from to another - The University of Alabama College of Engineering

capstone
engineer
fall 07
from
one family
to another
A CLOSER LOOK AT ENGINEERING
SIBLINGS WHO ARE PART OF THE
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING FAMILY
Crimson is ...
capstone
Engineering society
1-800-333-8156
Dean’s
message
John W. Covington
National Chair, Board of Directors
Charles L. Karr, Ph.D.
2
Dean, College of Engineering
Karen Meshad Baldwin
Director, External Affairs and Development
Trudeau B. Livaudais IV
Coordinator, Capstone Engineering Society
Mary Wymer
Editor
From one family to another—Nicolette and Joni Corbin are one of the
many sets of siblings in the College. Article is on page 2.
One thing in life is a constant: family. Caring,
comforting, loving and supporting are just a few
of the many qualities of a family. From parents to
Allison Bridges
siblings to extended relatives, a family changes and
Assistant Editor
grows constantly.
Cathy Butler
Proofreader
Table of Contents
So, too, our College of Engineering grows
and changes. Throughout the last 171 years, our
College has expanded by adding faculty, departments, facilities and students. We’re large enough
2
From One Family to Another
8
Alumni Siblings
12
News
23
Surveying the College
29
Our Students. Our Future.
30
Alumni Notes
a small glimpse of how the College
Address correspondence
to the editor:
32
In Memory
of Engineering is a family away from home for our
The University of Alabama
35
Events
Issue No. 36
Capstone Engineer is published in
the spring and fall by the
Capstone Engineering Society.
Sharon Lewis
Designer
Laura Shill, Mary Wymer
Photography
Capstone Engineering Society
to offer academic diversity and
challenge, but small enough
to ensure personal attention.
As we’ve grown, we have kept a
sense of community and caring.
We have kept our family focus.
As you read this issue of the
Capstone Engineer, I hope you get
current students and our many alumni.
College of Engineering, Box 870200
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0200
D ean C h a r l es L . K a r r
Visit the College of Engineering
Web site at www.eng.ua.edu.
The University of Alabama is an
equal-opportunity educational
institution/employer. • MC7584
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A C L O S E R L O O K AT E N G I N E E R I N G S I B L I N G S W H O A R E
P A R T O F T H E C O L L E G E O F E N G I N E E R I N G FA M I LY
By Allison Bridges
Coming from a family of four or five to one of 1,900 can be an intimidating transition for
students as they make the move from life at home to life in the College of Engineering.
However, some engineering students found the transition to be simple because they
came to The University of Alabama with a piece of home – their brother or sister –
and they entered into the College of Engineering family where the guidance and
commitment of faculty help students prepare for a promising engineering career.
The College of Engineering allows students to
experience classes with a small student-to-teacher
ratio, a key component when enabling better
learning techniques and developing research skills.
In fact, one of Dean Chuck Karr’s top priorities is
to provide students with the opportunity to
expand their boundaries of knowledge through
hands-on experiences and interdisciplinary
research teams. These experiences allow students
to become a part of a small group, facilitating
a sense of community and making it easier to
manage the demands of academics.
Opposite page: Calvin and Jamelia Culliver; Far Left: Joan and Sarah Reichwein;
Middle: Justin and Jordan Crouch; Right: Brandi and Heather Freeman
From
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One Family
to Another
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Far Left: Justin and Jordan Crouch
Right: Nicolette and Joni Corbin
Opposite page: Left: Jamelia and Calvin Culliver
Middle: Heather and Brandi Freeman
Far right: Joan and Sarah Reichwein
Family Support
Brandi Freeman, a sophomore majoring in
Justin Crouch, a senior majoring in construction
metallurgical and materials engineering, explained
engineering, has experienced this sense of
that she has both benefited from being a member
community. Justin says that even though he
of the engineering family and attending the
enjoys the fact that he and his brother, Jordan, a
College with her sister, Heather, a senior majoring
sophomore majoring in civil engineering, attend
in computer science and math. The two sisters
UA together, he has truly become a member of the
also explained that the College of Engineering
has provided them with a unique opportunity to
College of Engineering family. He attributes his
success at UA to his small engineering classes and
communicate with other engineers on a daily basis,
interaction with faculty.
thus increasing their respect for one another and
intensifying their interest in the engineering field.
“Everyone involved at the engineering
department truly cares about the success of each
“It is always an engaging experience to meet
individual within this college; they care about
with engineering students who have the same goals
how I am doing in and outside of the classroom,”
in mind,” said Brandi. “Despite my independent
explained Justin. “That is what a
nature, being a member of the
family is all about. Jordan and
“Everyone involved at the engineering family has made me rely
I are obviously close because
engineering department on my sister more for support.”
we are brothers, and we have
Some students have even
truly
cares
about
the
success
always turned to one another
allowed both their collegiate and
of each individual within this
for support, but now we have
biological families to influence
nearly 2,000 other engineering
college; they care about how them to use their engineering
students and 100 faculty
education in outside-theI am doing in and outside
members to turn to.”
classroom experiences.
of the classroom.”
Daniel Free, a sophomore
Nicolette Corbin,
majoring in mechanical
a junior majoring in chemical
engineering, has also benefited from the
and biological engineering, has really enjoyed her
presence of his brother, Adam, a senior
time with Engineers Without Borders, a student
majoring in industrial engineering and business
organization that partners with disadvantaged
communities around the world to design and
administration. He also agrees about the
family-oriented community found within
implement engineering projects to improve the
the College of Engineering.
quality of life in these communities. She and
her sister, Joni, a junior majoring in civil and
“We both have frequent study groups with
friends and faculty in the College, and these
environmental engineering, have become active
meetings help us get to know each other while
participants in EWB service projects by putting
we learn the material,” said Daniel. “It makes
their engineering education to good use.
us feel like we have extra support, and we have
“Not only are we sisters, but we are members
people we can count on.”
of the College of Engineering and members
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of Engineers Without Borders,” said Nicolette.
“It is a wonderful thing to have the opportunity
to join with members of your family and other
engineering students who are as dedicated to using
their engineering expertise to improve the lives of
others around the world. It is an honor to be a part
of a family whose interests coincide with our own
and whose purpose is to improve the lives of
other families.”
“It was obvious that he was interested in me
and what I could do to benefit the College,”
said Daniel. “He explained to me the boundless
opportunities I would have as a student at one of
the most prestigious engineering programs in the
nation, and I saw how dedicated the faculty was to
its students and the academic community. Needless
to say, it was too good an offer to turn down.”
Other students and their parents simply did
research on specific fields of study only to find
Why Choose the Capstone?
that engineering offers one of the most promising
Of the 1,900 undergraduate students enrolled in
careers for young professionals. Calvin Culliver,
the College of Engineering, many have different
a senior majoring in construction engineering,
backgrounds, cultures and interests. Considering
and his sister, Jamelia, a sophomore majoring in
most of these students visited several universities
civil engineering, did not plan on attending UA’s
before deciding on attending UA, there were many
College of Engineering together until they realized
factors that led to their final decision. So, what
how beneficial an engineering degree from UA
actually influenced our future engineers to become
could be.
members of UA’s College of
“Believe it or not, but my brother
“It is an honor to be a part had no influence on my coming to
Engineering? Was it the promise
of an established career? Or the
of a family whose interests the Capstone,” said Jamelia. “It was
dream of receiving a degree from
coincide with our own and just a coincidence that we both
one of the oldest engineering
enjoy math and science. After
whose purpose is to improve doing research with our parents,
programs in the nation?
we found that engineering could
For some students, like Adam
the lives of other families.”
and Daniel Free, simply knowing
satisfy both of our interests, and it is
that they could attend a university known to have
a promising field.”
one of the most prominent engineering programs in
Calvin agreed with his sister in that their
the nation was enough to make their decision easy.
decision to become a member of UA’s College of
Engineering was one that required much research
Daniel said Dean Chuck Karr made a lasting
impression on him when he visited The University
and discussion with their parents. “My mom
of Alabama, and he knew he wanted to receive a
found that UA’s engineering department was welldegree from a school that really took an interest in
known throughout the Southeast and the nation,”
its students and their potential.
said Calvin, “and after I did research on the
opportunities available to engineers, I realized that I
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“I’m receiving a top-notch education
alongside some of the most
influential professors in the
nation, and I am still close to
my home and friends.”
could put my science skills to use by developing a
solid foundation in construction management.”
