Albert A. Mathews, P.E. ‘36
Inducted into the Academy 1996

Retired President, Al Mathews Corp.
Former President, A.A. Mathews, Inc.

Albert Mathews received a BS, with honors, in Mining Engineering in 1936 from the Michigan College of Mining and  Technology.  He is a registered professional engineer in nine states.

Al had a diversified career in the mining and construction industries before starting his own consulting firm in Arcadia, CA in 1953.  A.A. Mathews, Inc. specialized in heavy construction projects including the Pennsylvania Turnpike tunnels, underground powerhouses in Oroville, CA, Churchill Falls, Labrador, and Portage Mountain, British Columbia; dams in Oregon, Washington, Texas, Philippines, New Zealand, and Pakistan; water system tunnels in Austin, New York City, and Buenos Aires; and subway systems in Washington, DC, San Francisco, and Mexico City.  As a troubleshooter, Al was called to complete the First Wilson Tunnel in Hawaii, after a collapse during construction; the Carmen Smith diversion tunnel in Oregon, after encountering unprecedented water flows, and coped with bad ground in the Big Walker Mountain highway tunnels in Virginia.  Since 1976, Al has worked out of Federal Way, WA with the Al Mathews Corp. specializing in feasibility, design, and contractual problems on tunnels and large construction.  His recent projects include the Los Angeles and Portland Metros; Power Tunnels in Niagara Falls, Canada; and hydroelectric projects in India and the People’s Republic of China.

He is a member of the Presidents Club, Century II Campaign, McNair and Second Century Societies, and was awarded the Board of Control Silver Medal in 1986.  Al is a well-known speaker and author and was recognized in 1976 with the Golden Beaver Award for outstanding achievement in heavy engineering construction.  He is a member of ASCE, the National Academy of Engineering, and the U.S. Committee on Large Dams.