The University of Akron’s College of Engineering and Polymer Science celebrated the ethical commitment and professional readiness of its students during the annual Order of the Engineer and Pledge of the Computing Professional ceremonies. Held in the Jean Hower Taber Student Union Ballroom on April 8, the event marked a meaningful milestone for students preparing to enter engineering and computing careers grounded in integrity, responsibility and service.

A total of 175 students, faculty and alumni took part in this year’s ceremony. Among them, 159 individuals were inducted into the Order of the Engineer, including seven participants from the University of Mount Union. The College continues to welcome participation from students beyond its own programs, reflecting its commitment to supporting the professional development of all future engineers.

The Order of the Engineer is a national organization that emphasizes ethics and professionalism in engineering. Membership is voluntary and open to seniors in and graduates of engineering programs accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. During the ceremony, inductees recited an oath to uphold the standards and dignity of the profession and received a stainless steel ring worn on the fifth finger of the working hand as a lasting symbol of that commitment. This year’s ceremony also included the induction of faculty member Dr. Bi-min Newby.

In addition, 16 students participated in the Pledge of the Computing Professional, a ceremony that mirrors the Order of the Engineer by promoting ethical responsibility and service within computing disciplines. Established at UA in 2024, the program continues to grow as part of a broader effort to instill professional accountability in computing graduates.

The ceremony began with welcome remarks from Dr. Craig C. Menzemer, dean of the College of Engineering and Polymer Science. Dr. Joan Carletta, associate dean of the College of Engineering and Polymer Science, led the Order of the Engineer portion, guiding inductees through the history, significance and obligation of the profession, while Dr. Zarreen Farooqi, professor of computer information systems, led participants in the Pledge of the Computing Professional.

“This ceremony is about more than a tradition. It is a public commitment to the responsibility that comes with being an engineer or computing professional,” Carletta said. “As our students take this oath, they join a community dedicated to using their knowledge and skills to serve others, uphold ethical standards and make a lasting, positive impact on society.”

Allison Monyak '23 served as the guest speaker, offering insight and encouragement to the newest inductees. A project engineer with The Great Lakes Construction Company in Hinckley, Ohio, Monyak graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. She completed three co-op rotations with the company before accepting a full-time role and has since contributed to projects across the water and wastewater and private industrial sectors.

Monyak remains engaged in the profession as a member of the University’s Committee for the Future of Civil Engineers and the Ohio Contractors Association’s Young Professionals group. In her remarks, she encouraged students to embrace the responsibility that comes with their work and to remain committed to ethical decision-making throughout their careers.

Throughout the ceremony, inductees publicly affirmed their responsibility to serve society, protect public health and safety and uphold the highest ethical standards in their respective fields. The presentation of rings and pins served as visible reminders of that commitment and the shared responsibility carried by engineers and computing professionals.

Dr. Selena Myers, director of the College’s Co-op and Placement Program, congratulated the inductees and expressed appreciation to those who made the event possible.

“Congratulations to all of our inductees on this important milestone,” Myers said. “We are proud of the commitment you have made to your professions and to ethical practice. I also want to thank our faculty, staff and partners who helped make this ceremony a meaningful and memorable experience for our students.”

The College of Engineering and Polymer Science congratulates all of this year’s inductees and extends appreciation to the faculty and staff who supported the event. Organized by the Co-op and Placement Program, the ceremony remains a proud and impactful tradition as students transition from the classroom to their careers, carrying forward a shared commitment to ethical practice and public service.

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Media contact: media@uakron.edu