Go Emmy Go: Mechanical engineering students design adaptive toy car
12/5/24 10:30 AM
At just three days old, Emerson “Emmy” Wild had her first seizure. At three weeks old, she received a life-changing diagnosis. She had KCNT1-related epilepsy, a rare form of treatment-resistant epilepsy with around 3,000 known cases worldwide. Through her ongoing involvement on campus, mom and Auburn alumnae Alex eventually connected with the Department of Mechanical Engineering with the idea to create a customized toy that Emmy could use.
Auburn University engineering alumnus makes $10M scholarship pledge to his alma mater
11/6/24 12:00 AM
Jeff Hills, ’93 BSCE, recently established the Jeffery S. Hills Scholarship in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering with a pledge of $10 million. The scholarship program will provide an estimated more than 300 scholarships to Auburn Engineering students during the next 20 years, making it the largest single commitment to scholarships in Auburn University history.
Auburn engineers strive to revolutionize diabetes technology with startup Adele Health
9/6/24 2:00 PM
Mark Norton, ‘13 mechanical engineering, quit his Silicon Valley job in 2022 to develop a product he believes will change the world. He soon convinced fellow Auburn alumnus Tyler Boyd, ‘13 electrical engineering, to join him on this transformative journey. For the Adele Health co-founders, their mission is deeply personal. When Norton was tasked with helping his mom find a blood glucose meter after she was diagnosed as pre-diabetic, he noticed how outdated the options were. Not only that, but no one meter could test for all the necessary biomarkers. He knew there had to be a better way.
Auburn engineers abroad: Balancing risks and reaching goals
8/27/24 3:00 PM
Benjamin Bauldree is a decade into his career as a flight test engineer and is eager to share lessons he’s learned with current students. After graduating from Auburn in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, Bauldree began his first position at Eglin Air Force Base in weapons testing. He was selected for the Palace Acquire (PAQ) program, which allowed him to work for a year before returning to Auburn to get his master’s degree in aerospace engineering in 2016.
Auburn engineers abroad: Chemical engineering alumnae takes nuclear expertise to London
8/1/24 3:00 PM
Auburn chemical engineering alumnae Lauren Lathem served as a panelist at CORE POWER’s fifth New Nuclear for Maritime Summit, held at the Royal College of Surgeons in London on June 13. Lathem, the Advanced Nuclear Research and Development (R&D) manager at Southern Company, challenged various attendees to engage a sense of personal responsibility in the growth of nuclear power technology development.
Auburn engineers abroad: Mechanical engineering alumna takes international business trip to focus on cross-cultural collaboration
7/25/24 2:00 PM
Jordan Ryle, '18 mechanical engineering, focuses on optimizing ExxonMobil’s finished lubricant portfolio by analyzing multiple aspects impacting cost for the Americas offer. Ryle recently returned from a business trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she visited a partner ExxonMobil office. The goal of the trip was to discuss how the two teams could better collaborate and learn from each other. “This was my first time in South America and it was amazing,” Ryle said.
Auburn engineers abroad: Embracing our interactive world with one chemical engineering alumnus
7/18/24 9:00 AM
Joe Barth’s 33-year career with Exxon Mobil included work in Jamaica, Thailand, Mexico, Aruba and the Bahamas, just to name a few stops. Now semi-retired, he keeps his travel up with various trips for speaking engagements at conferences and mentoring with various companies.
Auburn engineers abroad: How one electrical engineering alumnus has grown his global perspective
6/26/24 3:00 PM
Jeff Henderson, ’81 electrical engineering, experienced international travel and living from a young age. But when he moved to Auburn in the late 70s, he experienced a different type of culture shock as he adjusted to the Southern lifestyle. While pursuing his bachelor’s degree, he met students with various backgrounds. Though his engineering professors were mainly focused on impacts to the state of Alabama and the region, his experience with the Naval ROTC program grew his international perspective.
ISE Alumni Council honors lost member through memorial scholarship
1/17/24 1:05 PM
Mason Gaston, a valued member of the Auburn University Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering’s Alumni Council, lost his battle with cancer on Sept. 20. To honor his memory, the ISE Alumni Council has established the Mason Gaston Memorial Scholarship.
Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. shares value of leadership
1/2/24 11:00 AM
Following her graduation from Auburn in 1970, Lt. Gen. Leslie Kenne began her Air Force career as an aircraft maintenance officer in southeast Asia, supervising a couple hundred men. The exceptional leadership experience she gained, even from the beginning, played a major role in Kenne staying in the service for more than three decades. After becoming the first woman to enroll in the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School in 1974, Kenne spent 10 years in weapon systems testing and another 10 in program management where she directed three major programs, including the F-16 and F-35. She also held several command positions as well as staff positions at the pentagon.
