Month: September 2021

Sigma Omega Tau Founder, Nugget Dunn, age 82, of Gales Ferry, Connecticut passed away on Wednesday, September 8, 2021. Nugget was born July 19, 1939.

Professor Emeritus Howard Dunn retired as an instructor at the United States Coast Guard Academy on September 5, 2008. He served on the faculty for 30 years, including three years as head of the Academy’s engineering department. Dunn received a doctorate in civil engineering in 1974 from The Pennsylvania State University. He earned undergraduate and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University in 1964 and 1965. Dunn was a retired lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve.

Dunn served the academy in several positions through the years. He was dean of academics from 2003 to 2004, head of the department of engineering from 2000 to 2003, head of the civil engineering section from 1990 to 2000, associate dean of academics from 1982 to 1984, and assistant dean of academics from 1981 to 1982. While at the academy, Dunn received the George C. Wadlin Award for distinguished service to civil engineering education in 2004 and the Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association’s Distinguished Faculty Award in 2005.

Nugget was a member of the University of Connecticut Sea Grant Senior Advisory Board, the Three Rivers Community College Regional Advisory Council and the Gales Ferry School Building Committee. He served as chairman of the New Emergency Services Building Construction Committee in Ledyard.

Upon his retirement, Nugget stated, “Teachers act as facilitators. I think I’ve influenced a whole lot of graduates. When cadets come in and say you’ve had an influence, that’s real nice.”

Chris Hammerle, 50, of Virginia Beach, Virginia passed away in his home on July 29, 2018. He was born in Rockford, Illinois to Walter and Charlotte Hammerle. A graduate of Norfolk Academy (1985), Chris earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech in 1989. Chis then worked for more than 25 years at American GFM in Chesapeake.

In his spare time, Chis enjoyed spending time with friends, fishing and tossing horseshoes. Chris had an infectious laugh, especially when he beat his dad in a game of backgammon or was sharing a good time with a friend. Some of his best times were spent fishing on the Chesapeake Bay and at Lake Smith in his own backyard.

Please click here to read more about Chris.