Alumni Bear Down and Forge Ahead at Homecoming 2019

On Friday, Nov. 1, nearly seven decades of University of Arizona College of Engineering graduates gathered to enjoy Homecoming camaraderie and celebrate successes at the 56th annual Engineers Breakfast, where AME faculty and alumni made a particularly strong showing.

David W. Hahn, Craig M. Berge Dean of the college and professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering, welcomed the crowd by touting standout research in hypersonics. He also highlighted the recent announcement of the largest donation in the college’s history by the Berge family. Made in honor of a mechanical engineering alumnus and beloved husband, father and grandfather, the gift has endowed the dean’s chair and named a new undergraduate design program.

Mike Hoover, who earned his BS in mechanical engineering in 1983, was named the college's 2019 Alumnus of the Year. Hoover currently serves as president and CEO of Sundt Construction, one of the country's largest and most respected general contractors. Bob Rutherford, who received his BS in aerospace engineering in 1978, received the Professional Achievement Award. Rutherford served in the U.S. Navy for almost 30 years and then went on to a 10-year career with Northrop Grumman Corp. managing critical defense contracts.

Also among the Homecoming attendees was Rick Whitaker, a 1969 aerospace engineering graduate celebrating his 50th reunion. The most valuable lesson he picked up at the University of Arizona, he says? 

“Always check your work and never doubt you could be wrong,” he said. “My education prepared me by showing me I could learn almost anything – if I put in enough work.”