However, for Benjamin Johnson, a senior in
chemical engineering, and Bradley Johnson, a
senior in mechanical engineering, the decision to
become a part of UA’s College of Engineering was
easy because they always have had a love for both
science and Tuscaloosa. “I’m receiving a top-notch
education alongside some of the most influential
professors in the nation, and I am still close to my
home and friends,” said Benjamin.
On the other hand, Bradley enjoys knowing
that graduating from UA with an engineering
degree will provide him with the competitive
edge needed to pursue a career in the real world.
“Engineering can be a challenge,” said Bradley, “but
I am ready to take on the demands of mechanical
engineering so that I can soon reap the benefits of
being an engineer.”
Joan Reichwein, a junior majoring in
metallurgical and materials engineering, and her
sister, Sarah, a senior majoring in mechanical
engineering, were interested in math and science
when they were children. The sisters would help
their father with household projects that involved
building and mechanics, and always teased that
they were going to be engineers because of their
talent for fixing things.
“We always thought of the Capstone as an
option for college because many women in our
family have graduated from UA,” said Sarah.
“But, after realizing the rewarding program offered
through the Computer-Based Honors Program
and receiving scholarships to do something we
thoroughly enjoy, becoming a part of the College
of Engineering was the obvious choice.”
Sibling Rivalry?
All students who are a part of the College of
Engineering have been inspired by someone or
something to make the most of the engineering
program. But, as anyone with siblings can agree,
sibling rivalry typically plays a large role in the
family dynamic − especially for siblings in the
engineering program. Fortunately, UA students use
this sibling rivalry to their advantage by making it a
type of motivation.
Heather Freeman explained that she and Brandi
have a beneficial relationship because they look
to each other for academic encouragement. “We
used to be competitive. Of course, all brothers and
sisters normally compete with one another. But
now that we are at the Capstone and we have had
a couple of the same classes, we try to compete
against one another to make each other excel.”
Brandi agreed that there is virtually no sibling
rivalry apparent in their relationship because they
are constantly seeking each other’s help. “Heather
is usually the one who spends most of her time
helping me out,” Brandi said, laughing. “But if you
want to see a rivalry, try putting a pair of BCBG
shoes between the two of us.”
Joni Corbin felt the same way about her
relationship with her sister, and she is thankful
that, because of Nicolette, she is more willing to
get involved in engineering organizations and
less likely to get lost in the crowd.
“Having someone to go to meetings with and
urge you to join certain organizations is always
a plus, but it is even better when that person
is your sister, and the two of you have similar
interests and activities,” said Joni.
Nicolette agreed with Joni that she takes
advantage of having a sister who serves as a
roommate and classmate. The two sisters
help motivate one another by surrounding
themselves with activities that are conducive
to their learning.
As the first university in the state to offer
engineering classes and one of the first five in the
nation to do so, the College of Engineering has a
rich history of educating young people and
expanding their boundaries of knowledge.
The College of Engineering continues to reach
out to young people by influencing them
to become a part of this College and this
University.
The College of Engineering is helping
its students take the next step to build a
better quality of life for their families, their
communities and their state by instilling in
them a sense of community and fellowship.
“Joni and I have always been competitive with one another
as far as academics are concerned because we want each
other to succeed,” said Nicolette. “Even though we are in college
now, nothing has changed; we benefit more from our rivalry
because we encourage each other to do well.”
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Alumni Siblings
By Tru Livaudais
Family Support
Buddie E. Carroll, owner and chief executive
officer of Freightliner dealerships in
Chattanooga and Knoxville, Tenn., graduated
with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical
engineering in 1961. His brother, Dr. Chester C.
Carroll, also graduated in 1961 with a bachelor’s
degree in electrical engineering. While in the
U.S. Army, the Carroll brothers planned on
attending the University together. Once they
arrived on campus, Buddie appreciated having
his brother’s support and decided to focus his
abilities in math and science.
“A benefit of being in the College of
Engineering with family was the mutual
support and encouragement, as well
as the sharing of difficulties and
accomplishments in academics,”
Buddie said. “We were competitive in
contribution but not against each other.
The aggressive effort and professional
contribution has carried forward
throughout both of our lives.”
Although they took some classes together, their
paths separated with Buddie in mechanical
engineering and Chester in electrical. “We
probably had similar goals to begin with,”
Buddie explained, “but our interest diverged
toward academics for Chester and business for
me.” Chester went on to receive master’s and
doctorate degrees in electrical engineering,
and then spent his career in academia at The
University of Alabama and Auburn University.
Throughout the lifetime of UA’s College of Engineering, one thing that has remained
constant amidst historical change is the appearance of siblings who have decided to
make the transition from students to engineers. Their reasons for attending together
vary, but the results of their education do not.
Johnston siblings: Bud, Stephanie, and Gary
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Besides the similar experiences they shared while
on campus, the Carrolls have an added family
connection to the College of Engineering. “A
cousin, Arland Carroll, was in civil engineering
at UA at the same time,” Buddie said. “All of us
graduated within one year of each other.”
Their love of the Capstone was made evident by
a gift from the three Carrolls to the College in
1994; they established an endowed scholarship
fund in the Carroll family name, which
continues to support engineering students.
Box siblings: Michael, Jason, Bart, and Jared
Hammond and Richard Rood also attended
the College of Engineering together.
Hammond chose UA because, “Alabama
had a good engineering program and a
great football program.”
Having a brother who had gone through some
classes a couple of years before Hammond
definitely didn’t hurt. The brothers “weren’t
competitive and still aren’t,” according to
Hammond, so Richard would occasionally share
knowledge of course content or what to expect
from certain professors in the few common
courses they shared.
Why Choose the Capstone?
For other engineering siblings, coming to
UA was less of a decision than a destiny. Bud
Johnston, a petroleum engineering specialist
for Shell Oil Co. in Denver, Colo., continued
a family tradition that began with his parents.
He attended UA with his brother, Gary, and
soon afterwards, they were joined by their
sister, Stephanie. Bud graduated in 1983 with a
bachelor’s and in 1985 with a master’s, Gary in
1984, and Stephanie finished in 1988.
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“My mother and father both attended UA,
and they were the greatest influence on my
attending UA,” Bud said. “I remember my
parents having exciting stories about their
time there. My father’s stories were about his
adventures with other football players, and
my mother’s stories involved her sorority
and friends. Their fond memories and our
occasional visits to campus had the most
influence on my desire to attend UA.”
Stephanie Johnston Tresch, a marketing
strategy and initiatives analyst for the National
Society of Hispanic MBAs, remembered
visiting campus as a child and knowing there
would be no other choice. “I remember my
mom’s story of how she met my father on
campus, and knew he was ‘the one’,” Stephanie
recalled. “I loved the Quad and couldn’t wait
to walk across it to attend classes.”
The Johnstons all gravitated towards the same
field of study with their parents’ guidance.
“My mother worked as a schoolteacher, and
my father worked as an engineer,” Bud said.
“With all of us having a preference for math
and science, no one seemed surprised that we
all chose engineering. It seemed as natural as
attending UA together.”
In fact, Stephanie chose an initial major based
on her brothers’ advice, and Bud helped her
through her first registration process.
“I began in computer science because
both of my brothers said it was paying
the most at that time,” Stephanie
said. “I remember Bud helping
me through sign-ups the first
time, and I was so thankful he
was there.”
Although the Johnstons weren’t
academically competitive, Bud
does humorously mention that
he noticed his siblings having
a slightly easier time with the
curriculum than he did. “I remember running
into Stephanie at a bar, and she mentioned
having a calculus test the next day. When
asked why she wasn’t studying, she replied that
she already knew the material,” Bud said. “It
seemed she easily made straight A’s in each
of the calculus courses.” Stephanie politely
demurred. “Never could I compete,” she said.
“Bud worked so hard for grades, and Gary was
just naturally smart. He could look at anything
and just know it. Bud also advised me on how
to seek extra help with the tutor sessions and
professor office hours.”
by their brother, Bart, who graduated in 2001
with a mechanical engineering degree.
Interestingly enough, their father, Henry,
had four siblings who all attended
Auburn. “We grew up with cousins who
were extreme Auburn fans,” Stephanie
said. “I can remember several Thanksgivings that the Alabama-Auburn game
caused problems at Granny’s.”
Jared, however, came to his decision more
gradually. “I was not a science and math whiz
in high school, so the decision was a gradual
one based upon ruling out other majors such
as business or law,” Jared said. “Jason had this
great inspiration to do it. I originally balked
at the idea but ultimately decided that if he
could do it, so could I – probably not the
best reason to pick a major.”