Auburn alum at Blue Origin working to launch one of world’s tallest rockets
10/25/23 12:00 AM
Auburn alumnus Timothy Monk cis a director on the New Glenn mission management team at Blue Origin, the aerospace manufacturer founded by Amazon.com’s Jeff Bezos. He graduated from Auburn with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering in 2005 and earned a master’s at the University of Colorado a year later. He immediately joined NASA’s Constellation program, working to develop the rockets and spacecraft needed to replace the retiring fleet of space shuttles. When the program was canceled in 2011, Monk had mixed feelings.
Sisterhood of success: Three Auburn Engineering alumnae embrace education, family
10/5/23 10:00 AM
From a young age, sisters Julie Nguyen, Kathy Martin and Carolyn Farmer were taught the value of education. Nguyen graduated from Auburn in 1993 in electrical engineering, Martin in 1994 in civil engineering and Farmer in 2000 in mechanical engineering – each in only three years. Though they all made their way back to Huntsville, each of the Auburn alumnae took their degrees into different fields.
Engineering alumnus makes $3 million gift commitment to aerospace engineering
8/28/23 10:00 AM
John, ’65 aerospace engineering, and Elouise (Click) Junkins recently committed $3 million in an estate gift to establish an endowed chair and add to an endowed scholarship for aerospace engineering in the couple’s name.
Software engineering graduate becomes one of the youngest endowed scholarship donors in college history
3/29/23 2:00 PM
Raj Patel, '22 software engineering, has become one of the college's youngest endowed scholarship donors after establishing a scholarship named after his father and grandfather to benefit students in need.
2016 alumnus named to Forbes Under 30 list for manufacturing and industry
1/19/23 12:07 PM
Allyson McKinney is CEO and founder of SoloPulse, a radar signal processing and data transmission technology company.
Alumnus, NASA manager a key contributor at Stennis Space Center
11/30/22 2:07 PM
NASA Range Safety Manager Karma Snyder’s excitement for the space program and what she has learned during 25 years of working at Stennis Space Center is contagious and something she takes beyond the gates of the south Mississippi site.
Auburn entrepreneurs receive support from familiar faces
11/18/22 9:00 AM
Walt, '69 aerospace engineering, and Ginger Woltosz have recently invested in startup Vulcan Line Tools, founded by Zac Young, '21 mechanical engineering.
Newest Auburn history book highlights women in engineering
10/20/22 3:00 PM
Art Slotkin, ’68 aerospace engineering, has written 11 books, nine of which detail aspects of Auburn University’s history. His newest book, “Across Three Centuries”, profiles the history of women—specifically those in engineering—at Auburn.
Giving back to Auburn Engineering through scholarship and mentorship
8/11/22 7:55 AM
Keith Jones, '86 electrical engineering, has created a successful career with his software engineering company. Now, Jones is giving back to the place where he found the skills and confidence to become an entrepreneur. Jones has created an endowed scholarship for an Auburn Engineering student has serves on the Engineering Alumni Council.
CSSE alumnus named CIO at U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
7/1/22 2:07 PM
Karl Mathias ('99, computer science and software engineering) leads the department’s efforts in developing and implementing IT policies, managing high priority projects, and planning strategic IT investments
Brothers with shared love for Auburn Engineering establish scholarship
3/2/22 3:00 PM
Just minutes after saying goodbye to his brother for the last time, Mark Ogles, ’89 electrical engineering, met a stranger who reminded him of the power of the Auburn Family. “We were leaving from saying goodbye to Michael at the hospice facility, and we got stuck in traffic. The truck beside us honked – I guess he’d seen our Auburn car tag – and he held up an Auburn mug. He rolled his window down, and I did the same, and he told me ‘War Eagle!’ and then asked why we were all the way up in Tennessee,” said Mark. “I told him why we were here – visiting my brother in hospice – and he asked for his name so that he could pray for him." It was one of those moments in his life when Mark was more than proud to be an Auburn alumnus.
Sisters give back to future female engineers through 100+ Women Strong
1/4/22 10:00 AM
For the true Auburn Family experience, twin sisters Jesse and Jordan McLeroy decided not only to attend Auburn together, they actually graduated with the same major. Both 2019 chemical engineering graduates, the McLeroy sisters are now in very different places – Jesse in Colorado and Jordan in Mobile – and very different engineering careers, but they started out together.
Siblings give back to Auburn Engineering in honor of their father
12/14/21 9:10 AM
Born and raised in upstate New York and having moved to Atlanta during his high school years, William Winfield Clark (Bill) knew from an early age he wanted to be an engineer. He looked at Georgia Tech, the practical option just down the road, but then Bill realized there was an equally good school just a little further down the road. “He loved Auburn,” his son Michael said. “He always talked about how his time at Auburn was the greatest period in his life.”
Finding community through 100+ Women Strong
11/2/21 11:05 AM
For those female engineering graduates looking to give back to the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering and help the next generation of Auburn Engineering women, 100+ Women Strong is the perfect outlet. “I’ve always knew I wanted to give back to Auburn by helping students,” said Anne-Marie Larsen, ‘92 computer science. “I don’t have any children, and serving as a mentor is a way for me to have input in a young person’s life.”
