November 8, 2005

Purdue honors 6 mechanical engineering alumni

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Purdue University School of Mechanical Engineering recently honored six alumni with the 2005 Outstanding Mechanical Engineer Award during an evening ceremony at the University Inn.

"For the past 14 years, this award has been given to recognize alumni who have gone above and beyond in terms of accomplishments and leadership," said E. Dan Hirleman, the William E. and Florence Perry Head of the School of Mechanical Engineering. "We welcome this opportunity to honor alumni who have contributed to their field and to their communities."

Since the award's inception in 1991, 182 graduates of the school have been honored. This year's recipients are:

• Dr. Peter N. Baker, Chicago, who earned a bachelor's degree in 1953. He is a retired pediatrician whose medical career includes serving as a member of the medical staff at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago and leadership contributions to the Board of the Chicago Pediatric Society. Baker also taught and mentored medical students and pediatric residents from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rush Medical School and Loyola University Medical School. He also served as president of Oak Park's Family Service and Mental Health Agency.

• E. Lee Harrisberger, Tampa, Fla., who earned a doctorate in 1963. He is a professor emeritus of engineering design from Oklahoma State University and the University of Alabama. He also served as head of mechanical engineering at the University of Alabama. Harrisberger has been a consultant and leader in developing educational programs in the private industry and for other educational institutions.

• Thomas W. Lester, Lexington, Ky., who earned a bachelor's degree in 1966, a master's degree in 1972 and a doctorate in 1974. He currently is the dean of engineering and a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Kentucky and is known for encouraging women's participation and success in engineering and computer science.

• Robertson H. Short, Santa Barbara, Calif., who earned a bachelor's degree in 1951. He is a real estate developer, licensed professional engineer and consultant, and has been responsible for development of more than 12 million square feet of commercial space, including four buildings of 50 stories or more. He received the Order of the Engineer from the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers and the President's Award for Outstanding Service from BOMA International, a network of commercial real estate professionals.

• Lynn E. Snyder, Indianapolis, who earned a bachelor's degree in 1966, a master's degree in 1967 and a doctorate in 1970. He is currently the program manager for large combat engines at the Allison Advanced Development Company, now Rolls-Royce. Snyder's work includes identifying advanced technology opportunities, securing funds to support them and directing research contracts.

• Lori S. Traweek, Washington, D.C., who earned a bachelor's degree in 1985. She is the senior vice president of operations and engineering for the American Gas Association. Her department supports utility and transmission companies' efforts to improve safety, reliability and efficiency. Traweek received the American Public Gas Association Personal Service Award and was named a Rader Energy's Key Women in Energy Americas Leadership honoree.

Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu

Source: E. Dan Hirleman, (765) 494-5688, e.Daniel.hirleman.1@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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