Let's take a look at this year's crop of innovative and hard-working individuals in the engineering community who have exhibited decidedly noble characteristics. It is because of these charactieristics, we will be awarding them 2015 ODU Engineering Community Awards across three categories at this year's Distinguished Honors Celebration.
Service Award
Presented for outstanding humanitarian aid, service or support to benefit humanity locally, nationally, or internationally.
Michael D'Amato is the recipient of the 2015 Service Award. Beginning his career at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Mr. D'Amato continued his service in the marine industry for the next thirty years. He currently works with AMSEC, a Huntington Ingalls Industries company specializing in fleet maintenance and modernization and related services. Mr. D'Amato has also served as a dynamic member of the American Society of Naval Engineers over the past 15 years at both the local and national levels. ODU Engineering gains from a strong and lasting relationship with him engaging students at every opportunity with those around the industry.
Pioneer Award
Presented to an outstanding pioneer or innovator in the engineering profession, industry, and/or the local, national, and international community.
With over 60 years' experience in naval architecture and marine engineering, Donald Blount has inherently contributed tremendously to the field. It was Mr. Blount's research contributions and engineering leadership that significantly advanced the US Navy's high performance small vessel fleet to achieve high levels of technological innovation, system reliability and personnel safety. After retiring from an extended career with the Department of the Navy, Mr. Blount started his own design and engineering firm, Donald L. Blount and Associates, Inc. The hydrodynamic methodologies he developed with regard to high-performance vessel design and testing have long been accepted as "Best Practices" within the field.
Leadership Award
Presented for outstanding leadership within the engineering profession, industry, government and/or the local, national, and international community.
As the Director of Military Affairs at Old Dominion University, Vice Admiral (retired) David Architzel served as the University's liaison with the Department of Defense, military installations, and service personnel, while promoting the university and its academic programs to the military community. Before coming to ODU, VADM Architzel served nearly 40 years as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy holding various positions both on ship and shore. Through his direction at the University, lasting ties and opened doors within segments of the military community have emerged.