The Department of Aerospace Engineering in the Dwight Look College of Engineering at Texas A&M University inducted 10 individuals into the Aerospace Engineering Distinguished Alumni Academy during the Aerospace Engineering 75th Anniversary and Annual Awards Banquet.
Receiving the Outstanding Young Engineer Award were Maruthi Akella, Ph.D. ’98, Darren Hartl, Ph.D. ’03, and Kayleen Helms, Ph.D. ’00. This award is presented to an alumnus under the age of 40 who has shown outstanding work in their field and is a promising leader for the future. This person must have a strong commitment and interest in the university and the Department of Aerospace Engineering.
The Outstanding Aerospace Engineer award is presented to an alumnus 40 years or older who has proven superior professional achievement, community service and service to the university. This person is a role model for all to follow, and their example of distinguished professional practice deserves recognition. The alumni receiving this award were David Bodden ’76, Richard Matus, Ph.D. ’80 and Rush Robinett III, Ph.D. ’82.
The Aerospace Engineering Honorary Engineer Award is presented to non-Texas A&M University alumni who have made major contributions to the engineering profession and whose support of the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Texas A&M merits recognition. The two honorees given this distinction were Oran Nicks and John Slattery, Ph.D.
Two alumni were honored with the highest distinction in the academy, the Distinguished Aerospace Engineering Alumni award. This award is presented to an alumnus who is retired or near retirement with outstanding career records. This award recognizes sustained and meritorious contributions to engineering and engineering management. The two honorees were Charles Haines ’57 and Benjamin “Ben” Smith ’65.
For more information on the Distinguished Aerospace Engineering Alumni Academy, see /aerospace/former-students/alumni-academy.