Remembering former engineering professor and department chair Adel “Tony” Saada
ӰƵ is mourning the loss of Adel “Tony” Saada, PhD, professor emeritus of civil engineering, whose six decades of teaching, research, mentorship and philanthropy left an indelible mark on the Case School of Engineering. Saada passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, Nov. 2, at age 91.
A pioneering scholar and educator, Saada joined the faculty of Case Institute of Technology in 1962, recruited to establish a new discipline in geotechnical engineering. Over the next 60 years, he became a cornerstone of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, which he chaired for two decades, from 1978 to 1998.
“Tony was a rigorous professor and researcher, but a very caring person,” said Xiong “Bill” Yu, PhD, chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. “He knew so much about academia and the university—every time I chatted with him, I learned something from his experience and observations.”
Throughout his career at CWRU, Saada redefined what it meant to study and teach geotechnical engineering. Backed by 30 years of uninterrupted National Science Foundation support, his work in geomechanics and experimental modeling deepened the world’s understanding of how soils behave under stress—knowledge that continues to influence both academic research and engineering practice today. His vision extended beyond research as he helped build a new program in construction management and environmental engineering, ensuring students were prepared for an evolving profession.
Saada’s innovations reshaped laboratory science as well. His design of one of the first hollow cylinder torsional shear testing devices revolutionized how engineers study soil behavior, while his creation of the Case Geotechnical Database provided a vital resource for researchers across the globe. In every setting—whether in the lab or the classroom—Saada inspired excellence, integrity and curiosity.
“Tony Saada was, simply put, larger than life,” said Chris Zorman, interim dean for the Case School of Engineering. “He was a cutting edge researcher, exceptional department leader, engaging and witty educator, and transformative donor to Civil Engineering. His unwavering commitment had a profound impact on the department as well as on the students and colleagues he mentored along the way.”
Saada’s legacy extends far beyond his scholarship. His family’s generosity established the Saada Family Fellowship Fund at the Case Alumni Association, which has provided more than $1.2 million in fellowships to PhD students in civil engineering since 2000. He also helped design and fund the Saada Family Geotechnical Engineering Laboratories, ensuring that faculty and students continue to explore new frontiers in geotechnical research and education.
“His passion was contagious,” said Yu. “He was really great at getting alumni and friends excited about these projects.”
That same passion extended to his students.
“Tony cared deeply about supporting our students, and I’ve heard many stories about the impact he had on them—both inside and outside the classroom,” recalled Yu. “He once travelled all the way to New Jersey for a weekend to cheer on a team of students participating in a concrete canoe competition—I know they’ll always remember his support.”
Known for his infectious energy and wit, Saada approached his work with genuine enthusiasm and pride. He liked to remind his colleagues and students that, even after he was gone, he would continue to watch over the department he helped build, keeping a sign in the lab with the letters PGTS: “Protected by the Ghost of Tony Saada.”
“I have a stone waiting for me at Lake View Cemetery," he shared in a video commemorating his 2019 Meritorious Service award from the Case Alumni Association. “If anyone ever plays tricks with this department or lab … my ghost will come down and haunt you for the rest of your life.”
Saada’s contributions, influence and commitment to CWRU are unlikely to be forgotten.
“Tony was a great leader and supporter of our department,” Yu added. “He was a living history book of the school whose stories and wisdom shaped generations of engineers.”
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 15, at Brown-Forward Funeral Home (17022 Chagrin Blvd, Shaker Heights) at 11 a.m. Friends may call at Brown-Forward one hour before the service.
Students who would like support during this time are encouraged to contact University Health and Counseling Services at 216.368.5872. This line is staffed by a counselor 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Faculty and staff can access counseling at any time by calling AllOne Health (formerly IMPACT Solutions) at 1.800.227.6007.
