Ron Unnerstall Named 2018 Outstanding Alumni at East Central College

Ron Unnerstall, one of the founders of Washington Engineering & Architecture was named East Central College’s 2018 Outstanding Alumni.  The award is presented annually to honor an ECC graduate who has used his or her education and has been of service to the community.  Ron has used his engineering knowledge over the years to help serve the community. His firm has donated services to help local organizations with projects big and small. Outside of work he volunteers his personal time to help those around him. He’s an inspiration to those who know him, and it’s why he was chosen as the East Central College 2018 Outstanding Alumni.

After graduating from St. Francis Borgia Regional High School, Ron attended East Central College in 1975 for its pre-engineering program. In 1977, he transferred to the University of Missouri-Columbia where he earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

After college, he began his career in engineering at a major construction company in St. Louis. The position would eventually move him to Ohio, where he spent several years. Travel was becoming burdensome, so he returned to Missouri. In 1989 he and Gary Terschluse decided to venture on their own and started Washington Engineering & Architecture.

When returning back to Washington, MO he became involved in the community. He volunteered his time to various St. Francis Borgia committees, as well as serving on its school board. His dedication didn’t go unnoticed, as he was named Knight of the Year in 2013 by the school.  He has also volunteered his time on the Washington Town and Country Fair Board, eventually becoming chairman of the event in 1998 and later was named Grand Marshal of the Washington Town and Country Fair in 2012. He also served on the Franklin County Building Commission as chairman and is involved in the Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge and Lions Club.

Ron didn’t forget about his alma mater over the years. Ron served as president of the East Central College Alumni Association and as a board member for the East Central College Foundation.

Nearly 30 years ago, Ron Unnerstall helped found Washington Engineering & Architecture.  Today, the company’s influence can be seen around Franklin County and beyond. Its portfolio is vast – from the Washington Public Safety Building to the new Heat and Control facility in Union, MO.

Ron and his wife, Donna are parents to four daughters and have six grandchildren. He enjoys spending time with his family and playing drums in the Washington Brass Band.