The Department of Mechanical Engineering has received a $25,000 collection of gifts from various donors to support the creation of the Mechanical Engineering Academy of Distinguished Alumni Endowed Excellence Fund. As directed by the Board of Regents, this award will be used to help fund operating expenses and associated projects of the Academy.
The Mechanical Engineering Academy of Distinguished Alumni was established in 2004 to honor the accomplishments and careers of the many outstanding departmental alumni. The organization aims to build strong support for the high-achieving mechanical engineers of UT Austin. Additionally, the Academy initiates and maintains connections among students, faculty, and alumni.
Last year, the Academy and the Department of Mechanical Engineering unveiled the Academy of Distinguished Alumni Recognition wall. The wall includes photos and brief biographies of all the Academy members. Located on the first floor of the Engineering Teaching Center, the wall serves to inspire students and visitors.
Alumni of the Department of Mechanical Engineering have each contributed to and supported the department and its students in a variety of ways. For example, Shaunna F. Black serves as a co-chair for Elevate ME, committing time and funds to promote diversity among mechanical engineering students. Jacob Cordova, co-founder and chief architect of the Sandbox, shared insights and knowledge of facility designs and technologies with UT Austin during the concept design phases of the EERC Longhorn Maker Studio. These are but a few examples of how our alumni have played a large role in advancing the department.
The establishment of the Mechanical Engineering Academy of Distinguished Alumni Endowed Excellence Fund is an opportunity for the department to recognize the continuous endeavors of ME alumni. With appreciation, the fund will continue to foster the mechanical engineering community and champion the profession. Gifts to the fund may be made at https://giving.utexas.edu/MEADA.