Alumna calls on engineering students to be the change
10/6/21 9:00 AM
Charria Campbell, ’05 chemical engineering, has been catalyzing connections for underrepresented students interested in engineering since she graduated from Auburn. Her time at the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering shaped her career in ways she did not expect. “The field of Diversity and Inclusion found me,” Campbell said. “My experience with the Engineering Academic Excellence Program (AEP) – then called the Minority Engineering Program – and the COSAM Drop-In Center at Auburn changed my life.”
Finding a home at Auburn through scholarship
9/27/21 8:00 AM
In many ways, Jim and Bertha Hoskins did not pick Auburn, but Auburn seemed to pick them. Jim, a 1981 electrical engineering graduate, was an enlisted officer in the United States Air Force at the time. He was sent to Auburn on scholarship.
Former president and CEO of American Water gives back to Auburn Engineering
7/21/21 11:20 AM
"To create a great company culture, everything comes back to the issue of respect for every single person,” said Susan Story, former president and CEO of American Water, the largest water utility in the United States. “I believe listening is a great sign of respect, and as a leader, I always made it a priority to listen.”
Forging new paths, engineering alumna gives back through 100+ Women Strong
7/15/21 10:00 AM
The path from civil engineering to president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber may not be the clearest, but it was one Katie Kirkpatrick, ’95 was happy to trail blaze. Kirkpatrick knew from an early age that she wanted to go to Auburn. And with her high school success in math and science, she had her career picked out as an engineer.
100+ Women Strong Innovator Sponsor talks recruiting
6/29/21 4:00 PM
Nalco Water, a division of Ecolab, has a corporate diversity mission statement that sounds fairly familiar. According to Beth Parola, assistant vice president of Nalco Water, the company seeks to “recruit, retain and grow” the number women in engineering. “Our company goals align perfectly with 100+ Women Strong,” said Parola, ’91 chemical engineering.
Auburn Engineering alumnus, interim president of Texas A&M, tells his Auburn story
5/26/21 11:00 AM
John Junkins, ’65 aerospace engineering, was a first generation college student and the first with a doctorate degree. A successful engineer who has worked in both the private sector and academia, he likes to say that he’s not the most successful Junkins sibling in his family. His sister, Faye Gibbons, is an internationally renowned writer, having been inducted into the Literary Hall of Fame. And while her success is indeed noteworthy, Junkins’ engineering accomplishments are equally notable.
Auburn Engineering alumnus receives prestigious legal recognition
5/21/21 10:00 AM
Jack Waddey, '65 aerospace engineering, received recognition from Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. Waddey is a partner at Waller Lansden Dortch and Davis LLP, with a specific focus in intellectual property and commercial disputes.
Growing stronger through virtual connections
5/6/21 8:00 AM
Molly Boudreaux and Barbara Staples got a late start, they like to say. The mentor and mentee met during Boudreaux’s sophomore year. The 100+ Women Strong mentorship match happened after the 2018 April meeting. And while Staples and Boudreaux met a few times on campus, their mentorship relationship grew to what it is today over the COVID-19 lockdown.
Auburn professor to present Apple CEO with IISE Captains of Industry Award
4/27/21 10:00 AM
Apple CEO Tim Cook will accept the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers’ (IISE) Captains of Industry Award at the organization’s virtual annual conference on May 24. Cook, a 1982 Auburn University graduate with a degree in industrial engineering, was nominated for the award by Alice Smith, an IISE Fellow and the Joe W. Forehand/Accenture Distinguished Professor of industrial and systems engineering with a joint appointment in computer science and software engineering at Auburn. The award is the Institute’s highest honor that is bestowed solely on business, industry and government leaders.
Swimming to the top, Auburn Engineering alumnus sets example for the future
4/21/21 10:00 AM
An engineering education takes dedication. Hard work. Perseverance. But for one alumnus, pursuing a degree in civil engineering was just one part of a highly awarded Auburn experience. Gary Schatz, ’78 civil engineering, didn’t hold back when it came to challenges. He matriculated into the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering with a full athletic scholarship. His sport of choice: swimming.
Kenneth Kelly to address Auburn University graduates at spring graduation
4/7/21 10:00 AM
Prominent banking executive and philanthropist Kenneth Kelly will address Auburn’s spring 2021 graduates at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 30, in Jordan-Hare Stadium, kicking off the university’s commencement weekend.
Auburn Engineering alumnus spearheads new Tesla facility in Texas
3/26/21 10:00 AM
David Stanley, ’07 civil engineering, doesn’t just think big, he thinks Giga-big. As the lead structural engineer for the new Tesla Gigafactory in Texas, David has been hard at work to meet their aggressive development and production timeline.