Sibling Rivalry?
The chance to attend the College of
Engineering with a sibling is rare enough;
attending with an identical twin is even more
so. Jared and Jason Box both graduated with
degrees in mechanical engineering in 1996
and degrees in computer science in 2001.
They followed one semester behind their older
brother, Michael, who received a marketing
degree, and for a brief time they were joined
Growing up in a family of die-hard Alabama
fans made choosing a university an easy
decision, but choosing a major was slightly
different. “I have always been interested in
science and technology, and it seemed that
an engineering degree would fit well with
those interests,” Jason said. “I also wanted to
pursue a challenging discipline, and I felt that
engineering would provide that better than
some of the other programs offered at UA.”
Jared and Jason took the same classes and
studied together, often working on the same
design projects. “I think there were major
benefits to having a brother in the College
of Engineering, especially at the same time,”
Jason said. “We studied together, and often
if I didn’t understand something, he could
explain it to me and vice versa. I think we also
motivated each other to excel in our classes. If
I had been in the College alone it might have
been easier to change majors when things were
difficult, but having my brother there made
the perseverance much easier.”
Jared and Jason got to pass some of their
knowledge on to their brother Bart. “I really
benefited from my brothers’ knowledge of
teachers, classes and a poster-sized flowchart
of the class sequence for the M.E. degree,”
Bart said. “It’s also given us many common
experiences that we still talk of today.”
Amazingly, Jared and Jason have worked with
the same two companies thus far in their
careers, keeping the pair together long after
their dual graduations. Competition has given
way to a stronger desire to succeed, and a
realization that working as a team has helped
the brothers do just that.
“I think competition is inevitable for siblings,
especially twins,” Jared said. “However, we
have become less competitive as we’ve gotten
older. Currently, we are working hand-inhand on a pretty cool software project that
potentially will be involved in the Iraqi
war theater.”
“I always wanted to see my brother do
well, too,” Jason added. “We found it
much more beneficial to work together,
especially considering the difficult
nature of an engineering major. I think
the same mentality carries over today.
My brother and I work together in the
same company, and I want to see
him succeed as much as myself.”
The desire to succeed and to work together
as a family is a common thread that runs
through the College of Engineering. Starting
in the 1830s and continuing now, the goal
of receiving an education in the field of
engineering at a flagship institution is what
makes our family grow larger and larger every
year. These brothers and sisters who complete
the curriculum set forth by the College set
an example for the rest of us to follow as
we extend our engineering family and
move into the future.
Jason Box (left), and Jared Box (right)
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ALABAMA ENGINEERING HALL OF FAME
INDUCTS DELAHAY, DOSTER AND OZTEKIN
(Left to right: Ronald W. Gray,
Ronald R. Campbell, Walter L.
Jones, and Walter Schoel Jr.)
The State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame held its induction ceremony on Feb. 24, 2007.
The following UA alumni and friends received the prestigious recognition.
UA HONORS FIVE DISTINGUISHED ENGINEERING FELLOWS
The University of Alabama College of Engineering honored five alumni and friends of the
College by inducting them into its class of 2007 Distinguished Engineering Fellows.
Delahay
Doster
James Delahay
Delahay, a posthumous induction, is remembered
for leading LBYD and working on vital structural
code committees. Delahay earned his bachelor’s
degree in civil engineering in 1980 from UA
before joining Birmingham’s Lane/Bishop/
Hodnett. He became a registered professional
engineer in 15 states, and received his master’s
degree from the Capstone in 1987. In 2000, he was
elected president of the firm now known as LBYD.
He oversaw strategic planning, development
and marketing, and human resources.
UA named Delahay a Distinguished
Engineering Fellow in 2003. In 2005, an endowed
scholarship fund was established to honor Delahay.
Thomas E. Doster III
Doster is the founder, board chairman and chief
executive officer of Doster Construction, a
company that has received the Contractor of the
Year award twice by the American Subcontractors
Association of Alabama.
Doster graduated from the Capstone and
has led Doster Construction into the ranks of
the top American contractors. His company
has completed structures in 27 states. Doster
Construction’s 2006 work contract reached $450
million. In 2004, Doster received the Lifetime
Achievement Award from the Alabama branch
of the American Subcontractors Association.
In 2005, he received the Cornerstone Award
from Alabama Construction News for an
exemplary, lifelong commitment to Alabama’s
construction industry.
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Oztekin
In 1993, he was selected as a UA Distinguished
Engineering Fellow, and he has endowed several
scholarships that benefit UA College of
Engineering students.
John Oztekin
Oztekin has 11 patents that are testament
to how his innovations revolutionized store
fixtures. Others adopted his techniques, but
the contemporary design came from Oztekin’s
engineering expertise.
After studying liberal arts in Turkey, Oztekin
immigrated to Michigan and began studying
engineering at the University of Michigan.
After being urged by his pen pal and future wife,
Oztekin transferred to The University of Alabama.
In 1958, Oztekin launched the Kent Corp.,
where he perfected and patented the first unitized,
one-piece, adjustable steel shelves that featured
uprights with integrated, roll-formed-back-panel
channels. The shelves were named the Supermatic
line and were featured at the 1964 New York
World’s Fair. In 2005, Kent introduced its stateof-the-art powder-coat system. Oztekin was
the first person in his industry to perfect paint
application that eliminated toxic solvents.
Oztekin established the Oztekin Family
Endowed Scholarship, which assists UA
engineering students. He was named a
Distinguished Engineering Fellow in 2006.
Ronald R. Campbell
B.S.M.E. ’73
Campbell has dedicated 27 years of engineering
expertise to Southern Company. Campbell has
held numerous positions in the company, including
engineer, project supervisor, operations manager
and general manager. In 2000, he was promoted to
vice president of technical field services. Currently,
he provides technical services to all the operating
fossil/hydro plants for Alabama Power, Georgia
Power, Gulf Power and Mississippi Power.
Ronald W. Gray
B.S.M.E. ’81
Gray has become one of Alabama’s leading experts
in missile defense and space programs systems.
In 1985, Gray moved to Huntsville and joined
Automated Sciences Group. Through his 13
years with ASG, Gray held numerous leadership
positions, including program manager, director
and vice president. In 1998, Gray founded Gray
Research. As president he is responsible for the
overall management and operation of the company,
which has more than 150 employees providing
engineering assistance to the U.S. Department of
Defense and NASA.
Walter L. Jones
B.S.Ch.E. ’64
Jones has been a leader in the global chemical
industry for the past 40 years. As president and
chief operating officer of the Pine Chemicals
Association, he oversees the operation of a major
trade association representing companies in 14
countries. After graduation, Jones gained experience
with Union Camp Corp. in a number of positions,
including plant superintendent, plant manager and
division manufacturing manager. He continued to
advance at Union Camp, becoming vice president
of aroma chemicals and vice president of the
chemical group. In his current position, Jones is
responsible for representing and promoting the
interests of producers of chemicals derived from
pine trees.
David S. King
B.S.C.E. ’78
King has excelled in various leadership roles,
proof of his expertise in petroleum engineering.
Upon graduation, King joined Halliburton. In
2004, he was named senior vice president of global
operations with management responsibilities for
Halliburton’s seven geographical regions. Currently,
King serves as senior vice president of production
optimization and is responsible for strategic
leadership and implementation of all business
aspects for Halliburton’s production enhancement
and completion tools service lines.
Walter Schoel Jr.
B.S.C.E. ’57
Schoel has continued a tradition of engineering
excellence through his service to Walter Schoel
Engineering Co. Schoel began working for Walter
Schoel Engineering while he was in high school.
After World War II, Schoel returned to school and
received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.
Following graduation, Schoel began working with
Walter Schoel Engineering. He was promoted to
president in 1968. For the next 30 years, he led the
company during continuous growth, and he worked
on many projects that helped shape Birmingham.
In 1998, Schoel was succeeded as president by his
son, Walter Schoel III.
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COVINGTON ANNOUNCED
AS NEW CAPSTONE
ENGINEERING SOCIETY
NATIONAL CHAIR
The Capstone
Engineering
Society
announced John
W. Covington has
assumed the role
of national chair.
During his two-year term as national
chair, Covington will preside over
all CES board meetings, oversee all
activities and responsibilities of the
board, and serve on the committee
that elects new board members.
