Paul J Koessler Scholarship

In 2008, the Buffalo Section started assisting the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority with the administration a new student award, open to civil engineering students at the University of Buffalo, focusing on transportation and bridge design. The first award was given in 2009.

Paul J. Koessler was chairman of the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority when he passed away in July 2008 at the age of 71. He served on the Board for eight years. Mr. Koessler was a successful businessman as former president and chief operating officer of Greater Buffalo Press. He was devoted to Buffalo and Western New York; a very involved civic leader serving on numerous boards and committees. He was committed to education, donating generously to educational institutions as well as many other philanthropic causes.

This award ran for it's full 10 year term before being retired in 2018 before the ASCE Distinguished Student Member Award was introduced in 2022.