Dr. Misganaw Demissie

CHAMPAIGN - Dr. Misganaw (known to many as Mike) Demissie entered this world on Dec. 12, 1949, in Gondar, Ethiopia, to the late Demissie Asfaw and Taytu Nadew. He was one of 10 children born to the couple.

Misganaw loved learning and excelled in school. After studying in Ethiopia, Misganaw was awarded a scholarship to study in the United States. He earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Iowa and master's and doctorate degrees at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, all in civil engineering.

It was at the University of Illinois that Misganaw met his wife and soulmate, Gloria. They married in July 1980 and raised two children together. Misganaw and Gloria spent almost 50 years together, lasting until Misganaw took his final breath on Thursday, April 20, 2023.

Misganaw was a soccer player in his youth and as an adult. He played for the University of Iowa's traveling soccer club. He later coached his son's park district and club soccer teams for several years, impacting a multitude of young lives. Misganaw was a sports fan, particularly of soccer, college and professional football, college basketball and the Olympics. You would often find him watching or reading about sports or the latest news. He was an avid traveler who enjoyed spending time with family while vacationing.

Misganaw faithfully served the Illinois State Water Survey, the primary research agency for water and atmospheric resources in the state, for more than 40 years. He joined the water survey family in 1973 as a graduate research assistant and rose to principal scientist, leading major research programs. In 2009, he became the water survey's ninth director, and the first African American director, since its founding in 1895. He retired in 2016. His research focused on watershed science with an emphasis on erosion, sedimentation and watershed hydrology.

Misganaw was a registered Professional Engineer, fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and diplomate of the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers, the American Geophysical Union, the International Water Resources Association, and the International Association of Hydrological Sciences. He also served as co-editor-in-chief of Water International, the official journal of the International Water Resources Association. He also served as the first state hydrologist for the state of Illinois (2013-16).

Misganaw received many awards (e.g., the Frank Bellrose Illinois River Conservation Award from the Nature Conservancy) and served on numerous professional committees, providing his extensive river hydraulics and sediment transport expertise to federal, state, regional and local organizations addressing water-resource issues. During his career, Misganaw produced over 175 publications and was often called upon to provide expert testimony. His research program provided science-based data and information that contributed to many water and natural resources throughout Illinois watersheds and major rivers of the Upper Midwest. His expertise was also sought by international workshops in countries such as Burkina Faso, Thailand, China, Brazil, Scotland and South Korea. During Misganaw's career, he supervised and mentored dozens of scientists, with international reach and impact.

Misganaw was not only an outstanding professional but also a wonderful husband, father and brother, and a superb human being. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and colleagues.

Misganaw was preceded in death by his parents, Demissie Asfaw and Taytu Nadew; and two brothers, Habte Selassie and Yenesaw Demissie.

Misganaw is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Gloria J. Demissie; two children, Zewditu of Georgia and Melaku (Brittney) of Illinois; two grandchildren, Ethan and Zenaye; seven siblings, Yaynalem of Georgia, Yohannes (Sarah) of Washington D.C., Ephrim (Hilina) of California, Yimegnushal (Theodros) of California, Tigist (Maru) of California, Assefa "Beze" (Hanna) of Ethiopia and Fasika of California; four sisters-in-law, Thelma Young, Clementine Eiland (Levander), Dorothy Yarborough and Janis Magee; one brother-in-law, Emmitt Louie (Gwen); one aunt; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Nature Conservancy (nature.org/en-us/membership-and-giving/donate-to-our-mission/other-ways-to-give/) or Doctors Without Borders (doctorswithoutborders.org/get-involved/ways-to-give).

Condolences may be offered at morganmemorialhome.com.