The future of engineering at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø reached an important milestone this spring as the College of Aeronautics and Engineering welcomed its first class of inductees into the Order of the Engineer.
Faculty, alumni and graduating students gathered to celebrate the college's inaugural induction ceremony, joining a national tradition that recognizes engineers' commitment to integrity, ethical practice and service to society. During the ceremony, graduates from aerospace engineering, mechatronics engineering and cybersecurity engineering took the Obligation of the Engineer and received the stainless-steel Engineer's Ring, symbolizing their professional responsibility and dedication to protecting the public through their work.
The evening also brought together 51³Ô¹ÏÍø engineering alumni, who returned to campus to receive their own rings before welcoming the newest graduates into the profession.
"Launching the Order of the Engineer at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø marked the beginning of a tradition that will continue to shape our college for generations," said Christina Bloebaum, Ph.D., dean of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering. "It was especially meaningful for me because I had never been inducted myself. Sharing that experience alongside our faculty, alumni and students reinforced what this ceremony is truly about: a shared commitment to integrity, professionalism and service."
A Milestone in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's Engineering Journey
The ceremony represents another milestone in the remarkable growth of engineering at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.
The university launched its first engineering degree, aerospace engineering, in 2016 with a cohort of approximately 10 students. Less than a decade later, the program has grown to nearly 200 students. Mechatronics engineering followed in 2020 and has expanded to more than 100 students, while cybersecurity engineering continues to prepare graduates for one of the nation's fastest-growing and most critical industries.
That momentum continues this fall with the launch of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering. Developed in response to growing workforce demand, the program prepares graduates to optimize complex operations by integrating technology, data, people and processes into high-performing systems across manufacturing, logistics, health care and other industries.
As the programs have grown, so has their reputation.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø engineering graduates now contribute to leading organizations across aerospace, advanced manufacturing, defense, automotive, energy and technology, helping establish the college as an emerging destination for engineering education and research.
"Our alumni were instrumental in building these programs," Bloebaum said. "They believed in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's vision from the very beginning, and through their success they established the reputation that continues to attract future generations of engineering students."
More Than a Ring
Established in 1970, the Order of the Engineer promotes professional responsibility, ethical decision-making and service throughout an engineer's career.
During the ceremony, participants learned about the history of the Order before reciting the Obligation of the Engineer, a pledge to practice engineering with honesty, competence and a commitment to public welfare. They then received the stainless-steel Engineer's Ring, traditionally worn on the little finger of the working hand as a daily reminder that every engineering decision affects others.
For John Sankovic, Ph.D., who served as interim director of the School of Engineering and emceed the ceremony, the tradition provides graduates with a meaningful transition into the profession.
"Throughout my career, including more than three decades at NASA, I learned that the best engineers understand their work is never just about solving a technical problem," Sankovic said. "It's about serving a larger mission and recognizing the responsibility that comes with every decision. The Order of the Engineer reminds graduates that technical excellence and ethical leadership go hand in hand."
A Tradition That Connects Generations
One of the most meaningful moments of the evening came as engineering alumni returned to campus to receive their own rings before welcoming graduating students into the profession.
Many of the alumni being honored were among the first graduates of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's engineering programs. Their accomplishments helped establish the reputation of the college and opened doors for the students who followed.
For graduating senior Aaron Morris, the inaugural ceremony made Commencement even more meaningful.
"It was an honor to be part of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's first Order of the Engineer," Morris said. "I now carry a promise to hold myself to a standard of integrity and ethical conduct as an engineer, lessons that were instilled in me during my time at the College of Aeronautics and Engineering."
Looking Ahead
Building on the success of the inaugural ceremony, the College of Aeronautics and Engineering will expand its professional recognition traditions this fall with the launch of the Order of the Engineering Practitioner, an induction ceremony for graduates and alumni of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's engineering technology programs.
Like the Order of the Engineer, the ceremony will recognize the ethical responsibilities and professional commitment of applied engineering alumni and engineering technology graduates while celebrating their transition into the profession.
Together, the two ceremonies reflect the college's continued commitment to recognizing every engineering graduate's transition from the classroom to professional practice while reinforcing the values of integrity, accountability and service that define the engineering profession.