Departmental Awards and Past Recipients

Applied Engineering Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award

Recipients of this award, established in 2004, must have a distinguished career, evidenced by significant accomplishments; possess high standards of integrity that positively reflect the prestige of the college and the university; be recognized for leadership in the community; and demonstrate support of the applied engineering sciences program, the College of Engineering, and/or MSU. The winner is selected by the applied engineering sciences alumni advisory board.

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award

Established in 2004, this award is given to an alumnus who has distinguished himself/herself as a leader in the biological/agricultural engineering profession through professional contributions, public service, and personal accomplishments. Alumni who have graduated at least ten years ago with an undergraduate and/or graduate degree are considered.

Chemical Engineering and Materials Science Red Cedar Circle Award

Initiated in 2000, this award recognizes MSU chemical engineering and materials science alumni for their distinguished service to the profession and outstanding commitment to the community. The Red Cedar River, which passes through the center of the MSU campus, is a favorite gathering place. This departmental award is named in recognition of the importance of this landmark to MSU alumni.

Civil and Environmental Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award

Recipients of this award, first presented in 2003, must be: graduates of the department; national leaders in their profession; contributors to the department, the college, or the university in some meaningful way; and community leaders whose actions reflect favorably on Michigan State University. Nominations are made by faculty, alumni, and other supporters of the department. The department’s professional advisory board selects the winner.

Computer Science and Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award

Established in 2004, this award recognizes an alumnus who has distinguished himself/herself as a leader in the computer science and engineering profession through professional contributions, public service, and personal accomplishments. Nominations are made by faculty, alumni, and other supporters of the department. The winner is selected by the department chairperson and advisory committee.

John D. Ryder Electrical and Computer Engineering Alumni Award

Established in 2004, this award commemorates the outstanding professional contributions of John D. Ryder, former Dean of the College of Engineering and professor in the department. Nominations are made by alumni, faculty, and students. The department’s advisory committee selects the award winner in consultation with the chairperson. The award is given on the basis of contributions in furthering the mission of the department – which is to provide undergraduate and graduate education characterized by quality, access, and relevance; and to develop distinctive research programs in electrosciences, systems, and computer engineering, with the promise of sustained excellence as measured in scholarship, external investment, reputation, and impact.

Mechanical Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award

Established in 2004, this award honors an alumnus of MSU’s Department of Mechanical Engineering who has a minimum of 15 years of professional experience in an engineering or engineering-related field; provides leadership in engineering, engineering education, the related sciences, or technical management; contributes to the department, the college, or MSU; and is actively involved in the community. The winner is selected in consultation with the department’s advisory committee and board of visitors.