The Power of You
Lee College of Engineering Energy Leaders Recognized
The Charlotte Business Journal and E4 Carolinas recognized one Lee College of Engineering alumna and one faculty member as energy leaders in the Charlotte region at the eighth annual Energy Inc., Summit and Leadership Awards.
Mechanical Engineering alumna, Hannah Arrington ’07, was recognized as an Emerging Energy Leader and Systems Engineering Assistant Professor Dr. Tao Hong was recognized as an Outstanding Energy Educator.
Eric Reichard Recognized as Distinguished Alumnus, 2017
The UNC Charlotte Alumni Association recently recognized eight individuals as part of Alumniner Weekend, including Lee College of Engineering alumnus, Eric Reichard, as a winner of the Distinguished Alumnus Award
Reichard, who earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree from the Lee College of Engineering in 1989, is chief operations officer for Rodgers Builders. He has led a number of construction projects for UNC Charlotte, including the Center City building, Richardson Stadium and Levine Hall. Reichard has been a dedicated backer of Charlotte 49er athletics, serving as president and chairman of the Charlotte 49ers Athletic Foundation Board. Eric most recently has joined the Board of Advisors for the Lee College of Engineering.
Chris Tyler Named to Forbes “30 Under 30” List for 2016
Forbes has named Chris Tyler, a 2015 Mechanical Engineering Ph.D. graduate of the Lee College of Engineering, to its 2016 “30 Under 30” list.
Tyler, 29, is now working for Boeing Research and Technology in St. Louis, Missouri, as a materials process engineer. A specialist in hard-to-machine materials, Tyler did his research work in precision engineering at UNC Charlotte. For his doctoral thesis, he created a database of the ideal conditions for milling based on the type of material, He also helped optimize the shape of wings on flapping wing vehicles to produce the greatest amount of thrust.
From an initial screening list of more than 15,000 of the best of the best, Forbes named 600 of America’s most important young entrepreneurs, creative leaders and brightest stars to its fifth annual 30 Under 30 lists. Tyler was selected in the Manufacturing and Industry category
In his job at Boeing, Tyler is working to improve machining processes and the capabilities of commercial and defense aircraft components.
“I am always applying my background in advanced manufacturing technologies to strive toward continuous process improvements and innovation.” Tyler said. “I can’t thank my graduate advisor, Dr. Tony Schmitz, and the UNC Charlotte faculty and staff enough for providing me with the knowledge and experience that helped me earn my career and the Forbes 30 Under 30 honor.”
2016 Alumni Awards Recognize Two from Engineering
The UNC Charlotte Alumni Association recognized eight individuals, including Dhiaa Jamil and Brett Tempest from the Lee College of Engineering, for outstanding contributions to their professions, their communities and to the university at a ceremony April 9.
“Some of the most rewarding experiences we associate with our university actually begin at graduation, when former students enter the Alumni Association,” said Madeline Keeter (’08), president-elect of the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association. “Alumni are an essential part of our university and are among UNC Charlotte’s most valued supporters. Our Alumni Association is comprised of more than 120,000 graduates who remain connected with the university through service, fellowship and loyalty.”
Jamil, executive vice president and president of Duke Nuclear Energy, was recognized with the Bonnie Cone Lifetime Achievement Award. A 1978 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Jamil was lauded for his “leadership and dedication that have helped to transform both UNC Charlotte and the Charlotte region.” He currently serves on the UNC Charlotte Board of Trustees. He was instrumental in the campaign to fund the University’s Energy Production and Infrastructure Center. More information and video on Dhiaa Jamil can be found here
Triple degree graduate Brett Tempest (Civil Engineering bachelors, masters and Ph.D. ’04, ’07, ’10) was named Outstanding Young Alumnus. He is an expert on reuse applications of power generation derived from fly ash, a particularly pressing environmental problem in North Carolina. His research is related to the development and performance evaluation of concrete and masonry construction materials, particularly from the standpoint of sustainability.
More information and video on Brett Tempest can be found here
Bill Crowder is a Charlotte native born in 1947. He graduated from Garinger High School in 1966, and Wingate Junior College in 1968, before attending North Carolina State University. He served in the United States Army from 1970 to 1973, then returned to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at UNC Charlotte in 1975. Bill married another Charlottean, Pamela McLaughlin, in 1970. They have two married sons and four grandchildren.
Bill joined Crowder Construction Company upon graduation from college and worked in many capacities involved with field operations, safety, personnel development, and equipment management. He stepped down as Corporate Operations Officer in July of 2015, but remains involved in overall operations strategy and work acquisition, and as a Director, Executive VP and owner.
Bill served in many capacities with the Carolinas Associated General Contractors as a Board Member and Committee Chair, and also served on several committees with the National Associated General Contractors. From 1990 to 1992 Bill was a member of the Advisory Council for the Department of Construction Management at East Carolina University. Bill joined the initial Civil Engineering Advisory Council at UNC Charlotte in the 1990’s, and continues to serve on board today.
In 2012 Bill was inducted into the UNC Charlotte Alumni Hall of Fame.
Over the years, Bill has led and organized local area construction contractors and volunteer response to many natural disasters from floods to tornadoes to hurricanes. For this work he was recognized by President of the United States George HW Bush, received the Governor’s Award for Volunteer Service, was awarded the State of North Carolina’s Order of the Long Leaf Pine, and after hurricane Hugo in 1989, represented all of the volunteers as Grand Marshall at the Carolina Carousel Parade. In 1991 he received the Golden Hammer Award from the Charlotte Chapter of Professional Construction Estimators Association.
Bill served on the Board of the Charlotte Rescue Mission and played an integral role in the construction of the Doves Nest Women’s facility in 2012. In the early 2000’s Bill served on The Board of Visitors at Wingate University, and currently serves Wingate on the Board of Trustees and The Executive Committee of the Board. Bill has served many years as a volunteer and Board member with Alexander Youth Network and is currently Board Chair. Bill is an Elder at Philadelphia Presbyterian Church in Mint Hill, and has taught 4th/5th grade Sunday School there for many years.