Cohen receives three awards. (Transcripts).

Eli W. Cohen, P.E., S.E., a principal of Thornton-Tomasetti Engineers in Chicago, was recently honored with three prestigious awards in recognition of his lifetime dedication to the field of structural engineering.

The American Society of Civil Engineers' Illinois Section Structural Group named Cohen the recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of more than 45 years of collaboration with world-renowned architects on the design and construction of many of Chicago's most beloved buildings.

In addition, the University of Illinois Alumni Association and the Chicago Illini Club named Cohen the 2002 Chicago Illini of the Year for his "pioneering work in conceptual design, active involvement in professional organizations and ongoing sharing of expertise with students." A member of the Department of Civil Engineering's alumni association board, Cohen received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1990. Cohen was also given the 2002 Stein, Ray & Harris and Hobbs Group/AVA Insurance Award by Illinois Institute of Technology's College of Architecture for his contributions to the built environment in Chicago.

First as president and principal of structural engineer Cohen-Barreto-Marchertas since 1969, and then merging in 1993 with New York-based The Thornton-Tomasetti Group, Cohen engineered many of Chicago's most beloved buildings. With over 70 Chicago high-rises and more than 350 major projects overall, it is practically impossible to walk down any street in the Loop without seeing a building engineered by Cohen.

Cohen's success can also be measured by the many honors his buildings have received. Among them: Structural Engineers Association of Illinois for Most Innovative Design in 1987 for 10 South LaSalle Street; Best Structure Award in 1991 for 181 West Madison Street; and Best Structure Award in 1992 for 77 West Wacker Drive.