Auburn graduate school paves the path for an American Dream
3/16/21 9:05 AM
In a small agricultural town in Taiwan, a family of seven struggled through World War II. The second youngest of five, Chin Fa Lin was in middle school when some of his siblings were called off to serve. The pressure was great for him to stay at home and help with the family farm. But Lin’s dreams were greater.
Fifty years of giving back to Auburn Engineering
3/4/21 7:55 AM
From the time he stepped into the country, it seemed almost destined that Pete Cerny, ’69 aerospace engineering, would work on rockets. “Pete’s dad came to the United States in 1957 to work with Wernher von Braun. He brought the family with him. Pete was 11 at the time and could not speak a word of English,” said Peggy Cerny, ’69 business administration. “My husband was smart and determined. He learned English quickly. He wanted to be an aerospace engineer like his dad.”
Pair of esteemed professors react to receiving Barkley Endowed Professorships
2/26/21 11:05 AM
In 2010, Barkley, a College of Education major who starred on the men’s basketball team from 1981-84, established the Charles W. Barkley Endowed Professorship to celebrate a commitment to diversity among Auburn faculty. Cheryl Seals, an associate professor in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, and William Powell, a professor and director of choral activities in the Department of Music in the College of Liberal Arts, were selected as the 2020 recipients of the prestigious endowment for their excellence in the classroom and commitment to the university.
Chair of Auburn Alumni Engineering Council reflects on historic first year
2/22/21 3:05 PM
For Kenneth Kelly, ’90 electrical engineering, giving back of his time, talent and treasure is something he considers a duty and an honor. Kelly, who serves as the first African American to chair the Auburn Alumni Engineering Council in its 55-year history, has supported Auburn in a myriad of ways since his graduation more than 30 years ago, but he considers his time with the council as something extra special.
Electrical engineering grad shares secrets to ExxonMobil success
2/18/21 9:05 AM
When Dewayne Sanders first came to Auburn University, he never imagined he would become president of his fraternity, co-op with Southern Company or one day work for one of the largest private companies in the world. Today, Sanders is continuing his 30-year engineering career with ExxonMobil and says his Auburn education was a solid foundation for the career he was able to build.
Chemical engineering alum shares passion for diversity in engineering
2/16/21 8:05 AM
Diversity in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering is something Metrick Houser, ’93 chemical engineering, is passionate about. “Having graduated in 1993, a lot of things have changed, but what I do see is that the Auburn spirit and the Auburn Family continues to remain,” he said. “The campus looks a lot different and it was really fun to have the opportunity to witness the naming of the Harold Melton Student Center – I thought that was a great dedication to him. You can really see the fingerprints of diversity starting to reach out across campus and I’m very excited about what the administration is trying to do to increase the number of diverse students at Auburn.”
Virtual Day of Thanks connects students, alumni, faculty and friends
2/10/21 10:05 AM
Students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of Auburn University gathered virtually Friday, Feb. 5 to participate in a Day of Thanks. What would have been the annual in-person Evening of Thanks, hosted by the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, instead took place over Zoom in two different reception sessions.
Alumni couple shape the future of engineering and business
2/8/21 10:35 AM
A Naval ROTC scholarship led John Thomas (Tom) Walter, to the then Alabama Polytechnic Institute. Tom graduated in 1955 with a degree in engineering physics. “Auburn was the Navy’s choice,” said Tom but his experiences on campus, including meeting his wife Jean have kept him connected. Their passion for Auburn University has led them to give back to the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering and the university in a multitude ways. “We have always loved and wanted to support Auburn,” Jean said.
Chemical engineering graduate sets example for future Black women in engineering
2/8/21 8:05 AM
“If I can see you, I can be you.” This is the example Rodmesia Clarke, ‘08 chemical engineering, hopes to set for future women in engineering, particularly women of color. While Clarke was the first in her family to attend college, she says her life was shaped by the hard-working women in her life.
Chemical engineering alumna lends lasting career advice
2/3/21 10:05 AM
“Allow people to see your whole self and be proud of who you are.” This is the advice Shirley Boulware, ’91 chemical engineering, extends to fellow Black Auburn Engineers. It’s also a mantra that she has followed herself throughout her engineering career.
Software engineering junior follows in parents' engineering footsteps
2/1/21 11:10 AM
For many, the love for Auburn University is hard to deny. Such is the case for the Foster family, three of whom chose to pursue engineering degrees at Auburn with the fourth pursuing a degree in pharmacy just across campus. Auburn Engineering opened many doors for Bernard, ’92 industrial engineering, Mendolyn, ’92 electrical engineering, and now, software engineering junior Adia Foster. And though the times have changed, the impact of the Auburn experience has not.
