CSULB alumnus gives back to inspire new generation of civil engineers
Larry Totten ‘72, ‘76 remembers repairing engines as a child and learning how to weld with his father.
His father, Howard, was a technical guy and it stuck with Totten.
“During World War II, he worked designing and building aircraft parts,” Totten said. “He certainly encouraged his three children to take advantage of our educational opportunities.”
Totten’s father grew up during The Great Depression and couldn’t afford college. He was self-taught in math, calculus and other advanced sciences.
“I was not a great student in high school, and I ended up going to Vietnam,” Totten said. “When I returned, I was very motivated and had an inclination to go into engineering.”
His father’s influence helped build Totten’s interest in obtaining an education in civil engineering. Totten received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Cal State Long Beach.
After graduating, Totten started his career with Southern California Edison, working on foundations for power plants and environmental studies for transmission lines. He then started and became owner of a specialty concrete construction firm, Johnson Western Gunite Company.
Civil engineering still runs in Totten’s family. His daughter, Jenny, received her degree in the subject from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She’s now working with a large drilling corporation.
Today, Totten supports CSULB’s civil engineering programs, including the Department of Civil Engineering & Construction Engineering Management and the Beavers Charitable Trust, a group that supports civil engineering scholarships.
For Totten, giving back is a way to show gratitude to The Beach.
“I feel like I’m giving back to the industry that has been so good to me,” he said.
He also gives to encourage more student success in civil engineering programs.
“There are tremendous demands for civil engineers,” he said, explaining that most engineering students gravitate toward computers when there is still a need for infrastructure and construction experts.
“The businesses that I’ve been involved in are not for the faint of heart,” he said. “It’s hard work, and if you get to the upper levels, it’s a risk/reward issue.”
Visit College of Engineering's "How you Can Make a Difference" page to make a gift.
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