Alumni achievements

Jaeger’s team finishes 16th in class in Rolex 24: Cincinnati's Brad Jaeger, BE’07, competed well in the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway, Feb. 2-3. He crossed the finish line in 16th place in the top class, Daytona Prototype, the team's Kodak Doran Ford. (more)

W. Robert Clay, John W. Johnson, and Edward Thackston received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering during the Engineering Celebration Dinner at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, Thursday, Oct. 11. (more)

Ed Wasserman (BE 65, CE) was recognized with the American Iron and Steel Institute's 2007 Market Development Industry Leadership Award. Mr. Wasserman is director of the Tennessee Department of Transportation¹s Structures Division.

The Academy of Distinguished Alumni

Vanderbilt Ph.D. graduate James L. Barnard was elected 2006 Honorary Board Certified Environmental Engineer by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers. The award is given in honor of contributions to the advancement of the environmental engineering field. Barnard is a Global Technology and Practice Leader with Black & Veatch Consultants, Kansas City, Missouri, and specializes in biological nutrient removal from wastewater.

Michael Kearney, who earned a master's degree in computer science, won the $1M Gold Rush, an online game on pop culture sponsored by AOL.com and Mark Burnett.

William B. Akers (BE '47) and Fred J. Cassetty Jr. (BE '60) received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering during the Engineering Celebration Dinner held at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel Thursday, Oct. 19.

"JackBot," a robotic vehicle designed by Phillip Yeager, B.E.E.E. 1986, was selected as a DARPA Grand Challenge Finalist from over 195 applicants, after months of qualifying stages. The autonomous vehicle competition, dubbed the "Great Robot Race," offered a $2 million cash prize for the winner. Jackbot qualified in the 11th starting position for the event. The $2 million prize was later won by the Volkswagon/Stanford University Team.

Engineering alumna Fonda Huizenga is profiled in Vanderbilt Magazine.

Vanderbilt Engineering Committee of Visitors member Mark Reuss has been named Executive Director, Global Vehicle Integration and Safety, for General Motors. Reuss received a bachelor of engineering degree in mechanical engineering from Vanderbilt University in 1986.

James A. Johnson, director of program management for Kellogg Brown & Root's Government and Infrastructure Unit, has been selected to receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering. Johnson graduated from the School of Engineering in 1963 with a degree in civil engineering. After earning a master of science in civil engineering from the University of Illinois in 1965, he returned to Vanderbilt to earn a doctorate in civil engineering in 1972. The School of Engineering Distinguished Alumnus Award recognizes distinguished achievement, significant service, excellent character, and a reputation that reflects well on the School. The honoree is chosen from nominations submitted by the Engineering Alumni Council and the faculty of the School of Engineering. As a Distinguished Alumnus, Johnson becomes a member of the School of Engineering Academy of Distinguished Alumni.

At the Oct. 14 "Reunion" Engineering luncheon, Dean Ken Galloway presents Engineering alumnus Joe Dorris the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his dedication and service to the School of Engineering. Mr. Dorris graduated from Vanderbilt with a degree in electrical engineering in 1965 and is president of Futaba Corporation of America. "Joe is a valuable member of the School's Committee of Visitors, a rabid indy car racing fan, a connoisseur of fine wine, just an all-around nice guy," Dean Galloway said. "But today he is being honored for his unwavering support of Vanderbilt Motorsports, an organization of our students that builds and competes with a custom race car each year. Joe has been their biggest cheerleader and strongest supporter for a number of years."
Mr. Dorris encouraged and helped students with Vanderbilt Motorsports compete in an event in London. Several of the students joined Dean Galloway in presenting the award plaque and thanking Mr. Dorris for his support.

David F. Dyer (BE '71), president and chief executive officer of Tommy Hilfiger Corporation, received the 2005 Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Vanderbilt School of Engineering. The presentation was made Friday, March 11, at the School of Engineering's annual Leadership Dinner at the University Club of Nashville. An apparel and retailing executive with more than 30 years' experience, Dyer has served as president of Lands' End, Home Shopping Network and J. Crew Catalog during his career. The School of Engineering Distinguished Alumnus Award recognizes distinguished achievement, significant service, excellent character and a reputation that reflects well on the school. Dyer credits his Vanderbilt engineering education as an important contributor to his professional success.

Stephen C. Lane has received a National Community Service Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). The award honors Lane for his wide-ranging volunteer efforts to enhance quality of life in Nashville. Lane is executive vice president and secretary of Smith Seckman Reid, Inc.

LTC Brian J. McKiernan, BE 1986, is the recipient of Bronze Star with Valor in recognition of for valor in sustained combat operations in the Anbar Province of Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom by U.S. Army, 1st Armored Division.

Andrew Wagner, BS 98, started the graduate program in Engineering Management at The Gordon Institute of Tufts University this fall and was recently named Design Engineer with General Electric Aircraft Engines in Lynn, MA.

Monroe Carell Jr., '59 EE, philanthropist/volunteer at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt University, received the meritorious service award for a philanthropist/volunteer. He was recognized for his long-term commitment to Vanderbilt University and recent five-year commitment to the planning, funding and building of the hospital.