Garms receives honor from Washington University

Irvin H. Garms, left, receives the "Honorary Alumnus" designation Oct. 14 from Washington University chancellor Mark S. Wrighton in St. Louis, during a ceremony in the chancellor's office suite. (Submitted photo) [Click to enlarge]

Cape Girardeau resident Irvin H. Garms, 94, recently received the rare designation of "Honorary Alumnus" from Washington University in St. Louis, according to a news release issued by the university.

University chancellor Mark S. Wrighton said the award is given on rare occasions where an individual's personal achievements and public contributions exemplify Washington University's highest ideals and mission.

"Irvin Garms is truly a remarkable individual, and it has been my pleasure to become acquainted with him," Wrighton said. "Over the course of his accomplished career in construction and international finance, he has had a major impact on global economics and commerce. While he did not attend Washington University, Mr. Garms possesses the qualities of intelligence, determination and drive shared by so many of our successful graduates."

According to the news release, Garms' prolific construction career began as a water boy during the Great Depression. Garms rose to become a renowned, multi-company executive. He directed many difficult and important highway, marine, pipeline and dam construction projects.

Until age 85, Garms studied and worked on seaport and shipping ventures in the Middle and Far East as well as major U.S. harbors. He continues to field requests to participate in joint ventures or consult on highway, railway, and inland waterway projects.

Garms has been a board director of more than a dozen domestic and multi-national companies. His first involvement with The World Bank was in 1958. He was elected to leadership positions in U.S. and European trade organizations and was the initial inductee to a hall of fame for contractors.

Garms is serving his 28th year on the Cape Girardeau County Industrial Development Authority. He is also serving his seventh term as a commissioner of the Southeast Missouri Port Authority. For 17 years, he has been chairman of the Port's construction committee.

Dan Overbey, executive director of the Southeast Missouri Port Authority, called Garms a vital piece of the port's success.

"He's been out here on many weekends, traveling across all 500 acres we have with his two dogs," Overbey said. "He made the effort through the years to get to know every square foot of the land.

"With his construction experience he has looked ahead with a vision of where the port needed to go," Overbey said. "If Irvin were a consultant, we couldn't afford him. We're very fortunate he's donated his expertise out here."

Garms is chairman of his family's parent company, I. H. Garms & Sons Co. His younger son, Ronald, who resides primarily in St. Louis, is now its president. His older son, Michael, was previously active in the company but is deceased, survived by his wife Kathie Garms and daughter Kim (Andy) Chronister.

Washington University, founded in 1853, was ranked 12th in the nation among 4,000 colleges by a U.S. News & World Report. This year's 1,500 freshmen were selected from more than 23,000 applicants.