Michael Hein, a former professor of building science at Auburn University, died of cancer June 21, 2019, at the age of 70.
In 1971 Hein graduated from Tulane University with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. In 1973 he earned a master’s degree in civil and geological (structural) engineering from Princeton. He spent his early career in the Pacific Northwest teaching at Bellevue Community College and the University of Washington, helping his students’ creativity to blossom.
He went to Auburn, Ala., and its university in 1987. He remained as a teacher and mentor to thousands of students and many junior faculty members for 28 years. Hein’s career was guided by a “desire to understand the relationship between utility and beauty in the engineered environment.” He challenged his students to explore ideas that combined engineering and humanities.
A great lover of music and language, Hein pursued reading, writing, and solitary walks in the outdoors in his final years.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kathleen; four children; and three grandchildren.
Graduate alumni memorials are prepared by the APGA.