Carl A. Bluedorn papers

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: RS 21/7/184

Staff Only

Scope and Content

This collection (1927-2005, undated) contains news clippings and photographs from a scrapbook compiled by Bluedorn while in college. The scrapbook photographs contain images of Bluedorn, Iowa State campus scenes, and other students. The images also depict scenes from Camp Marston, ISU’s Department of Civil Engineering Surveying Summer Camp. The news clippings document his professional and philanthropic achievements.

Dates

Creation: 1927-2005, undated

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

Open for research.

Use/Re-use Restrictions

Consult Special Collections and University Archives

Biography/Profile

Carl A. Bluedorn was born April 10, 1909, in Walcott, Iowa, to Rudolph and Rosa Siebke Bluedorn. Bluedorn received his B.S. (1931) from Iowa State College (University) in civil engineering. Bluedorn joined Zeidler’s Inc., a concrete manufacturer in Waterloo, Iowa, in 1932. He was soon promoted to General Manager (1936), President (1946), and Chairman (1972).

Bluedorn was a very active supporter of Iowa State University throughout his lifetime. He served on the executive committee of the ISU Alumni Association, was Director of the National Cyclone Club, a charter member of the Order of the Knoll, and President of the ISU Foundation Board of Governors. Iowa State University honored Bluedorn with several awards in recognition of his support and professional accomplishments. He was Cy’s Favorite Alum (1959) and was awarded the Alumni Merit Award (1960), the Alumni Medal (1972), and the Professional Achievement Citation in Engineering award (1995).

Bluedorn was also very active in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls community where he resided. He and his wife, Peggy, provided financial support for both the Carl and Peggy Bluedorn Science Imaginarium at the Grout Museum in Waterloo and the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on the University of Northern Iowa campus in Cedar Falls.

Carl Bluedorn married Naomi Muir on June 10, 1933, and they were later divorced. He then married Peggy “Pearl” Rudy in 1970. Carl Bluedorn died July 8, 1997 in Waterloo, Iowa.