Be proud of your degree; be proud of your college. You are graduating from a top tier institution, a recognition honored across Houston and well beyond — Dr. William E. Fitzgibbon, Dean, College of Technology
During a reception on Thursday, May 9, the College of Technology paused to honor its graduating class of spring 2013. About 372 Technology students earned their degrees this semester.
The Dean's Medal of Academic Excellence is the top award and honors excellence in academic achievement in the College of Technology, according to the University's standards for honors recognition. The Medal is awarded to the College's 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. Its recipient, Faiza Memon, the College of Technology Banner Bearer, earned her B.S. in Computer Engineering Technology, which is a program in the Engineering Technology Department.
Presenting the banner at graduation is an exciting privilege and responsibility for the highest achieving seniors and graduate students in each department. Associate Dean Dr. Raymond Cline congratulated the Graduate Studies Banner Bearer, Earl J. Ritchie, Jr. who was declared the oldest graduating student this semester from UH during commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 10. Ritchie earned a M.S. in Construction Management. Mr. Ritchie graduated from UH in 1981 with a Master's degree in Petroleum Engineering. He retired in 2006 as Vice President and General Manager of the Offshore Division of E.O.G. Resources, following a 35-year career in the oil and gas industry.
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Fred Lewallen, recognized the Undergraduate Banner Bearers: Khalid Al-Kalla, B.S. in Retailing and Consumer Science in the Department of Human Development and Consumer Sciences; James Banning, B.S. in Computer Information Systems from the Department of Information and Logistics Technology; and Sean Eary, Department of Engineering Technology, B.S. in Electrical Power Engineering Technology; and Faiza Memon, B.S. in Computer Engineering Technology , the overall College Banner Bearer.
The Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award celebrates the student who has demonstrated remarkable academic achievements, considerable research activity, and a keen awareness of social and culture concerns marked by their involvement in organized community service programs or activities. A $1,000 award accompanies this honor. The recipient of the Outstanding Undergraduate Award, Scott Batchelder, received his B.S. degree in Computer Engineering Technology.
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 and graduation day candid shots are available on the College's Facebook page: UH COT Spring 2013 Graduation Photos.