School irrigation expert honored

By JOHANNA MURRAIN

Edward Norum, an irrigation expert long associated with Fresno State, was named 2004 Person of the Year by the Irrigation Association, becoming the third person from the school to receive the honor. Norum, the first executive director of the Center for Irrigation Technology, was honored Nov. 15 at the International Irrigation Show in Tampa, Fla.

“I am honored by what the organization stands for, the promotion for the advancement of irrigation technology,” Norum said. “Makes you think that maybe the judgments in your life were in the right direction when you are awarded an honor like this.”

Norum remembers a statement from a fellow student, who was handicapped, in 1948 that changed his life in the direction of agricultural engineering.

“If I was physically able, I would go into agriculturalengineering,” the student said to Norum. The incident opened his eyes to other possibilities in life—engineering.

The award, established in 1952, goes to individuals outside the industry who have made outstanding contributions toward the acceptance of sound irrigation practices.

“It’s a passion for irrigation, supported by a strong work ethic that has enabled Ed to make all the contributions he has to the industry,” president of the Irrigation Association and CIT director David Zoldoske said. “He designed the first building, the first fixtures and worked with the industry to develop the whole program.”