On Friday, December 21, 307 College of Technology students earned undergraduate and graduate degrees. A reception in their honor was held on Thursday, December 20, in the Rockwell Pavilion of the MD Anderson Library where Dean William E. Fitzgibbon, technology faculty and staff warmly welcomed the students along with their families and friends.
Designed to honor excellence in academic achievement in the College of Technology, the Dean's Medal of Academic Excellence is awarded to the highest ranking student, graduating with a grade point average of 3.75 or above with the final 66 hours in residence at the University of Houston. A $1,000 award accompanies the medal. Dean Fitzgibbon presented the Medal to Connie Nuncio.
The Outstanding Student Award has been established to provide an opportunity to describe the attributes of a technologist graduating from the College. Considerations include notable academic achievement, a history of research activity (such as a special problems course or a grant-funded research project) and an awareness of social and cultural concerns made evident by involvement in organized community service programs or activities.
Diem-Le Ngyuen was awarded as Outstanding Student and received $1,000 for her achievements. In addition to earning high marks, she is highly regarded by faculty as an exceptionally energetic student who has demonstrated dedication, responsibility, and paramount efforts to perform with the highest standards. Diem-Le is employed full time at Alcon Research Inc. where she coordinates quality control objectives and manufacturing activities to meet business goals.
"It is very impressive that Ms. Ngyuen has been able to integrate what she has learned here in a fluid mechanics simulation study on the eyeball to her work at Alcon," said Dean Fitzgibbon. Diem-Le balances that with her active membership in the American Society of Quality, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, and is a volunteer for the United Way, and Bo's Place.
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Fred Lewallen presented awards to the College Banner Bearers, the highest achieving students in their departments. Banner Bearers lead graduating students into UH Commencement ceremonies and are recognized at the graduation reception at the end of the fall and spring semesters. The College of Technology's fall 2012 Banner Bearers were:
- Connie Nuncio (Honorary Banner Bearer), Department of Information and Logistics Technology, B.S. in Digital Media
- Elizabeth Razo, Department of Human Development and Consumer Sciences, B.S. Retailing and Consumer Science
- Christopher Saenz, Department of Information and Logistics Technology, B.S. Information and Logistics Technology
- Dylan Sims, Department of Engineering Technology, B.S. Construction Management
The entire College community is extremely proud of the accomplishments of its graduates and sincerely wishes the great success in their future endeavors.
Photos of the graduation reception are available on the College Facebook page: www.facebook.com/uhcot