The University of Texas at Austin
College of Engineering

Distinguished Alumni

The Department of Mechanical Engineering, in an effort to recognize the accomplishments of its outstanding alumni, has established the Mechanical Engineering Academy of Distinguished Alumni. The Academy seeks to do the following:

  • Recognize engineers publicly among UT community and Engineering community
  • Champion our own professions
  • Create a sense of community/camaraderie within the Department
  • Facilitate interaction/continuity with the student body and our alumni and corporate friends

The Academy recognizes alumni in four categories:

Outstanding Young Mechanical Engineer

These members must be under the age of 40 and have shown outstanding work in their field, plus be promising leaders for the future. They must have a strong commitment and interest in The University and the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Distinguished Mechanical Engineer

These members must be age 40 or older, and have proven superior professional achievement, community service and service to the University. These alumni are role models for all to follow and their example of distinguished professional practice deserves recognition.

Mechanical Engineering Hall Of Fame

Members in this category are alumni who are retired or near-retirement with outstanding career records. This award recognizes sustained and meritorious contributions to engineering and engineering management.

Mechanical Engineering Honorary Engineering Award

Recipients of this award are non-UT ME Alumni who have made major contributions to the engineering profession and whose support of the UT Mechanical Engineering Department merits recognition.

Charter Members Of The Academy

These are the Alumni and Mechanical Engineers who were prominent in the creation of the academy.

Outstanding Young Mechanical Engineer

  • David K. Leigh (2007)
  • Andrew J. Mawer (2007)
  • Gloria Ho Driscoll (2006)
  • Kjell Knutson (2005)
  • Jerri L. Paul (2004)
  • Ryan L. Thompson (2004)

Distinguished Mechanical Engineer

  • Susan L. Allen (2007)
  • Robert C. Olsen (2007)
  • Terrell A. "Bear" Poth (2007)
  • B. Elliott Short, Jr. (2007)
  • Royce J. Holland, Jr. (2006)
  • Marvin E. Odum, III (2006)
  • Warren R. Waggoner, P.E. (2006)
  • Dr. Enrique "Rick" Barrera (2005)
  • Cathy Foerster (2005)
  • Dr. John H. Gully (2005)
  • Col. Nathaniel H. Sledge, Jr. (2005)
  • Kim Ess (2004)
  • Robert C. Leibrock (2004)
  • Karen A. Thole, Ph.D. (2004)

Mechanical Engineering Hall of Fame

  • Marcel E. Gres (2007)
  • Richard L. Walton (2007)
  • Dr. J. Wesley Barnes (2006)
  • Shaunna Black (2006)
  • James E. Nugent (2006)
  • Frank P. Sebastian (2005)
  • Mary Jo Knobelsdorf (2004)
  • Patrick Barry Niland (2004)

Mechanical Engineering Honorary Engineer Award

CHARTER MEMBERS OF THE ACADEMY

  • William M. Boren
  • Patrick O. Braden, Ph.D. (Posthumous)
  • Jerry W. Brougher
  • William C. Cawthon (Posthumous)
  • Kenneth D. Cockrell
  • Keys A. Curry, Jr.
  • Gerald P. D'Arcy, Ph.D.
  • Maurice N. Dannenbaum (Posthumous)
  • Louis F. Davis (Posthumous)
  • Donald J. Douglass
  • Lt. Gen. Ken Eickmann
  • Donald L. Evans
  • Clay Fulcher, Sr., Ph.D.
  • Edward M. Galle
  • George A. Helland, Jr.
  • George P. Hill (Posthumous)
  • Joe J. King (Posthumous)
  • Frank W. McBee (Posthumous)
  • Charles E. McQueary, Ph.D.
  • Thomas L. Moser
  • Carol Lister Orr (Posthumous)
  • H. Grady Rylander, Jr., Ph.D.
  • Marvin Selig
  • Calvin D. Sholtess
  • Byron E. Short, Sr., Ph.D. (Posthumous)
  • Byron D. Tapley, Ph.D.
  • Johnny C. "Buddy" Wachel