1932
Dr. Wright is born in Syracuse, New York to Richard Newport and Carolyn Wright.
1953
Dr. Wright receives a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from Syracuse University.
1953
Dr. Wright becomes a junior engineer for the Pennsylvania Railroad in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1955
Dr. Wright receives a Master of Civil Engineering from Syracuse University.
1957
Dr. Wright becomes an instructor of civil engineering at the University of Illinois.
1962
Dr. Wright receives a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Illinois and becomes an assistant professor of engineering.
1965
Dr. Wright is promoted to associate professor at the University of Illinois.
1970
Dr. Wright is promoted to full professor at the University of Illinois.
1971
Dr. Wright is appointed chief of structures in the Building Research Division of the U.S. Bureau of Standards in Washington, D.C.
1972
Dr. Wright becomes deputy director of the Center for Technology Building.
1974
Dr. Wright becomes an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois.
1982
Dr. Wright receives a Gold Medal from the United States Department of Commerce.
1988
Dr. Wright is named Federal Engineer of the Year by the National Society of Professional Engineers.
1991
Dr. Wright is appointed director of the Building and Fire Research Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
1999
Dr. Wright is appointed chairman of the Board of Infrastructure and Constructed Environment of the National Research Council.
2003
Dr. Wright receives the International Award from the Japan Society of Civil Engineers.
2003
Dr. Wright is elected to the National Academy of Engineering.
2004
Dr. Wright becomes a research professor of civil engineering at the University of Maryland.
2010
Dr. Wright receives the President’s Medal from the American Society of Civil Engineers.