Alumnus, active Rotary Club member, gives back through scholarship
11/11/20 10:12 AM
Stepping off the train at Auburn, Alabama for the first time, 17-year-old Bill Smith, ’67 bachelor’s and ’69 master’s in electrical engineering, had never been to Alabama before much less the campus. Luckily, there to help him find his way was a friendly face of the Auburn Family. “I stepped off the train and I had no idea where I was going. I know I looked totally lost,” Smith said. “This nice woman in a car stops and says, ‘Can I help you?’ I told her where I needed to go, I just didn’t know where it was, nor how to get there. She was very kind and gave me a ride.”
Successful engineer and entrepreneur helps future generations
10/12/20 8:02 AM
As a high school student, John Watson, ’60 mechanical engineering, received a call from Jennings B. Whitworth to play football at the University of Alabama on scholarship. The problem was, Watson had made up his mind to go to Auburn. “In ninth grade, I decided I was going to go to Auburn University, which was then Alabama Polytechnic Institute, study engineering and play football,” Watson said. “I had no money, and didn’t consult anyone on my decision. I just made up my mind and knew that was what I was going to do.”
New Young Alumni Council member supports students through scholarship
10/9/20 7:58 AM
When he was just a kid, Jeremy Woods, ‘16 software engineering, was taking computers apart and putting them back together again. He worked with as many electronics and machines as he could get his hands on. And as he grew older, his passion for computers grew. In seventh grade, he knew he wanted to study computer engineering at Auburn. Today, Woods is a successful software engineer at Google, and is a newly appointed member of the Auburn Engineering Young Alumni Council. He also recently established the Jeremy Woods Endowed Scholarship in engineering.
Auburn Engineering’s Young Alumni Council welcomes new members
10/5/20 8:02 AM
The Auburn Engineering Young Alumni Council (YAC) welcomed eight new members in the fall of 2020, the largest class of new members to date. Each of the new members was notified of the appointment in September, and they will participate in the upcoming YAC Spring 2021 activities.
MartinFederal Consulting, LLC. announces new endowed scholarship
9/29/20 11:00 AM
MartinFederal is strongly tied to both the city of Auburn and Auburn University. Corey Martin, founder & CEO, received his bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems and master’s degree in Computer Science from Auburn University. A key aspect of MartinFederal’s vision is to “work to improve our communities” and this scholarship will allow the company to provide opportunities for future engineers as they complete their undergraduate studies at Auburn University.
Auburn Alumni Engineering Council honors nine with college’s highest awards
9/28/20 8:02 AM
Eight outstanding alumni and one longtime employee of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering were honored during a virtual ceremony Friday, Sept. 25, by the Auburn Alumni Engineering Council for their distinguished professional careers. These alumni include five who were recognized as Distinguished Auburn Engineers, three as Outstanding Young Auburn Engineers and the college’s former director of communications and marketing for his Superior Service.
PepsiCo Chief Information Security Officer Talks Auburn Engineering
9/14/20 11:03 AM
On her desk, sitting near her old Auburn Engineering statistics book, Sara Andrews keeps a paperweight. Etched on the glass it says, “every step of the journey is the journey.” These words guide her every day as she tackles new challenges with a grateful heart. Andrews, a 1986 Industrial Engineering graduate, is the Chief Information Security Officer for PepsiCo. She was also recently appointed to the Board of Directors for FireEye, a leading enterprise security and threat intelligence company.
Auburn Engineering alumnus elected senior vice president of Marketing and Economic Development
9/2/20 10:02 AM
Tony Smoke, '84 electrical engineering, was recently promoted to the position of senior vice president for Marketing and Economic Development at Alabama Power. As senior vice president, he will oversee the company’s marketing, economic development and business development functions.
New York native sends love to Alabama
8/25/20 2:02 PM
Native New Yorker Mary Cordato has a heart for small town Alabama. Born and raised in Brooklyn, her affinity for one East Alabama town was inspired by her father, Joseph Cordato. A native of New York himself, Joseph traveled to Alabama on the train in 1933 to pursue his degree in engineering.
Virtual New Student Welcome hosts students, parents and members
8/5/20 11:02 AM
More than 100 incoming female engineering students, 60 parents, 60 alumni members of 100+ Women Strong, faculty and staff joined the New Student Welcome hosted by 100+ Women Strong on August 4. The event, which was hosted via Zoom rather than in person, allowed students to hear from Christopher B. Roberts, dean of engineering and interim vice president for development, as well as keynote speaker Susan Story, ’81 industrial engineering. Incoming freshman and current students were also welcomed with a surprise virtual visit from Aubie before joining group breakouts to talk with other students about their upcoming classes.
Siblings establish endowed scholarship in honor of aunt who paved the way
8/5/20 9:02 AM
The Auburn Family is a real phenomenon — any fan will tell you. It is a legacy of generosity, loyalty, hospitality and kindness that extends to anyone who believes in the Auburn Creed and emphatically embraces the “War Eagle!” battle cry. Patrick Duke is one such family member. A 1999 civil engineering graduate whose family grew up in Hueytown, Duke remains loyal to his alma mater and believes Auburn Engineering set him up for success. And in July, Duke and his sister — Auburn Shukla, who is named after the university and graduated in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation and special education — established the Janice Duke James Soaring Eagle Diversity Endowed Scholarship in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.