BOEING CONTRIBUTES TO
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
Daniel Beggs, senior manager of
accounting for Integrated Defense
Systems at Boeing Co., visited
campus and presented Dean Chuck
Karr with scholarship funds for
minority engineering and general
engineering.
BAMBARGER AWARDED OUTSTANDING
ALUMNI VOLUNTEER AWARD
The College of Engineering awarded
James C. Bambarger with the 2007
Outstanding Alumni Volunteer Award.
Bambarger has demonstrated consistent
loyalty to UA’s College of Engineering
since he graduated from the Capstone
with a bachelor’s degree in civil
engineering in 1970.
After graduation, Bambarger began
working with TTL Inc., a diverse
environmental consulting firm. He served
in numerous positions before retiring as the CEO and chairman
of the board. Because of his dedication to TTL, the company
chose to honor Bambarger by endowing a student scholarship
in his name. In addition, Bambarger and TTL have pledged
more than $100,000 to support scholarships as part of the
University’s “Our Students. Our Future.” campaign.
Bambarger has diligently served as the chairman of the
College of Engineering Leadership Board. His responsibilities
include presiding over all leadership board meetings. Bambarger
was inducted as a Distinguished Engineering Fellow in 2002.
COLLEGE RECEIVES SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
FROM PRATT & WHITNEY ROCKETDYNE
BIG THANKS!!!
We appreciate our recent partners in UA’s College of Engineering
family for their support of our students and programs.
Mrs. Carole D. Barnett for
establishing the Robert P.
Barnett Endowed Scholarship
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis L.
Baxendale for establishing the
Dennis and Virginia Baxendale
Endowed Scholarship
BellSouth Telecommunications
Inc. for continuing support
of the Electrical and Computer
Engineering Endowed
Support Fund
Boeing Co. for continuing
support of the Boeing
Corp. Scholarship and the
Multicultural Engineering Fund
Dr. Robin B. and Mr. William
Paul Buckelew for support
of engineering scholarships
CDG Engineers & Associates
for establishing the CDG
Engineers Civil
Engineering Scholarship
CONSTRUCTION
ENGINEERING
PROFESSOR WORKS
AT DEDICATED DESK
Linda Delahay donated Jim Delahay’s
desk from LBYD for Dr. Jim
Richardson, associate professor
of civil, construction and
environmental engineering.
14
capstone
engineer
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Inc. representatives visited
campus and presented the College with scholarship funds
in aerospace engineering and mechanics, computer science,
mechanical engineering and electrical and computer
engineering. Dr. Kevin Whitaker (left), associate dean
of academic programs, and Dean Chuck Karr (second
from right) accept a scholarship check from Tracy Lamm,
government and community relations manager (second
from left), and Calvin Inabinett, software engineer (right).
Mr. and Mrs. L. Earl
Crittenden for continuing
support of the Elna Russell
and Earl Crittenden Endowed
Engineering Scholarship
Doster Construction Co. Inc.
for continuing support of
the Thomas E. Doster III
Endowed Scholarship
Dr. Betty B. and Mr. Edward
L. Englebert for continuing
support of the Edward L. and
Betty B. Englebert Endowed
Chemical Engineering
Scholarship
Mr. and Mrs. Ernest A. Fite
for continuing support of the
Ernest A. and Carol S. Fite
Endowed Scholarship
Ms. Marce Fuller for
establishing the Marce Fuller
Endowed Scholarship
Mr. and Mrs. Robert H.
Haubein for continuing
support of the Mr. and Mrs.
Robert H. Haubein Endowed
Engineering Scholarship
Mrs. Diane Dodson Hilleke
for establishing the Jeffery
Brett Hilleke Memorial
Endowed Scholarship
Honda Manufacturing of
Alabama LLC for continuing
support of the Mechanical
Engineering Gift Fund
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing
Alabama LLC for support of
the Mechanical Engineering
Gift Fund
Mr. James C. Lewis for
continuing support of the
James C. Lewis Endowed
Scholarship
Mr. and Mrs. John Lewis for
continuing support of the Lewis
Family Endowed Chemical
Engineering Discretionary Fund
Mr. Hau-An Liu for continuing
support of the Chemical
Engineering Endowed
Discretionary Fund
Mr. and Mrs. Richard M.
MacKay for continuing support
of the Rick and Barrett Brock
MacKay Chemical Engineering
Discretionary Fund
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne
Inc. for establishing the Pratt
& Whitney Rocketdyne Inc.
Scholarship Fund
RaCON Inc. for establishing
the RaCON Inc. Endowed
Support Fund
Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Roberts
for continuing support of the
Mark A. and Chrystine B.
Roberts Endowed
Engineering Scholarship
Robins & Morton Group for
establishing the Robins &
Morton Scholarship
Ambassador and Mrs. Joseph
M. Rodgers for continuing
support of the Rodgers
Family Scholarship
Mr. Donald J. Ward for support
of engineering scholarships
capstone
engineer 15
Legacy
Crimson is ...
l
eaving
a
news
Crimson Is…Leaving a Legacy
With rising tuition costs, some students would not be able to attend the Capstone
without the generous support of our alumni and friends who have endowed scholarships.
The following are newly endowed scholarships.
The Robert P. “Bob” Barnett Endowed Scholarship
In 2007, Carole Deal Barnett established the Robert
P. “Bob” Barnett Endowed Scholarship to honor her
husband, Bob. The scholarship supports students
majoring in civil, construction and environmental
engineering. Robert Barnett received a bachelor’s
and a master’s degree in civil engineering from the
Capstone in 1968 and 1971, respectively. Barnett’s firm,
Barnett Jones Wilson LLC, which he founded in 1986,
completed numerous structural engineering and design
projects throughout Alabama and nationwide. In 2006,
Barnett was recognized as a Fellow of UA’s Department
of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering.
You help shape the future of UA Engineering by
supporting the College financially. There are many
ways to help – establish a gift in your estate plan or
donate gifts of cash, appreciated property, or
equipment. Take pride in the knowledge that your
contributions make UA’s College of Engineering
stand out in the eyes of the nation.
For more information, call us at 1-800-333-8156.
(205) 348-7594 16
capstone
engineer
The Dennis and Virginia Baxendale Endowed Scholarship
Dennis L. and Virginia Baxendale established their
endowed scholarship in 2007 to support students
majoring in chemical and biological engineering.
Dennis Baxendale received a bachelor’s degree in
chemical engineering in 1966, and retired as president
and chief executive officer of ELTECH Systems
Corp. Baxendale continues to have strong links to his
alma mater as he was recognized as a Distinguished
Engineering Fellow in 2000. Virginia Baxendale
attended the University of West Alabama.
w w w. e n g . u a . e d u
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news
news
The Ernest A. and Carol S. Fite Endowed Scholarship
Ernest A. and Carol S. Fite established their endowed
scholarship in 2005 to support students majoring in
civil, construction and environmental engineering.
Ernest Fite received a bachelor’s and a master’s degree
in civil engineering from UA in 1968 and 1970,
respectively. He had more than 30 years of combined
service in the U.S. Army and the Alabama Army
National Guard, where he retired with the rank of
colonel. Carol Fite attended the Capstone, where
she received a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in
mathematics in 1966 and 1968, respectively.
The Marce Fuller
Endowed Scholarship
In 2006, Marce Fuller established her endowed
scholarship to support students in the College of
Engineering. Fuller received a bachelor’s degree in
electrical engineering from the Capstone in 1983. Fuller
is the retired president, chief executive officer, and board
member of Mirant Corp. Under her guidance, Mirant
spun off from its parent, Southern Company, in April
2001 and emerged as a competitive energy provider.
Fuller continues to have strong links to her alma mater as
she was recognized as a Distinguished Engineering Fellow
in 2004 and serves on the College’s Leadership Board.
18
capstone
engineer
The David W. Gilbert Endowed Scholarship
Michael C. Simmons established the David W.
Gilbert Endowed Scholarship in 2007 in honor
of his brother-in-law. David W. Gilbert received
a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1961,
and he had a long and distinguished career with
Rust International Corp. Following in Gilbert’s
footsteps, Simmons earned a bachelor’s degree in
civil engineering from the Capstone in 1973. The
scholarship supports students majoring in civil,
construction and environmental engineering.
The Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Haubein
Endowed Engineering Scholarship
Robert H. and Lee Haubein established their endowed
scholarship in 2004 to support students in the College of
Engineering. Robert Haubein received a bachelor’s degree in
electrical engineering from the University of Missouri in 1963,
and he retired as executive vice president and chief production
officer from Southern Company in 2002. He has become a
loyal supporter of The University of Alabama through his
dedicated service as past chair of the College of Engineering’s
Leadership Board and serving on the President’s Cabinet. Lee
Haubein attended Stephens College in Columbia, Mo.
capstone
engineer 19
news
The Jeffery Brett Hilleke Endowed Memorial Scholarship
In 2007, Diane Dodson
Hilleke established the
Jeffery Brett Hilleke
Endowed Memorial
Scholarship in honor of
her husband. The scholarship
supports students majoring
in chemical and biological
engineering who are
interested in environmental
engineering. Jeffery Brett
Hilleke, who passed away Dec.
29, 2006, earned a bachelor
Left to right: Chris Hilleke, Diane Dodson Hilleke, Dr. Gary C. April,
of science in chemical engineering
and Kenda Hilleke Hembrough
in 1971 and a master of science in
civil engineering in 1972. Hilleke
had a long, prestigious career in the fields of chemical and environmental engineering, working for
DuPont Chemicals, St. Regis Paper Co., and Champion Paper, which later became International
Paper. In 1995, Hilleke was named a Fellow of UA’s Department of Chemical and Biological
Engineering.
The Nell and Sorrell Lanier Endowed Scholarship
In 2006, Nell and Sorrell Lanier established their
endowed scholarship to support students majoring in
civil, construction, and environmental engineering.
Sorrell Lanier received a bachelor’s degree in civil
engineering in 1965. He founded Lanier and Associates
in 1974, and it has grown into one of the leading firms
for marine terminal design and construction. Nell
Lanier also attended the Capstone, earning a bachelor’s
degree in American studies and master’s degree in
guidance and counseling.
The Sandra E. and H. Kenneth White Endowed Scholarship
In 2007, H. Kenneth White and his wife, Sandra,
endowed a scholarship for students who are majoring in
civil, environmental or construction engineering. After
receiving his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from
the Capstone in 1971, White started his professional
career with a small engineering firm in Montgomery.
In 1998, White created H. Kenneth White & Associates
Inc., and soon after his son, Kenneth White Jr., also a
civil engineering graduate of UA, joined the firm. White
has shown his loyal Crimson Tide dedication through
serving as the Capstone Engineering Society national
past chair and hosting many alumni and recruiting
events. White was named a Distinguished Engineering
Fellow in 2001. Sandra White is a registered nurse and
graduated from the Birmingham Baptist School of
Nursing, now Samford University’s School of Nursing.
The Betty Karr Mann
Endowed Scholarship
Dean Chuck and Jodie Karr established their endowed
scholarship in 2006 to honor Dean Karr’s mother,
Betty Karr Mann. The scholarship supports students
in the College of Engineering. Mann graduated with
a bachelor’s degree from UA’s College of Education,
and she worked as a school librarian in Sylacauga,
Ala., and Pensacola, Fla.
Dean Chuck Karr and Betty Karr Mann
20
capstone
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capstone
engineer 21
surveying the college
e-Citation expands
Throughout State
The University of Alabama’s
CARE Research &
Development Laboratory
expanded its electronic
ticketing system, known
as e-Citation. This latest
expansion includes deployment
to all Alabama’s state troopers.
Developed in 2003,
e-Citation operates on laptops
in the patrol cars. Tickets are
transmitted electronically to
the Administrative Office
of Courts in Montgomery,
eliminating data entry of the
tickets by the court clerks. This
allows court clerks access to
those tickets without having to
input information.
You madE a CarEEr EnginEEring things
that last. hErE’s anothEr ChanCE.
Our university continues to build upon its tradition of excellence through generous,
long-range gifts from private donors. Please remember the College of Engineering
in your will, trust, or other estate plans.
For more information about giving opportunities without obligation,
contact our professional staff toll-free at 1-888-875-4438,
(205) 348-4767, or visit giving.ua.edu.
Our StudentS. Our Future.
UA Receives
NSF Grant
for Incoming
Engineering
Students
UA’s College of Engineering
has been awarded a grant
from the National Science
Foundation Scholarships in
Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics.
This grant, totaling
$500,000, will establish
a new scholarship program
that assists incoming
engineering freshmen.
Construction Engineering and
Management Founding Partners
Left to right front row: John Stivender, Doster Construction Co. Inc.; Bryson Edmonds, BE&K Inc.; Brian
Barr, Brasfield & Gorrie LLC; UA President Robert E. Witt; Steve McCord, Hoar Construction LLC; Mark Mattox,
Robins & Morton; Jay Reed, Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama; Left to right back row:
Geoff Golden, Golden & Associates LLC; Dr. Edd Gibson, director of the construction engineering and
management program; Keith Andrews, RaCON Inc.; Neil Davis, Davis Architects Inc.; Felix Drennen, Brice
Building Co. Inc.; Alan Crafton, Excelsior Construction Inc.; Dr. Ken Fridley, department head of civil,
construction and environmental engineering
The College of Engineering congratulates the following as the founding
partners of the Construction Engineering and Management Program.
Each founding partner has established endowments for undergraduate
scholarships, graduate fellowships and programmatic support.
• Brice Building Co. Inc. for the Brice Building Co.
Endowed Support Fund
• CDG Engineers & Associates Inc. for the CDG Engineers
Civil Engineering Scholarship
• Davis Architects for the Davis Architects Excellence in
Construction Engineering Endowed Support Fund
• Mr. Thomas E. Doster III for the Thomas E. Doster III
Endowed Scholarship
• Excelsior Construction Inc. for the Excelsior Construction
Endowed Support Fund
•Hoar Construction for the Hoar Construction Endowed Scholarship
•RaCON Inc. for the RaCON Inc. Endowed Scholarship
•Robins & Morton for the Robins & Morton Scholarship
• Mr. Jerry F. Wilson Jr. and Mrs. Judith F. Wilson for the
Jerry F. Wilson Jr. Family Endowed Support Fund
capstone
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surveying the college
surveying the college
taylor Appointed to ASME Fellow
Dr. Robert Taylor, professor of
mechanical engineering, was elected
to the grade of Fellow by the
American Society of Mechanical
Engineers. According to the award
letter, Taylor has made significant
contributions in both engineering
education and research. His research
in the prediction of heat transfer
and skin friction effects for flow
over rough surfaces has led to
design tool development in this area.
He has made advancements in the
application and analysis of engineering design and has developed
an inverse heat conduction model for castings.
Whitaker Receives
T. Morris Hackney
Leadership Award
The College of Engineering announced
Dr. Kevin Whitaker, associate dean for
academic programs, as the 2007 T. Morris
Hackney Endowed Faculty Leadership
Award recipient. The award honors a faculty
member who exemplifies the constant
guidance and leadership necessary to make
the College of Engineering exceptional.
Whitaker began working at UA in 1987 as an assistant professor of
aerospace engineering. He has served as campus director for the
Alabama Space Grant Consortium, institution coordinator for the
NSF-funded Foundation Coalition, and campus director for NASA
Opportunities for Visionary Academics.
Whitaker has received numerous awards, including the Outstanding
Aerospace Engineering Faculty Member and the NASA Graduate
Student Researchers Fellowship. He has been awarded numerous
externally funded research grants, and he has more than 16 reviewed
publications and 49 conference presentations.
This award was created as a tribute to T. Morris Hackney, and it was
made possible by the contributions from Mr. John H. Josey and his
son, Mr. Howard Josey.
24
capstone
engineer
morley Appointed
as IEEE’s Corporate
Integrity Contact
Person
The Institute of Electrical
and Electronics Engineers has
appointed Dr. Lloyd A. “Pete”
Morley, professor emeritus
of electrical engineering,
as corporate integrity contact
person. Serving in this newly
created position, Morley’s
duties are similar to that
of an ethics and compliance
officer in industry. He is
the focus person for receiving,
investigating and reporting
complaints of suspected
financial misconduct
within IEEE.
aem Professor
Earns NSF
Career Award
Dr. Lloyd A. “Pete” Morley retires
Dr. Lloyd “Pete” Morley, professor emeritus of electrical and computer
engineering, retired from the Capstone after more than 21 years of service.
Morley served the College in many ways throughout the years including
department head, professor and advisor.
Morley started with the College in 1985 as department head and professor
of mineral engineering, and he was named the Drummond Endowed Chair
of Mining Engineering in 1993. In 1996, he was appointed as professor
of electrical engineering and a year later added the duties of associate
department head. In 2000, Morley was named as head of the electrical and
computer engineering department. After serving as head for four years,
he returned to the faculty and continued teaching and advising.
