Herff College of Engineering
AWARDS AND HONORS
At the Herff College of Engineering, excellence is more than achievement — it is impact. It is leadership that moves industries forward, service that strengthens communities and innovation that shapes the future.
Through our Faculty & Staff Awards and the Herff Hall of Fame, we honor the individuals who embody these ideals and inspire the next generation of engineers.
Behind every transformative educational experience are faculty and staff whose dedication fuels discovery, mentorship and student success. The Herff Faculty & Staff Awards recognize those who elevate our college through their commitment to excellence in teaching, research, service and innovation.
These awards celebrate individuals who:
- Inspire and mentor future engineers
- Advance knowledge through research and scholarship
- Strengthen our college through leadership and service
- Foster a culture of collaboration, integrity and innovation
Their work shapes not only our students’ futures but also the strength and reputation of the Herff College of Engineering.
Herff College of Engineering Hall of Fame
The Herff College of Engineering Hall of Fame honors alumni and distinguished leaders whose professional achievements and service reflect the highest ideals of the engineering profession.
These individuals demonstrate how a Herff education extends far beyond the classroom — influencing industries, communities and society at large.
Nominees may be recognized within one of three distinction tiers, reflecting the breadth and depth of their impact.
This highest distinction recognizes individuals whose careers reflect transformative and sustained impact in engineering, leadership, philanthropy or societal contribution.
Typical number of recipients: 4
Criteria:
- Demonstrated lifetime excellence in engineering or a related field, with eligibility defined as having graduated 20 or more years ago or having achieved exceptional accomplishments in engineering
- Sustained leadership that has meaningfully influenced a discipline, industry, organization, or community
- Significant contributions to the college, the engineering profession, or both, through service, mentorship, innovation, or advancement of the field
- National or international recognition that reflects the nominee’s professional impact and distinction
These awards recognize exceptional contributions within specific areas of impact.
Typical number of recipients: 5 (across categories)
Award categories include:
Distinguished Professional Achievement
- Innovation and entrepreneurship
- Patents and industry advancement
- Industry leadership
- Professional recognition
Distinguished Academic Excellence
- Teaching excellence
- Research contributions
- Mentorship
- Scholarly impact
Distinguished Service to Engineering
- Leadership in professional societies
- Accreditation boards and standards committees
- Public policy or advocacy
Distinguished Philanthropy & Community Impact
- Philanthropy supporting engineering or education
- Civic leadership
- Community service
- Social innovation
This recognition honors early-career professionals who demonstrate rapid impact and strong future promise.
Typical number of recipients: 1
Criteria include:
- Three to ten years into career
- Demonstrated innovation or professional impact
- Clear potential for major future contributions
- The Hall of Fame celebrates the lasting legacy of Herff graduates and reinforces the college’s commitment to developing engineers who lead, innovate and serve.