OSUIT Honors Top Industry Alumni for Success
DISTINGUISHED GRADUATES: Proud and honored graduates of OSUIT include, from left, Scott Sherrill, John Biggs, Liza Wenzel, Carie Myers (for Gary Myers) and Randy Smith.
Photo by RUBRIA IRELAND
The third annual Institute of Technology Alumni Homecoming Reception & Hall of Fame Awards, held Saturday, April 9, was warmly received by former students and current and former OSUIT faculty and staff.
This year, 11 individuals were chosen to receive awards. Five received Rising Star awards, those who graduated less than 10 years ago, and five were chosen for the Distinguished Alumni award, those who have graduated more than 10 years. A special posthumous Distinguished Award was also given to Gary Myers, renowned paint artist and former dean of the School of Visual Communications.
“In this room I see a testament to our core mission, “said Dr. Bill Path, president of OSUIT. “Each and every one of you make us proud, not only because you are a product of OSUIT, but because you are all setting the example in your industry and perpetuating the reputation of this university.”
In accepting his Distinguished Alumni award, Randy Smith talked about the significance of seizing opportunities. Smith, who graduated in 1975, now owns his own multi-million-dollar electrical contracting business in Sherman, Texas, and serves on the advisory board for OSUIT’s School of Construction Technologies. “This school was my land of opportunity,” he said.
“It was great to be recognized by OSUIT,” said Amanda Cullum, OSUIT alumna and Rising Star recipient. “To know that they still care about their graduates even after graduation. I was truly blown away by how much they recognized my hard work.”
While tears of happiness mixed with laughter, the diverse room held together a common thread: to show support and respect for the college that gave them the tools to be successful and to inspire others the join in the cause and support the future of OSUIT.
“The foundation of knowledge I acquired here at OSUIT has helped me build my career in the energy industry,” said Brian Cochrane, 2013 alumnus and Rising Star recipient. “With that knowledge, I keep building and push on for the next hurdle of success.”
Updated 04-26-2016
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