Morley has maintained a close association with industry. He has authored or co-authored numerous papers
and reports, two editions of a book on mine electrical systems, and has received several awards for his
research, publication and teaching activities. He was elected Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Fellow in 1988, and he earned the 1995 IEEE Industry Applications Society Distinguished Service Award.
In 2000, he received the College of Engineering T. Morris Hackney Endowed Faculty Leadership Award
for his contributions. In 2005, Morley was the recipient of the IEEE Richard M. Emberson Award.
2007 SWE Region D Conference
Held at UA
The Society of Women Engineers held their
2007 Region D Conference at the Capstone on
March 2-4. The conference workshops aimed
at increasing the members’ exposure to future
engineering technologies, instilling an appreciation
of interdisciplinary teamwork, and providing
opportunities for professional growth.
Dr. James P. Hubner, assistant
professor of aerospace
engineering and mechanics,
has been awarded a National
Science Foundation
CAREER Award. NSF’s
CAREER Awards recognize
top-performing young
scientists and engineers who
are beginning their careers
Hubner has been awarded
a five-year, $400,000 grant
to advance his study of
luminescence technology.
Linda Tingle retires
Linda Tingle, office associate in
the Department of Computer
Science, retired in June 2007.
Tingle originally joined the
College of Engineering in 1985,
working for the Department of
Civil and Electrical Engineering
Technology Programs, and she
moved to the Department of
Computer Science in 1995.
capstone
engineer 25
surveying the college
surveying the college
CRIMSON GRITS Race MiniBaja Vehicle
UA’s Crimson GRITS (Girls Racing in the South)
tackled tough terrain and conquered water challenges
as they competed in the 2007 Society of Automotive
Engineers Mini-Baja Competition. The team designed
and built an off-road vehicle that survived rough
terrain, rolling hills, sandy flats and a challenging water
course. The Crimson GRITS team also received the
SAE Challenge to Women Leaders Award, as awarded
by the SAE Women Engineers Committee.
two engineering
Students Named to USA
Today’s All-USA College
Academic Team
Michelle McGaha
Jennifer Phillips
Two engineering students from UA
have been named to the 2007 USA
Today™All-USA College Academic
Team. The team includes Second
Team members Michelle McGaha,
a junior industrial engineering
major, and Jennifer Phillips, a senior
chemical engineering major. Four
UA students were named to this
year’s team.
The USA Today All-USA College
Academic Team honors the “best of
the best” undergraduate academic
all-stars from across the nation.
The team recognizes college students
who not only excel in scholarship
but also extend their intellectual
abilities beyond the classroom to
benefit society. A total of 80 students
nationwide were selected from more
than 600 nominees for the 2007 team.
26
capstone
engineer
ChBE student receives
Hollings Scholarship
Three UA students will receive
the prestigious and highly
competitive National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration
Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate
Scholarship for 2007-08. Ynhi
Thai, a sophomore in chemical
and biological engineering,
will receive $8,000 per year for full-time study during
the junior and senior years and $6,500 for a 10-week
internship at NOAA. This is the third consecutive year a
College of Engineering student has received this honor.
ECE STUDENT
RECEIVES THE PAUL
W. BRYANT STUDENTATHLETE AWARD
Rachael Green, a senior in electrical
engineering, was honored with the
prestigious Paul W. Bryant StudentAthlete Award. Created in 1985,
the award recognizes outstanding
achievements of Crimson Tide
student-athletes in the classroom,
in their athletic endeavors and
in the community.
UA Engineers Without Borders
Restores Black Belt Baseball
Field in Hale County
Engineers Without Borders partnered with the Black Belt
Action Commission, an organization aimed at improving
the quality of life in Alabama’s Black Belt region, to restore
Curtis Smith Field, a run-down baseball field in Greensboro.
EWB made several improvements to the field, including
patching the roofs of the dugouts, adding bases to the field,
restoring the bleachers and concession stand, and building
new scoreboards.
CES OUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARD
A $500 cash stipend and plaque were presented to Meredith
Brooke Caldwell, a senior in mechanical engineering, as the
2007 Capstone Engineering Society Outstanding Senior.
Caldwell’s academic honors include the Dean’s List, Pi Tau
Sigma Mechanical Engineering Honor Society, Golden
Key Honor Society and Society of Women Engineers’
Outstanding Awards. Caldwell serves as president of the
Society of Women Engineers, secretary of the American
Society of Mechanical Engineers, and was selected to
represent the College of Engineering as an Ambassador
of the College of Engineering.
ChBE STUDENTS
VISIT CENTENNIAL
MEDICAL CENTER
IN NASHVILLE
Mark Cooper, M.D., chief of
staff at Centennial Medical
Center and an engineering
alumnus, hosted chemical
Dr. Mark Cooper, Stephen Burton,
engineering undergraduates
Chris Cater, and Rachel Sollie
for an inside view to how
engineering technology is vital to the medical
profession. The students toured a cardiac operation
suite, dialysis unit and laparoscopic surgical suite. The
students participated in hands-on demonstrations using
the Da Vinci robotic surgical suite, a new coagulating
scalpel, and the laparoscopic surgical equipment.
capstone
engineer 27
surveying the college
our students. our future.
STELLAR FACULTY
Dean Chuck Karr congratulates the following faculty
for stellar work during the 2006-07 academic year.
Million Dollar Researchers
Promotion and Tenure
The following researchers generated $1 million or
more in new research awards in 2006-07
The following faculty received promotions and
tenure this year.
• Dr. David Brown, professor of computer
science and director of development
of UA’s CARE Research & Development
Laboratory
• Dr. Brandon Dixon, associate professor
of computer science
• Dr. Allen Parrish, professor of computer science and director of UA’s CARE Research & Development Laboratory
• Dr. Randy Smith, assistant professor
of computer science
• Dr. Dan Turner, professor of civil,
construction and environmental
engineering and director of the University Transportation Center for Alabama
•
•
•
•
Dr. Jeff Jackson, professor and head of electrical and computer engineering
Dr. Stephen Ritchie, associate professor of chemical and biological engineering
Dr. Keith Williams, associate professor of mechanical engineering
Dr. Keith Woodbury, professor of mechanical engineering
Outstanding Teachers
The following tenure-track faculty received a
4.8 rating and above on teaching evaluations
for both the fall and spring semesters.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
28
Dr. Steve Kavanaugh, professor
of mechanical engineering
Dr. Clark Midkiff, professor of mechanical
engineering and director of the Center for
Advanced Vehicle Technology
Dr. Gary Moynihan, professor of
industrial engineering
Dr. Ken Ricks, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering
Dr. Stephen Ritchie, associate professor
of chemical and biological engineering
Dr. Heath Turner, assistant professor
of chemical and biological engineering
Dr. Keith Woodbury, professor of mechanical engineering
capstone
engineer
Front Row: Dr. Stephen Ritchie, Dr. Keith Woodbury; Back Row: Dr. Jeff
Jackson, Dr. Keith Williams
scholarship IMPACTS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING STUDENT
As the College of Engineering continues
to grow, we are poised to take engineering
education in Alabama to a level of academic
prominence. But to do so, we must provide
our best and brightest students with the
needed financial assistance for them to become
successful engineers. These students are critical
to the future of engineering, which is why
the University’s “Our Students. Our Future.”
capital campaign is vital to
our college. This campaign
is focused on providing
scholarships to students
while establishing a legacy
that will impact young lives
for years to come.
In 2004, Southern
Company established
the Southern Company
Corporate Scholars
Award, which promotes
the education of fulltime students majoring in
mechanical engineering.
Bianca Covington,
a junior majoring in
mechanical engineering
from Houston, Texas,
is the 2007 recipient of
the Southern Company
Corporate Scholars Award. She has spent her
time at The University of Alabama growing
as a student while dreaming of becoming an
engineer and receiving her law degree.
“Considering I come from a large family
and my mother suffered from breast cancer,
I would have never been able to attend college,
much less the Capstone, if it were not for
the scholarships I have received,” explained
Covington. “The generosity of Southern
Company has made it possible for me to attend
one of the most prominent universities in the
country and I am forever grateful.”
Covington has received numerous
honors during her undergraduate years at the
Capstone, including recognition as a National
Hispanic Scholar and a Presidential Scholar.