Auburn Engineering alumnus gives community college commencement address
8/3/20 7:59 AM
Chattahoochee Valley Community College (CVCC) is hosting a virtual commencement on Friday, August 7. In addition to special awards and tributes, the virtual commencement ceremony includes a keynote address from Kenneth Kelly, the chairman and CEO of First Independence Bank of Detroit, Michigan. It is now the 8th largest African-American controlled commercial bank in the country.
Alumnus, engineering donor awarded distinguished honor by the American Society of Civil Engineers
7/29/20 10:02 AM
Auburn Engineering donor George “Edd” Gibson is a proud alumnus. A professor at Arizona State University, Gibson speaks to the ways in which his undergraduate and doctorate degrees in civil engineering prepared him for illustrious career—a career that was recently recognized with one of civil engineering’s most prestigious honors. In June, Gibson was designated a Distinguished Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. And it is an honor he has not taken lightly.
Aerospace engineering students, alumnus honored by aeronautics institute
7/29/20 9:50 AM
Two students from the Auburn University Department of Aerospace Engineering and an alumnus of the department have been recognized by the Huntsville Section of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). Timothy Marquardt received the Graduate Student of the Year award; Anna Grace Miller received the Undergraduate Student of the Year award; and aerospace engineering alumnus Mark Miller received the organization’s Toftoy Award.
Young Alumni Council member inspires through service
7/22/20 1:02 PM
Opelika native Joseph Moore, ’08 aerospace engineering, has always been fascinated by space. He recalls having a conversation in sixth grade with a friend about his future career – and how he wanted to be an astronaut.
Melvin Brewing CEO, Auburn alumnus, talks Auburn Engineering
7/20/20 11:02 AM
An expert in food production, Frank Magazine knows his way around a bushel of hops and a brewery. Which is a good thing, considering his current role as CEO of Melvin Brewing Company in Alpine, Wyoming. “It’s my runway to retirement job – my fun job. A small and growing company with great personnel, a great product and great branding,” said Magazine, a 1981 chemical engineering graduate.
Governor names two Auburn Engineers to Alabama innovation commission
7/16/20 11:02 AM
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced the creation of the first statewide innovation commission and advisory council to promote entrepreneurial growth and innovation. Known as Innovate Alabama, the commission will serve as a platform for innovators to engage policymakers, exchange ideas and identify policies that promote innovation in the state.
Nashville friends and Auburn alumni pave the way for future engineers
7/13/20 12:01 PM
Put engineers in a room together and they will do what they do best: problem solve. Nashville natives Steve Cates, ’85 civil engineering, and Randy Chase, ’85 mechanical engineering, are members of the Auburn Engineering Alumni Council. They say that their experiences as active alumni has made a big difference, both for them and the students and faculty they have met.
Love for Auburn rings true for two dedicated alumni
7/8/20 2:02 PM
The loveliest village on the Plains was made even more welcoming when Ken and Joyce Ringer decided to move into town. The couple – both Auburn graduates – lived, worked and raised their kids in Atlanta. But for their golden years, they wanted to be near their alma mater.
Auburn Engineering alumni promoted in Georgia Power executive leadership moves
6/24/20 9:58 AM
Pedro Cherry, '93 industrial engineering and '95 MBA, and Nicole Faulk, '96 mechanical engineering and '99 M.S. mechanical engineering, were among four Auburn engineers promoted during Southern Company's recent executive leadership moves.
From coin collecting to cruising, API graduates make a difference at Auburn
6/11/20 10:02 AM
Jim and Bettye Ballenger are the retired couple everyone wants to be. They’ve moved across the country several times for work, they’ve traveled the world for pleasure, and now they are settled and living in Florida – the sunshine state. The Ballengers got their start at Auburn, which was then known by a different name.
Engineering alumna elected as ExxonMobil Corporate Vice President and appointed President of Upstream Business Development Company
6/3/20 4:03 PM
Exxon Mobil Corporation’s board of directors has appointed Linda DuCharme as president of ExxonMobil Upstream Business Development Company and elected her vice president of Exxon Mobil Corporation. She will retain her current position as president of ExxonMobil Upstream Integrated Solutions Company.
Auburn alumna to lead Alabama Power Public Relations
6/3/20 9:02 AM
Auburn Engineering graduate, Ashley Robinett, has been named Alabama Power’s vice president of Public Relations, effective immediately, per Southern Company. Robinett will oversee the company’s corporate communications and brand management, providing strategic communications counsel that ensures messages reach employees, customers and key stakeholders.
