This year included feature speaker, Dr. Dan Johnson, who is President Emeritus from The University of Toledo. Dr. Johnson served in higher education leadership positions for more than 30 years, and he is also a prolific author who has published seven books and more than fifty professional articles. Dr. Johnson is also the driving force behind Oregon Tech’s seventh president, Dr. Naganathan, choosing to apply for the position at Oregon Tech. Dr. Johnson has ties in Klamath Falls and a heartfelt appreciation for the town.
Additional speakers on behalf of the university included Board of Trustees member, Kathleen Hill; Oregon Tech Class of 2010 and Product Engineer at JELD-WEN, Rafael Santiago; and graduating speakers, Health Care Management graduate Kristen Marsters and Software Engineering Technology graduate Joseph Maurer.
In addition to President Naganathan, Student Awards were presented by Dr. Erin Foley, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students. Numerous academic accolades, volunteer experience, activity involvement, and military service were listed among the accomplishments for 2017 student award winners.
- Hiram M. Hunt Award – Sam Lozano
- Most Dedicated Student Award – Mohamed Alhosani
- Oregon Tech Pride Award – Ryan Kelly
- Outstanding Community Service Award – Cheyenne Low
- Outstanding Non-Traditional Student Award – Charlene Dobry
- Outstanding Student Veteran Award – Amber Duguay
- Owens Citizenship Award – Joseph Maurer
- Student Achievement Award – Jason Millar
- President’s Senior Cup- Mohamed Alhosani from the College of Engineering, Technology, and Management and Troy Riblett from the College of Health, Arts, and Sciences.
During this event, Oregon Tech also honored faculty and administration who have given at least 10 years to the university. This included Emeritus Faculty Abraham Furman, Associate Professor of Medical Laboratory Science, 15 years; Marilyn Dyrud, Professor of Communication Studies, 34 years; Timothy Thompson, Professor of Applied Mathematics, 20 years; Linda Young, Professor of Communication Studies, 34 years; and Jamie Zipay, Professor of Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy, 16 years. Also honored were Emeritus Administrator Lita Colligan, Associate Vice President for Strategic Partnerships & Government Relations, 10 years and Emeritus President Lawrence Wolf, Professor of Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology, who served Oregon Tech for 26 years, and who also led Oregon Tech as its 4th President, from 1991 to 1998.
The Class of 2017 has a great future ahead of them with 90 percent of Oregon Tech graduates employed or in highly competitive graduate or professional programs within six months of graduation. The high return on investment is reinforced by the $54,000 starting median salary those graduates earn. This brings the three year rolling average to 95% employed and $56,000 per year.
Congratulations Oregon Institute of Technology Class of 2017.
