Ralph J. Henneman, P.E.

1927 – 2023

Chairman Emeritus

When Mr. Henneman founded our firm, he envisioned a company that would provide engineering solutions responsive to clients’ needs in an innovative, cost effective, and professional manner.  Many decades later and the Henneman team of professionals still shares his vision.

Prior to his passing in 2023, Mr. Henneman served as Chairman Emeritus of Henneman Engineering, Inc. He came into the office everyday without fail.

Mr. Henneman was proud to be a 1949 graduate of the University of Illinois’ Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE).  He had 60 years of experience as an electrical engineer, mentor, and leader.

Prior to establishing the firm, Mr. Henneman held engineering positions with Holabird and Root Architects and Engineers in Chicago and with the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.  He served as an electrical engineer for the University of Illinois Physical Plant Department (1950-1957) and University Campus Architects Office (1957-1960).  He was responsible for many of the University’s in-house construction renovations and various maintenance programs during that period of time.

Mr. Henneman was a former president of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Alumni Board of Directors (1987-1988).  In 1992, he was awarded the University of Illinois Loyalty Award by the University of Illinois Alumni Association.  In 1994, he was awarded the Marcia Peterman Award in recognition of dedicated service to ECE.  In 1996, he received the University of Illinois’ Distinguished Alumnus Award from the ECE Department.   Mr. Henneman was an adjunct professor of general engineering at the University of Illinois (1969-1977) where he advised senior design engineering students with special emphasis on design problem solutions.  In 2005, Mr. Henneman was appointed as a member of the University of Illinois Foundation.