President of Delta Flight Products, Auburn Engineering graduate, spearheads life-changing responses to COVID-19
5/25/20 9:04 AM
As president of Delta Flight Products, Rick Salanitri, '95 industrial engineering, has pivoted to provide a response to the COVID-19 outbreak. His team transitioned from in-flight entertainment to innovative approaches to combat the global pandemic.
Auburn alumnus appointed Walt Disney World Resort President
5/18/20 9:01 AM
Jeff Vahle, '85 mechanical engineering, recently succeeded Josh D’Amaro as president of the Walt Disney World Resort. In his new role, Vahle leads a team of Cast Members —America’s largest single-site workforce—and will be responsible for all facets of business for the resort, including its four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios) two water parks, 28 resort hotels, four golf courses, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and the Disney Springs entertainment-shopping-dining complex.
Tackling real-world problems, alumna partners with Auburn Engineering’s 100+ Women Strong and Corporate Relations
5/3/20 9:58 AM
At a time when the future seems uncertain, Rekha Menon-Varma, a chemical engineering graduate, offers solutions. Vertaeon – the business she co-founded – provides assessment tools and mitigation solutions for risk management. More specifically, Varma’s business focuses on enterprise and supply chain risks and sustainable operations.
Auburn alumni couple give back to their alma mater
4/29/20 2:02 PM
Michael and Kelly Keyser met on their very first day at Auburn University. Both Michael and Kelly are from Alabama – Kelly from Birmingham and Michael, Fairhope – and both did not originally plan on going to Auburn. Kelly had anticipated going to a smaller, out-of-state school, and Michael originally thought he wanted to go to school in the Northeast. But like so many others, the couple knew Auburn was the school for them after visiting campus in high school.
Auburn Engineering alumnus announced as new ECS President
4/28/20 1:03 PM
Engineering Consulting Services (ECS) announce the promotion of Tony Fiorillo, '92 civil engineering, to President of the ECS Group of Companies effective as of April 15, 2020.
Young alumna advocates for Auburn Engineering
4/20/20 12:03 PM
Jasmyne Brown, ’17 industrial and systems engineering, is an advocate for all things Auburn Engineering. As a student, she was a Cupola Engineering Ambassador, a member of the Academic Excellence Program and a mentee for 100+ Women Strong.
Auburn Engineering online provides new opportunities for connection
4/7/20 11:02 AM
Working in software development for the federal government in Huntsville, Tara Battle, ’18 mechanical engineering, is the chief engineer of her department. Her career in defense spans many years and areas of expertise. Battle has worked for the government since 2010, and after moving to Huntsville, she decided to go back to school. But she did not want to slow down with work to get her degree.
Young alumna finds joy, connection in mentorship
3/26/20 11:01 AM
As a student, Manda Tucker, ’16 industrial and systems engineering, loved Auburn Engineering. Looking back, she says she “doesn’t remember sleeping much,” with late nights spent studying and preparing for projects. But even with the hours of work she put into her engineering degree, she loved every minute of it.
CROY expands water resources capabilities with Auburn civil engineering alumna
3/24/20 11:01 AM
Full-service consulting firm Croy Engineering announced the addition of Melanie Head, '13 civil engineering, PE as its new municipal utilities director. Head is charged with continuing Croy’s commitment to provide consulting engineering services in the water resources arena, including water and wastewater system design, while also expanding the firm’s footprint in this practice across the Southeast.
Alumnus, Hall of Fame inductee honored through local news
3/17/20 11:57 AM
Kenneth Kelly, Linda DuChrame and David Mobley were each inducted into the 2020 Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame in early February. Kelly was further recognized by local news in his Georgia hometown.
Engineering alumna talks Frito-Lay productivity
3/6/20 1:07 PM
Making the drive from the largest Frito-Lay facility in North America, Katelyn Rheinlander came to Auburn to spend the day with current and perspective students during E-day. She then took the opportunity to sit down with the communications and marketing podcast team to talk about her position at Frito-Lay, her experience as an Auburn Engineering alumna and member of 100+ Women Strong.
Auburn Engineering alumna featured in Canadian Biomass news
3/5/20 11:07 AM
Ritu Linhart is the general manager for Pinnacle Renewable Energy’s Aliceville wood pellet plant in Alabama. A process engineer by trade, Linhart had a diverse career in chemical engineering, business, R&D, and academia before turning to the wood pellet industry. After six years in the industry, she was hired on to lead Pinnacle’s U.S. wood pellet plant and is now likely the first woman heading up a pellet operation in North America.
Auburn Engineering alumna, 100+ Women Strong member encourages students to soar
2/13/20 8:03 AM
Next to the tall windows in Paula Marino’s office sits a bronze eagle. The statue – which rests proudly upon a nearly 3-foot high platform – is a lifelike replica. It’s not an Auburn eagle, “but it’s also not not an Auburn eagle,” said Paula Marino, ’92 and ’95 electrical engineering.
