PE, passed away on November 2nd. While our hearts are heavy, we’d like to take a moment not only to mourn his passing, but also to celebrate the life of a true gentleman who dedicated his career to serving the state of Louisiana.

Dr. Kam was born in Mashad, Iran on May 20, 1940, and traveled to the United States to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering at then Southwestern Louisiana Institute. After earning his Master’s degree at Louisiana State University, and starting a family with his wife, Mazie, Kam returned home to Iran to start an engineering business. When revolution broke out there in the late 1970’s, Dr. Kam fled with his family back to Louisiana, choosing Lafayette as the place to call home for the remainder of his life.

As a believer in accountability, action, and service, Kam began what would become a 60-year career seamlessly moving between work in the private sector, leading major state initiatives through various roles, and through it all, teaching the next generation of engineers at the University Louisiana at Lafayette. In 1998, he was appointed as Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development under Governor Mike Foster—a role he held through 2004. Dr. Kam then served as President of Fenstermaker from 2005-2014, where he became a respected mentor to many of our colleagues, quite a few of which serve as senior leaders and mentors in the company today. In later years, Dr. Kam founded Movassaghi Group, PEC, serving as President & CEO until his passing.

“Kam was a mentor to me and a huge part of my life both professionally and personally. He got me involved early on with our executive team, vetted strategic issues with me and guided me through all facets of our business. Kam’s unique life experiences gave him a wealth of wisdom that he was always willing to share. I owe a great deal to Kam and he will definitely be missed.” —Charles Fenstermaker, President

Kam was a passionate advocate for the practice of civil engineering and all the fruits of the profession. He was a firm believer that engineers with the right education and mindset could directly and positively impact how state infrastructure benefits the people of the communities it serves. He saw it as an obligation that if one can help, one SHOULD help—a philosophy that he lived by and that’s proven by the many achievements and accolades he earned during his lifetime, including:

• Named National Government Engineer of the Year by American Society of Civil Engineers.
• Executive Director of the Report Card for Louisiana’s Infrastructure in 2012.
• One of only 18 to receive ASCE’s Francis C. Turner Award for contributions to the knowledge and practice of transportation engineering.
• Awarded the A. B. Paterson Award FOR Distinguished Service in Management by an Engineer.
• Received a lifetime designation as a National Associate of the National Research Council of the National Academies.
• Named to the Louisiana Transportation Hall of Honor.
• Inducted into LSU’s Civil and Environmental Engineering Hall of Distinction.
• Served as Chairman of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.
• Established The Kam and Mazie Movassaghi Endowed Civil Engineering Support Fund at USL in 2014.

 

Our Chairman and CEO, Bill Fenstermaker, says it best:

“A good friend and an extraordinary man, Kam Movassaghi’s compassion knew no bounds. His leadership was an inspiration. Kam leaves a legacy of lasting impact on all those who had the privilege of knowing him.” —Bill Fenstermaker, Chairman/CEO

Dr. Kam leaves behind his wife, Mazie, two grown children, Eric and Jennifer, three grandchildren, and the many students, friends, and colleagues who were inspired by him throughout his 60-year career teaching, leading, and serving.

“I am tremendously grateful for all of the opportunities I’ve had. In return, I hope that I have done something for humanity; that I have done something good for my community, my state, my adopted country.” – Dr. Kam Movassaghi, PhD, PE

You’ve touched the lives of so many and helped to build better infrastructure that the citizens of Louisiana will enjoy for years to come. Rest in peace, Dr. Kam.

Planned Memorial Service

Dr. Kam’s family is having a private burial service at the Delhomme Funeral Home in Lafayette. A memorial service that the public can attend is being planned.

In lieu of sending flowers, please consider a donation in Dr. Movassahi’s memory to The Kam and Mazie Movassaghi Endowed Civil Engineering Support Fund through the UL Foundation, which serves to support the University of Louisiana’s engineering department and help prepare students for a career in engineering.

---