Alumni Award for Excellence

Eight College of Engineering students and their mentors were recognized for their outstanding academic success at the Alumni Award for Excellence Ceremony.

This award is presented to approximately 40 undergraduate senior level students and an additional 15 graduate and law students who have achieved outstanding academic success and have demonstrated career and professional preparation; campus and community leadership and involvement, or "leaders in the classroom, laboratory, campus and community."

The students and their mentors were presented the awards by President M. Duane Nellis and Steve Johnson, director of the Alumni Association.

Jacob Bow

Chemical Engineering and Mathematics major from Gooding
Mentor: Alton Campbell from the Honors Program

Jacob was a lead student in last year’s International Studies course that organized the first Zombies vs. Humans game at the University of Idaho. The activity was very popular, and was offered again this semester.

Jacob says that Alton’s constant support, encouragement, and guidance have enabled him to exceed his own limitations and expand his boundaries. His efforts help make the University of Idaho stand out as a premier educational institution, and enrich the academic experience of its students.

DeAnn Brown

Civil Engineering major from Spokane, Washington
Mentor: Fritz Fiedler from the Department of Civil Engineering

DeAnn is highly active in the American Society of Civil Engineers student chapter, and has served as the organization’s secretary and president.

She says that even though Fritz isn’t her academic advisor, he has always been very helpful when it comes to school, extracurricular activities, and helping her choose graduate schools to apply to. He does all this, simply because he wants to help his students.

Kylie Jarvis

Chemical Engineering major from Costa Mesa, California
Mentor: Woody Admassu from the Department of Chemical Engineering

As part of the university’s Engineers Without Borders chapter, Kylie was able to travel to a small community in Bolivia that doesn’t have access to clean water. She surveyed its residents to determine their health problems and needs in order to give an accurate idea of how best to deliver potable water to the community.

Kylie says that Woody has always driven his students to succeed. He gives no excuses and accepts none from his students. The engineering fundamentals he has taught Kylie have helped her succeed academically. But it’s the work ethic and belief in her own abilities that he fostered that have helped her succeed in every area of her life.

Anthony Kanago

Graduate student in Electrical Engineering from Spokane Valley, Washington
Mentor: Suat Ay from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

During his undergraduate career here at the university, Anthony had an internship with a telecommunications company where he worked as a software engineer. A year later he was promoted to Chief Technology Officer, a full time position he maintained in addition to his studies, until the company was acquired earlier this year.

Anthony says that in all his academic and professional experience, he has never met someone as dedicated and perseverant, as Suat. He has the calm demeanor that quietly inspires everyone around him to produce quality results and learn from their mistakes.

Molly Loucks

Civil Engineering major from Eagle
Mentor: Kristy Mayer from the Office of Alumni Relations

For one and a half years, Molly served as the Scholarship Vice President for her sorority. During that time she created a new scholarship plan to help the chapter improve its academic standards. The program was recognized this past year at the Alpha Gamma Delta International Convention.

Molly says that Kristy has always inspired her to go the extra mile and try to achieve what seemed impossible. It is partially because of Kristy that Molly had the confidence to do many of the things she has done in the last few years. Molly can’t imagine her University of Idaho experience without Kristy.

Maziar Rostamian

Graduate student in Mechanical Engineering from Idaho Falls
Mentor: Akira Tokuhiro from the Mechanical Engineering Department

Last year, Maziar was recognized as the Graduate Student of the Year at the 37th annual convention for the National Society of Black Engineers

Maziar says that Akira’s contributions to the College of Engineering have made the university a very well-known school in the United States in terms of performing research projects. As a result, he considers Akira and his achievements as a target in the future of his academic life.

Hemraj Shahi

Electrical Engineering major from Manma, Nepal
Mentor: Herb Hess from the Electrical & Computer Engineering Department

For over three years, Hemraj has worked with the Idaho Space Grant Consortium, helping children create LEGO sculptures, vehicles, and robots. He provides encouragement to the kids and judges their creations in regional competitions.

Hemraj says that because of a Research Assistant opportunity that Herb provided to him a couple of years ago, he was able to get an internship at one of the best power companies in the world. Herb has been very supportive both academically and personally, and Hemraj notes that he treats all his students the same way.

Ashley Vincent

Civil Engineering major from Charlo, Montana
Mentor: Alton Campbell from the Honors Program

Over the summer of her sophomore year, Ashley was one of five American students selected to participate in a Fulbright Summer Institute at Newcastle University in England.

She says that Alton has such a sincere interest in the success and well-being of those around him – not only academically and professionally, but personally as well. He sets a grand example in all of these respects, and he has a talent for helping and inspiring student to realize their own potential.