Among her activities on campus, she is a
member of Crimson GRITS, UA’s female
mini-baja team. Covington also serves as the
EEC representative for the American Society
of Mechanical Engineers, and she is a member
of the University Honors
Program and the Pre-Law
Student Association. In
addition, Covington is
a founding member of
the University Stewards,
a student organization
whose purpose is to create
personal relationships with
prospective students and
their parents.
Grateful for the
financial assistance she has
received while attending
the Capstone, Covington
attributes much of her
success as an engineering
student to the scholarships
she has received. “I
take advantage of every
opportunity I am given,”
said Covington, “and I never would have
had the opportunity to challenge myself as a
student and as an engineer had it not been for
the financial assistance I have received along
the way.”
Support the College of Engineering by
contributing to the legacy and tradition of the
Capstone’s engineering scholarships. If you
would like to discuss specific areas of the
“Our Students. Our Future.” campaign,
contact Karen Baldwin, director of external
affairs and development, at (205) 348-7594
or 1-800-333-8156.
capstone
engineer 29
alumni notes
alumni notes
Jobs
1949
Hank Beaird, B.S.A.E. ’49,
received an award at the fourth
annual Living Legends of
Aviation award ceremony.
1956
William A. Hughes, B.S.C.E.
’56, was inducted into the
Alabama Road Builders Hall
of Fame. Hughes was inducted
as a Distinguished Engineering
Fellow in 1987.
1958
Bobby Rice,
B.S.C.E. ’58,
retired from
the University
of Alabama
Athletic
Department
after serving as
director of athletic facilities for
16 years.
1974
Col. Edgar Verchot, B.S.E.E.
’74, M.S.E.E. ’79, retired from
the U.S. Air Force after a career
spanning more than 27 years of
service. Verchot’s assignments
included duty as an electrical
engineer, test engineer, exchange
officer to the United Kingdom,
Pentagon staff officer, and a
professor at Defense Systems
Management College. He is
now working in the defense
industry for Computer
Sciences Corp.
30
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engineer
Promotions
Awards
1977
Thomas C. Russell, B.S.C.E.
’77, retired from the U.S. Air
Force and accepted a position
with Innovative Technical
Solutions Inc. as the senior
director of international and
special programs.
1981
Stephen F.
Cash, B.S.C.E.
’81, has been
assigned
to serve as
the acting
manager of
(Image credit: NASA/MSFC) the Shuttle
Propulsion Office at NASA’s
Marshall Space Flight Center
in Huntsville. In addition,
Cash will be serving as the
acting deputy shuttle program
manager.
Col. Terry Senger, B.S.C.E. ’81,
was mobilized to active duty
with the U.S. Marine Corps for
duty in Iraq. He is serving as the
chief of operations at night for
coalition ground forces.
1983
David E. Roberts Jr.,
B.S.Min.E. ’83, was named
senior vice president of business
development for Marathon
Oil Corp. Roberts previously
worked in London as executive
vice president for BG Group.
1985
Troy Hester, B.S.E.E. ’85, was
named the top Department of
the Army Civilian of the Year
by the Redstone-Huntsville
Chapter of the Association of
the U.S. Army.
1986
Glenn Ray Dodd, B.S.I.E. ’86,
was appointed president of
Dizzy Dean’s Fireworks Inc. and
proprietor of WinTech Business
Solutions, which specializes
in small-business computer
consulting.
Robert M.
Lightfoot
Jr., B.S.M.E.
’86, was
named deputy
director
of NASA’s
(Image credit: NASA/MSFC) Marshall Space
Flight Center in Huntsville.
Lightfoot previously served as
manager of the Space Shuttle
Propulsion Office.
1987
Michael
Kynard,
B.S.E.E. ’87,
was appointed
to the federal
government’s
Senior
(Image credit: NASA/MSFC) Executive
Service after serving as manager
of the Ares I Upper Stage
Engine in the Exploration
Launch Projects Office at
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight
Center in Huntsville.
1992
Doug Campbell, B.S.M.E.
’92, was selected as a NASA
Congressional Fellow for 2007
in the office of Sen. Bill Nelson.
He previously worked with the
NASA Goddard Space Flight
Center where he managed
development of the primary
imaging camera for the James
Webb Space Telescope.
Wes Conwell, B.S.E.E. ’92,
was appointed to serve a threeyear term as a member of the
Birmingham Urban League
board of directors.
Dr. Kristina Diana Rinker,
B.S.Ch.E. ’92, accepted a position
as an assistant professor with
the Centre for Bioengineering
Research and Education at the
Schulich School of Engineering
at the University of Calgary in
Alberta, Canada.
1994
Louis A. Hall Jr., B.S.Ch.E. ’94,
accepted a position at Omnova
Solutions after previously
working with Delphi.
1998
William David Lewis Jr., B.S.C.S.
’98, accepted a position at the
University of Illinois performing
medical software back-end
support.
2000
Ashley Taylor, B.S.Ch.E. ’00, has
been named strategic analyst for
the Westervelt Co.’s Strategy and
Planning Group.
2001
Nathan Hefner,
B.S.C.E. ’01,
M.S.C.E. ’06,
was promoted
to project
engineer at
LBYD Inc. He
was involved
with the structural design of
St. Vincent’s South Tower in
Birmingham.
Prabhu
Sundaram,
M.S.C.E. ’03,
was promoted
to assistant
project manager
at LBYD Inc.
He is involved
with the structural designs of
numerous projects in Illinois,
Maine and Ohio.
2004
2002
John W. Northington,
B.S.Ch.E. ’02, accepted a position
as a process engineer at Southern
Company in Wilsonville.
William Sanatra Smith, B.S.E.E.
’02, accepted a job as an engineer
at Con Edison in New York City.
2003
Barbara H. McCrary, B.S.M.E.
’03, M.S.M.E. ’05, received the
2006 Willis H. Carrier Award for
co-authoring “Environmental
Impacts of Surface Water Heat
Pump Systems.” This award is
presented to the author of a best
paper presented at an American
Society of Heating, Refrigeration,
and Air-Conditioning Engineers
Inc. meeting.
Tonita Romero Northington,
B.S.I.E. ’03, won the American
Bar Association’s National Law
Student Tax Challenge. She
graduated Order of the Coif
from Louisiana State University
Paul M. Herbert Law School and
accepted an associate position at
Balch & Bingham LLP.
Brian Hatcher,
B.S.C.E. ’04,
M.S.C.E. ’04,
was promoted
to project
engineer at
LBYD Inc. He
is involved with
the design of the new Trussville
High School and the Samford
University Tennis Facility.
Ken Todd, B.S.C.E. ’04, has been
promoted to project manager
for McAbee Construction Inc.
Todd is responsible for managing
plant expansion and maintenance
projects in the automotive
industry in Vance and several
environmental and maintenance
projects for power plants in
Alabama, Florida and Mississippi.
2006
Vladimir Nitriansky, B.S.M.E.
’06, accepted a position with
Eaton Aerospace in Jackson, Miss.
capstone
engineer 31
in memory
in memory
#
Elbert B. Craig
Elbert B. Craig passed away on May 1, 2006. In 1951, Craig graduated from The University
of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. Craig was retired from NASA
Marshall Space Flight Center as deputy director of the procurement office. He worked on
the Apollo and space shuttle programs and was awarded the Exceptional Service Medal.
Dr. Ernest Carl Houck
Dr. Ernest Carl Houck died on May 22, 2006. Houck received a bachelor’s degree in
mechanical engineering in 1967 and a master’s degree in industrial engineering in 1969.
He continued his education and earned an additional master’s degree and a doctorate at
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and University. Houck joined the Virginia Tech faculty in 1972
and was a professor in the department of business information technology.
Charles M. Dieffenbach
Charles Maxwell Dieffenbach, professor emeritus of the Salmon P. Chase College of Law,
died March 15, 2006. Dieffenbach received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering
from The University of Alabama in 1934. He received a master’s degree in
economics from the University of Cincinnati, and a juris doctor from
Ohio Northern University in 1948 and 1957, respectively.
Jeffery Brett Hilleke
Jeffery Brett Hilleke of Pensacola, Fla., died Dec. 29, 2006. Hilleke received a bachelor’s
degree in chemical engineering and master’s degree in civil and environmental
engineering from The University of Alabama in 1971 and 1972, respectively. Hilleke began
his career as a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force at Robins Air Force Base. In 1976,
he was employed by DuPont Chemicals. In 1979, he moved to St. Regis Paper Co.
and then to Champion Paper, which is now International Paper Co.
