After more than 42 years of devoted service, Paul Schwartz, the USC Foundation’s only Chief Engineer will retire at the end of July.

Paul first joined the Foundation in 1975 as a student worker while attending the University of Southern California. He would go on to earn his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from USC.

Paul leading an exercise at a Tester course in 2013 (Image credit: Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research)

After graduation and a brief period at Standard Oil, Paul joined the Foundation as Chief Engineer in 1977, overseeing the USC Approval Program; instructing at the Foundation’s training events; and coordinating the update of the Foundation’s Manual of Cross-Connection Control.

Working with Professor E. Kent Springer, Foundation director from 1965-1984, they worked mostly with students until more full-time engineers were hired in the 1980s.

Paul has taught countless Tester and Specialist training courses. His enthusiasm for teaching and his ability to engage students over the years have helped the Foundation’s training events become a destination for many joining the industry.

Over the years, Paul has traveled across the country educating the public about the dangers of backflow and cross-connections. With Paul as Chief Engineer, the Foundation has become a recognized leader in backflow prevention and cross-connection control.

Paul’s been heavily involved in professional organizations like the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA), American Water Works Association (AWWA), California-Nevada Section of the American Water Works Association (CA-NV AWWA) and the American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE). Paul also maintains a Professional Engineer’s License in the State of California.

The USC Foundation will miss Paul’s hard work and dedication to help protect the potable water system in order to ensure everyone has safe drinking water.

This article originally appeared in CrossTalk Volume 37, Issue 3, reprinted with permission