2 U. professors of engineering honored

Two University of Utah faculty members were elected into the National Academy of Engineering on Friday.

Anil Virkar, professor and chairman of materials science and engineering, and William Hustrulid, professor emeritus of mining engineering, are the 33rd and 34th present or former U. researchers to be elected to the prestigious body.

Election to the National Academy of Engineering is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer.

According to the academy, memberships honor those who take part in "developing fields of technology (and make) major advancements in traditional fields of engineering."

"I'm very happy and surprised," Virkar said in a written statement. "I'm very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work at the university for the last three decades and to have had many, many good students."

Hustrulid retired two years ago and is now a consultant at Hustrulid Mining Services in Bonita Springs, Fla.

"I had absolutely no idea that this was in the works," Hustrulid said in a written statement from Florida. "My feet aren't on the ground."