Diane Dodson Hilleke has established the Jeffery Brett Hilleke Endowed Memorial
Scholarship in honor of her husband. Condolences may be expressed at www.legacy.com
until December 2007.
G
During World War II, he served as a captain in the U.S. Army as a test pilot
flying B-17s and other aircraft as they came offGthe assembly line to certify their airworthiness.
I
Following the war, he served in civilian capacityI asN the
E R of the static testing laboratory
E head
at Wright Patterson Field until 1974. He then moved to Long Island, N.Y., and worked with
Fairchild Republic as the chief design engineer for the A-10 Attack Jet. He retired from Fairchild
Republic, and returned to Kettering, Ohio, volunteering at the Wright State University Library.
N
E N
Justin C. Clark
Justin Clark, age 20, died Feb. 12, 2007. Clark was a junior majoring in industrial
engineering and was confined to a wheelchair because of muscular dystrophy. He worked
with Denbury Resources as an industrial engineer during the summer of 2006.
In 2005, Clark served as senator for the College of Engineering.
C
Ernest Clinton Ash Jr.
Ernest Clinton Ash Jr. passed away on Aug. 14, 2006. Ash received a bachelor’s degree
in civil engineering in 1942 and then served in the U.S. Navy. His passion was teaching,
and he taught at Tarkio College in Missouri and Maryville College in Tennessee.
E
P S T O N
A
Richard F. Hoener
Richard F. Hoener of Kettering, Ohio, died May 15, 2007. Hoener received
a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from the Capstone in 1939,
and he was named president of the senior class of 1939.
Afton Bradford Jowers
Afton B. Jowers of Leeds, Ala., passed away on June 5, 2007. Jowers received
a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1942, and then served the next two years
in the U.S. Army Air Corp as a lieutenant. He returned to the Capstone and received a
master’s degree in environmental engineering in 1945. He began his engineering career
with Polk, Powell and Hendon. In 1956, he was a ranking member of the staff and
became a partner of the firm. In 1984, he retired from the firm as president
and assumed the position of vice chairman of the board.
Jowers was actively involved with the American Society of Civil Engineers,
the American Water Works Association, and the Industrial Wastes and Sewage Works
Association. He was a licensed engineer in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. In 1988,
Jowers was named a UA Distinguished Engineering Fellow.
Gilbert B. Plott III
Gilbert B. Plott III died June 16, 2007. Plott received a bachelor’s degree in
metallurgical engineering in 1971, and then he received a degree in dentistry from the
University of Alabama at Birmingham. He also received a juris doctorate from
Birmingham School of Law.
C. Dudley Powers Jr.
C. Dudley Powers Jr. of Chesterfield, Mo., died May 26, 2007. Powers received a bachelor’s
degree in mechanical engineering in 1950 from the Capstone. He served in the U.S. Navy
during World War II, and then worked for Monsanto Co. for more than 30 years.
32
capstone
engineer
capstone
engineer 33
in memory
events
Kia Robinson
Kia Robinson, age 24, passed away on Sept. 4, 2006, from cancer.
Robinson was a computer science major from Tuscaloosa.
Thomas Marshall Scoonover
Thomas Marshall Scoonover passed away on April 3, 2006. Scoonover received
a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from The University of Alabama.
He went on to pursue a master’s degree and doctorate from the University
of Michigan and Lehigh University, respectively.
Dr. Sidney A. Whitt
Dr. Sidney A. Whitt of Bozeman, Mont., died Jan. 25, 2007. Whitt was born in Russia and
immigrated to the United States with his family following the Russian Revolution. He
graduated from The University of Alabama in 1933 as the top-ranked student in the mechanical
engineering department and the second-ranked graduate in the College. Tau Beta Pi awarded
him a fellowship for graduate study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he
received his master’s degree in mechanical engineering. Whitt received a doctorate from New
York University in 1962. In 1972, Whitt became the first dean of the School of Environmental
and Resource Engineering at State University of New York. In 1990, The University of Alabama
designated Whitt as a Distinguished Engineering Fellow.
Thomas W. Wilder III
Thomas W. Wilder III of Graceville, Fla., died June 26, 2007. Wilder received a bachelor’s
degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in engineering in 1946 and 1952,
respectively. Following graduation Wilder joined the NASA team at Langley Field in Virginia.
He continued his career with work at the Convair Division of General Dynamics and then
with Lockheed’s Research Division at Stanford University. In 1960, he became associated with
an enterprise at Honeywell and he traveled internationally for consultations with the military.
In 1963, he moved to Graceville, Fla., and began a long career with the Bank of Jackson
County, eventually becoming the president and chief executive officer.
In 1988, Wilder was recognized as a Distinguished Engineering Fellow of the College
of Engineering. In 1999, Wilder established the Elizabeth Archibald Endowed Engineering
Scholarship to support students majoring in mechanical engineering.
Dean’s Leadership Series: “So, You
Want to be a CEO?” ICE President visited
campus in february
Chuck Vice, president and chief
operating officer of the Intercontinental
Exchange, spoke with UA students on
Feb. 19 in Shelby Hall. As president,
Vice oversees ICE’s operations,
including market development,
customer support, business development
activities and the execution of ICE’s
technology strategies. He has more than
15 years of experience in applying information technology in the energy industry.
President of Brookwood
Pharmaceuticals Spoke
in april
Dr. Arthur J. Tipton, chief executive
officer and president of Brookwood
Pharmaceuticals Inc., spoke with students
on April 2. Tipton joined Southern
Research in 2004 to lead the formation
of a new company based on Southern
Research’s pharmaceutical formulations
business. Brookwood Pharmaceuticals
was launched in January 2005 with
Tipton as president and CEO.
New UA
Engineering
Student
Organization
Hosts Dinner
and “Clue: The
Musical”
The College of Engineering
does Amateur Radical Theater,
known as COE does ART,
presented dinner and an
interactive musical based on
the board game “Clue” in
the H.M. Comer Theatre.
Shows were April 13-15. COE
does ART, a new, studentled organization at the
Capstone, aims at disproving
the stereotype that engineers
are not capable of producing
creative works of art.
ALUMNI GATHER IN
BATON ROUGE
Dean Chuck Karr met with alumni
in Baton Rouge, La., in January
for a breakfast gathering. About
10 alumni met with the dean and
discussed the College’s goals and
the University’s capital campaign.
34
capstone
engineer
capstone
engineer 35
events
GOLFERS RAISE FUNDS FOR CES
Crimso
The Capstone Engineering Society held its seventh annual CES Golf Tournament on April 26
at the Bent Brook Golf Course in Bessemer. About 137 alumni and friends enjoyed a beautiful
day and raised more than $17,000 (net proceeds) that will benefit CES initiatives.
Thanks to this year’s sponsors!
Alabama Guardrail Inc.
AMEC
American Cast Iron Pipe Co.
Apache Construction Corp.
BE&K Inc.
Consolidated Pipe & Supply
Con-Site Services Inc.
C.S. Beatty Construction
Davis Architects Inc.
Excelsior Construction
Darryl Gilley
Hanson Pipe & Precast
Hattemer, Hornsby & Bailey PC
Mark A. Roberts
Robins & Morton
SAIIA Construction LLC
Shell Exploration & Production Co.
Thompson CAT
Volkert & Associates
Vulcan Painters Inc.
Whitaker & Rawson Inc.
Crimson is...
Belonging to The Capstone Engineering Society.
W hy
contribute
to
ces ?
Increase the prestige and value of your engineering or computer science degree.
Help us achieve higher rankings through increased alumni participation.
Provide much-needed financial support for our students and the College.
Receive updates and information about the College.
Receive the Capstone Engineer.
Receive complimentary admission to the homecoming tailgate party.
P S T O N
G
N
E N
G
E
C
A
I N
E E R
I
Call 1-800-333-8156
or visit the weB site
at
w w w. e n g . u a . e d u .
36
capstone
engineer
H omecoming
T ailgate
P arty
Engineering alumni and friends
are invited to join the Capstone
Engineering Society for this
year’s Homecoming Tailgate Party.
P S T O N
G
N
E N
G
E
C
A
I N
E E R
Capstone Engineering Society
College of Engineering
Box 870200
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0200
I
Join us on the Quad on Oct. 6 to celebrate Homecoming 2007 and
cheer for the Crimson Tide against the University of Houston Cougars.
Roll Tide!
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. Postage PAID
Tuscaloosa, AL
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