Hoover’s longtime city engineer and Auburn Engineering alumnus ends 43-year career
1/24/20 1:06 PM
The man who has been Hoover’s city engineer for the past 20 years has retired, ending a 43-year career in engineering. Rodney Long was hired as Hoover’s city engineer in 1999 after serving 16 years in the private sector and seven years with Jefferson County. He retired from Hoover at the end of 2019.
5 minutes with Jan Davis
1/2/20 12:05 PM
Jan Davis is a 1977 mechanical engineering graduate who enjoyed a distinguished career at NASA as an engineer, astronaut and executive and now serves as a leader in private industry.
2019 in review: Top Auburn Engineering stories of the year
12/31/19 9:13 AM
There’s no denying it was a big year for the Auburn University Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. From opening the brand new Brown-Kopel Engineering Student Achievement Center to enjoying a banner year in research, the college had no shortage of notable achievements.
It's my job: John Carter
12/30/19 2:05 PM
A good day is a day in the gym. I visit a lot of NBA teams, a lot of NCAA teams. I visit a lot of our customers on a regular basis, so a day in the life might be delivering on the challenge to make their teams better.
To the moon and back, in 50 years
12/22/19 10:10 AM
Millions watched from their television screens, and others in person, as the Saturn V rocket took flight to carry Apollo 11 astronauts to the moon. Jim Thomas and his wife-to-be Pat observed from a unique perspective as the spacecraft slowly lifted from Launch Pad 39A. He worked for seven years with Wernher von Braun’s rocket team to help give it the ability to do just that.
Sailing through life, civil engineering alumnus charts future for Auburn Engineers
12/15/19 8:08 AM
John Steele Henley II, ’63 civil engineering, is not your average retiree. At 80 years old, he races his sailboat competitively. In mid-April, Henley takes his 21-foot racer Brat out of storage, dusts off the residual winter ice and gets out on the cold Virginia waters.
For Pete's Sake
12/9/19 7:05 AM
It’s a long, crazy story that he pretty much just chalks up to divine intervention, because he says there is really no other way to explain it. But before you read any more about how, once upon a time, he quit his engineering job to paint pictures of an ugly little cat that somehow became a beloved children’s book character so popular Leonardo DiCaprio’s manager helped turn it into an animated Amazon Original series, James Dean ’82 needs you to know something.
From basketball to engineering to patent law – a philanthropic journey back to Auburn University
11/21/19 1:18 PM
A student phone call sparked a philanthropic relationship for aerospace engineering alumnus.
‘Climate Change Is the Next ISIS’: Meet the World Economic Forum’s First Iraqi Female Board Member
11/8/19 11:07 AM
Alumna Basima Abdulrahman ,'14 civil engineering, is an Iraqi entrepreneur and green architect. Her business is changing the game for climate activism.
Civil Engineering Advisory Board names two emeritus members
11/5/19 10:57 AM
A pair of civil engineering alumni — Jeff Stone and Dale York — were recently honored with emeritus member status on the Civil Engineering Advisory Board.
Electrical engineering alumnus offers expertise at House Subcommittee hearing
10/23/19 10:07 AM
Kenneth Kelly, '90 electrical engineering, chairman and CEO of First Independence Bank, has been called to provide expertise during a House Subcommittee hearing regarding Minority Depository Institutions.
Aerospace engineering alumnus receives dual honors from AIAA
10/22/19 2:07 PM
Chris Crumbly, ’88 and ‘95 aerospace engineering and member of the Auburn Research and Technology Foundation Board, has received not one, but two awards from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).
Element Hires VP of Customer Success and Transformation
10/11/19 1:05 PM
Element announces hire of Steve Beamer, '84. mechanical engineering as the vice president of customer success and transformation.
Imperial Oil Ltd. appoints new president; CEO R.M. Kruger announces retirement
9/18/19 12:00 AM
Auburn Engineering alumnus, B.W. (Brad) Corson, '83 chemical engineering, appointed president of Imperial Oil Limited effective Sept. 17, 2019.
Two Auburn engineering graduates named 2020 lifetime and young alumni award recipients
9/17/19 11:56 AM
Two Auburn engineers, Joe Forehand Jr., ’71 industrial engineering, and Dion Aviki, ’04 chemical engineering, are among the five Auburn University graduates recently selected to receive the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Awards and Young Alumni Achievement Award, the highest honors given by the Auburn Alumni Association...
Engineering alumnus joins Marquis Advisory Group as executive
9/16/19 10:58 AM
Auburn University alumnus, Robert Holmquist, '72 electrical engineering and '76 MBA, joins Marquis Advisory Group as executive, senior associate.
The Legend of Nelda
8/1/19 12:00 AM
After becoming the second woman to earn an aerospace engineering degree from the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering in 1969, Nelda Lee went on to a phenomenal 45 years in flight and ground test engineering with Boeing. On April 29, 1980, Nelda Lee became the first woman to fly an F-15 Eagle, the plane she helped design and devoted nearly half a century to.