Diversity Programs in Engineering held its annual awards banquet May 4 to celebrate the achievements of outstanding students, organizations and faculty. The celebration featured awards, dinner and music in the Statler Hotel's Carrier Grand Ballroom.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2008 Zellman Warhaft Commitment to Diversity Awards. Established in 2007 in honor of mechanical and aerospace engineering professor Zellman Warhaft, the first associate dean for diversity in the College of Engineering, the award recognizes students and faculty members for commitment to diversity issues, as well as participation in DPE activities and programs.

Faculty awards went to Christopher Andronicos, associate professor in earth and atmospheric sciences, and Daisy Fan, lecturer in computer science.

Sarah Long '09, a civil engineering major, won the student award, along with a $1,000 scholarship sponsored by Lockheed Martin. Long, who is the incoming co-president for the National Society of Black Engineers, worked with Kobbina Awuah '07 to design and install two water-pumped wells in the Bawku district of Ghana.

Their "Development Project for Peace in the Bawku East District of Ghana" involved members of local, often warring tribes. Long is also a member of the board of directors for the Coalition of Pan African Scholars.

Other awards included: Freshman of the Year to Frances Padua '12, Undergraduate Excellence in Leadership Award to Diana Wu '10, Graduate Student of the Year to Marleen Kamperman and Undergraduate Student of the Year to Jefferson King '10.

Robert Emro is a communications specialist with the College of Engineering.