The Penn State Outstanding Engineering Alumni (OEA) Awards recognize graduates who have reached exceptional levels
of professional achievement. Established in 1966, the award is the highest honor bestowed by the College of Engineering.
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AWARD PURPOSE
The purpose shall be to recognize and reward outstanding Penn State Engineering alumni for their success
as leaders in their field (engineering, science, business, education, or government) and for the impact they
have had and will continue to have on society and their profession. These exceptional alumni should
provide outstanding role models for current engineering students.
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AWARD ELIGIBILITY
Any person may be nominated who is an alumnus/ae of the Penn State College of Engineering. Current members
of the University faculty or staff are not eligible. Eligible candidates should have a record of professional
achievements which are widely recognized for their quality and significance.
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NOMINATION PROCESS
One nomination for each four-year, degree-granting program in a department may be submitted by the
department head. Department heads may take suggestions from faculty, students, or alumni and select
candidates to place in nomination. The department will be responsible for the preparation of a
nomination dossier which includes a completed nomination form
and any other appropriate documentation to present the best case for selection.
The nominee should not be contacted for information.
All nominations will be sent to the Executive Committee prior to the selection date.
All Executive Committee members should review each nomination carefully in advance of the meeting at which
the selection of Outstanding Engineering Alumni will be conducted. If desired, each department head will have
an opportunity to make a brief (up to two minutes) oral presentation in support of that department's
candidate at that meeting. Other Executive Committee members will then have an opportunity to ask questions
and/or make comments.
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SELECTION PROCESS
All Executive Committee members will grade each candidate on a scale of 0 to 4. All candidates receiving
an average grade of 3.0 or better will be selected for final consideration.
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PROGRAM
The title "Outstanding Engineering Alumnus/Alumna," a permanent designation, shall be conferred upon
each recipient of the Award by the Dean of the College of Engineering at an appropriate ceremony. The
Outstanding Engineering Alumnus/Alumna shall receive a plaque and have his or her name and likeness engraved
on the Outstanding Engineering Alumni Awards plaque which is permanently displayed in the College. The
Outstanding Engineering Alumni awardees will be asked to return to campus to receive their awards and to
interact in specific and significant ways with College of Engineering students, faculty, and alumni.
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PROCEDURES
- Invitation to the Outstanding Engineering Alumnus/Alumna initially comes from the Dean of the College
of Engineering.
- Expenses for one double room per OEA, welcome reception, award ceremony, and reception and
dinner following the ceremony will be borne by the Dean of the College. Additional guests must
assume their own room expenses; however, the Dean's Office will help locate accommodations.
- Dinner the evening before the ceremony and lunch on the day of the ceremony will be at the
expense of the department host.
- Each department host is in charge of the OEA's activities following breakfast on the day of
the ceremony. It is suggested that OEAs be given a period of free time prior to the award ceremony.
- The department head will ask OEAs to participate in seminars, classes, informal discussions and
other student-oriented activities in addition to offering their expertise to faculty and
administrators.
- It is recommended that the department host discuss a tentative agenda with the OEA for suggestions
and approval before finalizing the agenda.
- The Coordinator of Alumni Relations is the overall coordinator for the program and works with
each department host.
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Revised July 2003