The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Grainger College of Engineering has honored Sergio "Satch" Pecori, CEO and Chairman of Hanson Professional Services Inc., with the Alumni Award for Distinguished Service for 2023. Pecori received his Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering as well as a Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering from UIUC
The award was given to Pecori for his outstanding leadership in the field of civil engineering consulting practice for over 40 years, his support of the Rail Transportation and Engineering Center, commitment to diversity in engineering, and for his contributions to advancing the business climate and infrastructure in Illinois. The award is presented annually to UIUC alumni who have demonstrated leadership in their field, contributions to the professional community and society, as well as service to UIUC, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, or the college.
Pecori has served on several boards, including the College of Engineering Advisory Board, the University of Illinois Foundation President's Council, and the University of Illinois Springfield's Business Advisory Council for the College of Business and Management. He was awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the UIUC College of Civil Engineering in 1999 and is a distinguished chapter honor member of UIUC's Chi Epsilon. He was also named an honorary Beta Gamma Sigma chapter member by the College of Business and Management at UIS.
Pecori joined Hanson in 1974 and is licensed as a professional engineer in five states, including Illinois, as well as a licensed civil engineer and geotechnical engineer in California. He has been recognized for his work several times during his career, including being named a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2007, receiving the President's Award for Outstanding Leadership and Dedication by the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce in the same year, and being awarded the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service in 2015. Additionally, he was inducted into the National Academy of Construction in 2018.
In 2019, Pecori was recognized with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the American Society of Civil Engineers' Outstanding Projects and Leaders award in management. He is a fellow of ASCE, the Society of American Military Engineers, and the American Council of Engineering Companies.
To learn more about the award and see a complete list of recipients, visit https://grainger.illinois.edu/alumni/distinguished.