UC's inclusive excellence in engineering celebrates anniversary

The University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science celebrated over 30 years of achievement, advocacy and initiatives for equity, inclusion and support for underrepresented minority students at an annual year-end celebration event hosted by the college’s Office of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement in November.  

Priya Modgil, fourth-year chemical engineering student, spoke about the importance of the office’s work in creating diverse opportunities and pathways for student development and success, and spaces where students from underrepresented minority groups feel like they belong and can thrive. 

“Coming into college, finding a balance of the cultures I grew up with was vitally important,” said Modgil, an Indian American and part of the first generation of her family born in the United States.  

“Through the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement, I have been connected to a world of resources and support that have helped me start off with my mission of creating an inclusive space for women of color in engineering,” said Modgil. 

Working with office staff members Paula Lampley, director of women in engineering, and Krizia Cabrera-Toro, program coordinator for women in engineering, Modgil recently cofounded a new student organization, the Association for Women of Color in Engineering, with fellow UC students Ashley Kirby and Jeannete Kootin-Sanwu.

A video tribute honored two profoundly influential alumni who passed away last year: Henry T. Brown and Clark Beck. 

In 1955, Brown, a Walnut Hills High School graduate, and Beck became the first black students to earn degrees from the UC's then-College of Engineering, Brown in chemical engineering and Beck in mechanical engineering.  

"One of the most important things we can do is share stories [like Beck’s and Brown’s],” said Matthew Terry, a graduate student in aerospace engineering, and past recipient of a Pioneers’ Scholarship, which was founded by Beck, Brown and seven other early college alumni known as the Pioneers.  

It is up to the individual person to make the choice to want to get a college education, Terry said, but seeing someone you can identify with doing things that you want to do can be tremendously encouraging and motivating.  

“I believe people have to see someone who grew up like them or was the same situation as them, overcame hurdles and became someone great. To have that story in someone’s mind helps them dream bigger and understand what they are capable of,” said Terry, who hopes to encourage more young people from underrepresented minority groups to pursue higher education and STEM careers. 

The event also included presentation of awards to outstanding students, faculty, staff and alumni, celebration of the 2019-2020 graduating seniors, and recognition of Messer Construction, a valued industry partner and sponsor. 

• Community Engagement Award 
  • Cameron Wallace  
• Outstanding Student Awards 
  • Tia Current (first year) 
  • Matthew Adkins (second year) 
  • Troy Meadows (third year) 
  • Trey Potter (fourth year) 
• Outstanding Faculty and Staff Awards 
  • Corinne Cook, assistant director of academic student advising, College of Engineering and Applied Science 
  • Dan Waddell, associate professor-educator of chemistry 
  • Rachel Chicchi, assistant professor of civil engineering 
• Outstanding Alumni Award 
  • Shannon McKenzie, BS mechanical engineering, 1997 
• Industry Award 
  • Messer Construction 

This event was open to all faculty, staff, students, alumni and affiliates.

Image featured at top: stoles for graduating seniors. Photo/Corrie Mayer/UC CEAS Marketing.