“This is a time of transition,” said Hahn. “The college has not only persevered but has thrived by embracing collaboration and resilience. Our shared experiences and connections have always been the foundation of the Wildcat spirit.”

The U of A welcomed its 23^rd president, Suresh Garimella, on Oct. 1. Garimella spoke at the event. Additional speakers were Engineering Student Council President Gracee Spatz, University of Arizona Foundation President and CEO JP Roczniak, and keynote speaker Jerry Hunter, alumnus of the year.

Hahn’s updates for alumni and supporters included new degree programs in software engineering and computer science and engineering that help meet the workforce needs of an evolving economy. The college also is serving the state by increasing education access, he said. This year’s incoming class of engineering students is helping the university break records for enrollment and representation of diverse populations.

“Everything I’ve seen at the university – our amazing research labs and educational experiences that we offer – makes me even more sure that the future is bright, and nowhere is it brighter than here in the College of Engineering,” said Garimella, who is a University Distinguished Professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering.

Hahn announced outstanding alumni awards and introduced Hunter’s keynote speech.

Keynote speaker and alumnus of the year

Jerry Hunter – BS systems engineering, 1988 & MS 1990

Hunter, who recently retired as chief operating officer from Snap, Inc., spoke about artificial intelligence and large language models, AI programs that use deep learning to analyze and understand text. He invited guests to consider the sweeping technological advances of the past 30 years.

“The changes in this time are nothing compared to what we’re about to experience,” he said.

Hunter touched on the advantages large language models promise – such as improved access to the latest medical information and predictive health care analytics – as well as ethical considerations, privacy, and the growing need for electrical power needed to fuel AI systems.

“We can’t put this genie back in the bottle,” he concluded. “I don’t think we want to; the benefits for humanity are too large.”

Hunter’s three-decade career began at NASA's AMES Research Center and included leadership positions at tech companies including Sun Micro Systems and Amazon. Hunter helped establish the SnapCats internship program and has generously contributed to the College of Engineering Transfer Student Scholarship fund.

“I was fortunate to have people invest in me when I was a student at the U of A,” said the alumnus of the year. “Getting a college degree can improve the lives of whole families – it did for mine.”

Outstanding Young Alumni Volunteer Award

Sierra Rose – Mechanical Engineering, 2019

Aeronautical engineer Sierra Rose works at Northrop Grumman Space Systems as a design, integration and test engineer for the intercontinental ballistic missile program. She has advised students in the Interdisciplinary Capstone program since beginning at Northrop Grumman¸ the industry sponsor for her own senior capstone project.

Throughout the school year, she guides students through the design process and strives to develop their confidence as engineers.

“I’m so grateful for a job that allows me to give back to the university and continue to be a resource to young engineers,” she said.

Bear Down Award

Nitin Patel – Mechanical Engineering, 2002

Nitin Patel joined Caterpillar Inc. after earning an MS at the Georgia Institute of Technology and is now an engineering manager. Through his 20-year career, he has contributed significant time and expertise in service to the university, the college and students. Patel has mentored seven capstone design projects and been Caterpillar’s campus coordinator for 10 years.

He recruits Wildcat engineers and works with students through efforts such as Summer TRACK and Summer Engineering Academy. He is also a member of the College of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Board.

“I’ve had a lot of interactions with students over the years…. Each year I see the caliber of students raising,” said Patel.

Distinguished Citizen Award

Stanley Stachowiak - Electrical Engineering, 1984

Stanley Stachowiak retired from Cirrus Logic following a career that began with six years in the United States Air Force before earning his degree and included a 21-year stint with Burr-Brown and a senior manager role for Texas Instruments.

“My engineering degree absolutely changed my life. The opportunities it afforded me, the great projects I worked on, the wonderful places I traveled to, and the really smart people I was able to collaborate with made for a rewarding and successful career,” he said.

Stachowiak and his spouse, Jodi, give to the college and the U of A. He is also an active community volunteer.

“I am so privileged to be recognized. Helping others has been tremendously rewarding,” Stachowiak said.

Professional Achievement Award

Travis McCarthy – Civil Engineering, 1998

Travis McCarthy is senior vice president and Southwest regional manager for Sundt Construction. He oversees all aspects of Sundt’s transportation and heavy civil operations throughout Arizona, California, New Mexico and west Texas.

He joined the company shortly after graduation and has built his career at Sundt over 25 years. McCarthy serves on the College of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Board and the Civil and Architectural Engineering and Mechanics Department Alumni Industry Council. He and his family established an endowed scholarship for students studying construction engineering management.

“To receive this award is very humbling and a true honor. My experience and education at the university laid a very solid foundation that has certainly benefited me throughout my professional career,” he said.

Watch the Engineers Breakfast recording.