December graduates step up to new responsibilities

After completing a rigorous slate of classes, graduating students and their professors are eager to celebrate. And celebrate we did as twenty-some students completed their studies this December. 

In CEGE, graduates must also acknowledge that with their new roles as engineers, they are taking on great responsibility. Graduates with majors in civil engineering, environmental engineering, and geoengineering take on the responsibility of engineering for society, of ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of the public, including safe water, safe foundations and buildings, safe roads, and responsible use of earth's resources. We all rely on the work these engineers will do. 

So as part of celebrating their completion of coursework, CEGE students are invited to participate in the Order of the Engineer. Participants take a voluntary oath to practice their trade responsibly, to uphold the health, safety, and welfare of the public, and to treat Earth's resources responsibly. As a reminder to themselves and a symbol to others of their commitment, members of the order receive a silver ring. In CEGE, a ceremonial ring made from the steel of the fallen 35W bridge is another symbol of the impact of engineers' work.

And no graduation ceremony would be complete without speeches! 

Professor Paige Novak, Department Head, welcomed the graduates, their families, and their friends. She reviewed the history of engineering at the U of Minnesota and acknowledged all the work the students had done to get to this point.

Fellow classmate Tucker Adams (pictured left) amused and inspired the audience recalling his journey from uncertainty to more uncertainty.  

Alumnus Eric Sellman (BCE 1995), President of Meyer Contracting, Inc., was this year's Distinguished Speaker (pictured right). He shared many of the interesting and important projects he has been privileged to work on, highlighting the variety of paths and possibilities open to students with a degree in the fields of civil engineering, environmental engineering, and geoengineering.

The Order of the Engineer ceremony was led by Professor Lauren Linderman, a member of the Order. The reading of the names of the graduates was handled by Professor Erin Surdo and  Professor Randal Barnes.

The following engineering firms will be fortunate to work with some of CEGE's newest graduates: Bolton + Menk, Brown and Caldwell, EVS, HDR, Houston Engineering, Kimley Horn, Sambatek, and SEH, among others.

We are so proud of all you, graduates. We wish you much success. Our future is in your hands!