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Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award

THOMAS G. SEARLE, ENG '77, GRAD '78
Parker, Colo.

Tom is managing director for CH2M HILL Canada, a global leader in infrastructure and energy projects. Since joining the Denver-based company in 1978, he has established himself as an impassioned voice for corporate social responsibility and business ethics. Born in Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, he learned these values from his grandmother, who played a key role in Belize attaining self-governance from Great Britain.

 

Professional Achievement Award

MICHAEL J. HARSH, ENG '78
Wales, Wis.

Michael is vice president and chief technology officer for GE Healthcare, a $17 billion division of General Electric. He leads the division’s global science and technology organization. He began working at GE in 1979 as an electrical design engineer in nuclear imaging and holds several U.S. patents in medical imaging and instrumentation. In 2008, he was elected to the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering College of Fellows for his significant contributions to the field.

 

Entrepreneurial Award

DANIEL CASEY, ENG '66
Chicago

Dan came to ÏòÈÕ¿ûÊÓƵin his early 20s after emigrating from Scotland as a young tool and die maker who had worked for a few years in Chicago. He went on to found Sterling Engineering, which designs packaging machinery. Today, the company logs more than $40 million in sales, serves more than 250 customers, has more than 500 employees working nationally and internationally, and was recognized in 2012 by Inc. Magazine as among the United States’ fastest-growing companies.

 

Service Award

LAWRENCE V. JACQUES, ENG '75
Winnetka, Ill.

Larry served on the College of Engineering National Advisory Council from 2005–11 and has served on the Chicago CIRCLES Host Committee since 2009. As an executive vice president with Sargent & Lundy, he has driven several silent auction sponsorships from the company to benefit the Engineering Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. He joined S&L in 1975 and is one of its executive owners.

 

Young Alumna of the Year Award

KATHERINE LITKOWIEC MEDALLE, ENG '99
Cary, Ill.  

Katherine is a program manager at Northrop Grumman, where she leads the Guardian System program with the U.S. Navy and Air National Guard. The infrared countermeasures system is designed to protect aircraft by using electronic signals to scramble missile guidance systems and prevent them from hitting their targets. Katherine also mentors local high school students and volunteers with local middle school teachers to promote STEM education.