McGaha Awarded UA Engineering Outstanding Alumni Volunteer Award

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama College of Engineering recently awarded J. Ray McGaha with the 2011 Outstanding Alumni Volunteer Award.

Throughout his career, McGaha has demonstrated his love and loyalty to UA by serving on the Capstone Engineering Society board and recruiting prospective students.

During his tenure as a member of the Capstone Engineering Society board, McGaha helped the College better understand the viewpoint of major engineering industries and how the College can better prepare students to enter the workforce. In addition, McGaha helped identify and nominate new CES board members.

McGaha has been an adamant supporter of the College of Engineering through his recruiting efforts. He regularly identifies outstanding students from the Winfield area, arranges campus tours and escorts prospective students on recruiting trips. He continues to serve as a role model and mentor for many students after they choose the Capstone and begin their engineering careers.

McGaha received his bachelor’s degree in mineral engineering from the Capstone in 1966, and in 1988 he was named a UA Distinguished Engineering Fellow. He joined Continental Conveyor and Equipment Co. shortly after graduation, and he served the company for 37 years in various positions, retiring as senior vice president of sales and engineering. Since retiring in 2003, he volunteers as a construction coordinator for Winfield City High School and his church.

In 1837, The University of Alabama became one of the first five universities in the nation to offer engineering classes. Today, UA’s fully accredited College of Engineering has more than 2,700 students and more than 100 faculty. In the last eight years, students in the College have been named USA Today All-USA College Academic Team members, Goldwater scholars, Hollings scholars and Portz scholars.