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Awards sitting on a table.
Awards were presented to faculty, staff and students for their achievements. | Image: Alexandra Hoskins

The Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Texas A&M University had its annual gala on April 12 at the Brazos County Expo Center. The event recognized the achievements of faculty, staff and students over the past year.

Many students were recognized for receiving scholarships at the national, university and departmental levels, and for their dedication to scholarship and service. 

Yesenia Zavala, undergraduate academic advisor III, received the Outstanding Staff Award and will also receive the College of Engineering’s Outstanding Staff Award this semester.

Dr. Koppa has a lapel pin put on his jacket by another individual.
Koppa is presented with a pin to mark his 45 years of service. | Image: Alexandra Hoskins

Faculty in the department were recognized for winning national awards, receiving promotions and leading winning capstone project teams.

Dr. Rodger Koppa, associate professor emeritus, received an award for 45 years of service to Texas A&M, which was commemorated with a pin. Koppa worked for NASA before joining Texas A&M and is a registered professional engineer, certified human factors professional and certified psychologist.

Each year an award is presented to outstanding industry partners for their support of the department. This year, the United Parcel Service received the Partner of Excellence Award for their support of the capstone program.

Brent Lyons stands at podium.
Lyon was the recipient of the Distinguished Former Student Award. | Image: Alexandra Hoskins

The Distinguished Former Student Award recipient was Brent Lyon, the departmental advisory council president, who has given 19 years of service to the department and university. Lyon has a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Texas A&M in industrial engineering and currently works for Lockheed Martin.

The gala also served as a start to the 80th anniversary celebrations taking place in the coming years. The department will turn 80 in 2020.

“This event celebrates the outstanding achievements of our students, staff and faculty and we thank them for their continued service to the department, the College of Engineering and Texas A&M,” said Dr. Mark Lawley, head of the department.

“The department is thrilled to have numerous dedicated faculty and talented students to celebrate on this occasion and we are excited to kick off our 80th anniversary celebration.”