What's All the Fuss?
The Distinguished Honors Celebration (or DHC), now in its fifth year, has evolved from the College's one-time annual alumni dinner. Expanded upon to incorporate a greater pool of community leaders as well as those from within the College, this event recognizes individuals who, through their Service, Leadership, Humanitarian, and Pioneer endeavors, fulfill the grand challenges of the engineering field. What is more, proceeds from this, and every, DHC supports the College's students participating in various national and international student design competitions.
Fusion
As previously mentioned, this College event began as an annual friends of the College dinner, including mostly alumni of and donors to the College. More recently, we have extended our reach to include civic leaders and significant members of the engineering community. We have also invited those whose competitive pursuits are supported through the event in asking our student teams to join the festivities. What comes from this combination? Fusion.
Past Winners
Both distinguished alumni and area leaders have been recognized for their work at past DHC events. Awards have been bestowed to newly graduated engineers, including the first ODU undergraduate modeling and simulation graduating class and the alumnus who invented the automotive synchro-clutch. The first ODU alumnus granted a patent also received a DHC award. As well as a host of influential individuals not only based in the Hampton Roads community but also around the country. Even those engineers who have traveled far from home, including the Sudan, to pursue professional callings have been recognized at past events!
In 2013, our 50th anniversary year, we created a new award to highlight members of the engineering community who have made the significant commitment to improving the quality of the College and who have demonstrated exceptional organizational leadership and contributions to the betterment of the College. This inaugural Monarch Milestone Award was given to Dr. John Weese, former dean of the College and Advisory Board member.
As for this Year...
Attendance for this worthy event has increased year-over-year but, not to worry, we strive to accommodate all who wish to attend! This year's venue is the lovely waterfront setting in Norfolk, the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center. The program accompanying the awards and dinner on May 14th will revolve around our newly established Naval Engineering and Marine Systems institute (NEMSI) - the zenith of an increasingly secure relationship that the College has had with the military and maritime organizations. Keynote speaker for the event will be Dr. Jennifer Michaeli, the director of NEMSI, who has worked tirelessly in the maritime industry, now bringing years of solid maritime experience to the institute.
Why Support?
By joining us for an evening of dinner and awards or by committing to a sponsorship level, you are advancing ODU Engineering students and creating a competitive advantage for these rigorous competitions. Whether you would like to attend by yourself or ask your company to sponsor a part or whole table at the event, your presence will be appreciated. More information about supporting the event can be found here.
Any Questions?
Please contact the College with any questions about the DHC at 757-683-3789 or engineer@odu.edu.