UA College of Engineering Selects Ambassadors

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama recently selected 18 students as 2011-2012 Ambassadors of the College of Engineering.

The following students were selected:

Kaylee Frances Bearden, a sophomore in chemical and biological engineering, the daughter of Brig and Tina Bearden of Birmingham and a 2010 graduate of Spain Park High School. Bearden was elected secretary for the Ambassadors.

Shelby Cochran, a sophomore in aerospace engineering, the daughter of Tony and Wendi Cochran of Albertville and a 2010 graduate of Albertville High School. Cochran was elected historian for the Ambassadors.

Kelsey Nicole Dunn, a senior in mechanical engineering, the daughter of Chris and Nancy Dunn of Birmingham and a 2008 graduate of Briarwood Christian School.

Jordan Elizabeth Easter, a junior in mechanical engineering, the daughter of Robert and Charlotte Easter of Pell City and a 2009 graduate of Pell City High School.

Patricia Leigh Gilmore, a senior in civil engineering, the daughter of Gil and Cindy Gilmore of Grove Hill and a 2008 graduate of UMS-Wright Preparatory School.

Ashton Danielle Greer, a junior in civil engineering, the daughter of Don and Debbie Greer of Kingsport, Tenn., and a 2009 graduate of Sullivan Central High School.

William Edward Guin, a junior in civil engineering, the son of Greg and Dawn Guin of Winfield and a 2009 graduate of Winfield City High School.

Matthew Robert Hardman, a junior in electrical engineering and physics, the son of Rob and Tab Hardman of Hoover and a 2009 graduate of Hoover High School.

Mac Bragg Hendrix, a sophomore in chemical engineering, the son of Mark and Tonya Hendrix of Hartselle and a 2010 graduate of Hartselle High School.

Grace Kathryn Hoover, a junior in chemical engineering, the daughter of Joe and Linda Hoover of Dallas, Texas, and a 2009 graduate of Trinity Christian Academy. Hoover was elected educational coordinator for the Ambassadors.

Elizabeth Ann Junkin, a senior in chemical and biological engineering, the daughter of Dan and Libby Junkin of Duncanville, and a 2007 graduate of Hillcrest High School.

Tyler James Mathews, a senior in civil engineering, the son of Hugh and Regina Mathews of Jacksonville, Fla., and a 2008 graduate of Bartram Trail High School. Matthews was elected president for the Ambassadors.

James Eamonn O’Dwyer, a sophomore in mechanical engineering and Spanish, the son of Ed and Susan O’Dwyer of Alpharetta, Ga., and a 2010 graduate of Milton High School.

Charles Mardis Phillips II, a junior in civil engineering, the son of Marty and Pam Phillips of Vestavia Hills and a 2009 graduate of Vestavia Hills High School.

Logan Timothy Ream, a senior in mechanical engineering, the son of Gary and Eunice Ream of Norcross, Ga., and a 2008 graduate of Greater Atlanta Christian School.

Bentley Rodrigue, a junior in chemical and biological engineering, the daughter of Scott and Margaret Rodrigue of Wyoming, Ohio, and a 2009 graduate of Wyoming High School.

Claire Maria Schaffer, a junior in chemical and biological engineering, the daughter of James and Rita Schaffer of Cullman and a 2008 graduate of St. Bernard Preparatory.

Emma Katherine Whitaker, a junior in civil engineering, the daughter of Dr. Kevin and Laura Whitaker of Tuscaloosa and a 2009 graduate of Holy Spirit Catholic High School. Whitaker was elected vice president for the Ambassadors.

UA’s College of Engineering created the ACEs, a student ambassador program, in 1996 to promote professionalism and enthusiasm for the College. The group consists of 18 members that are selected each academic year through a competitive interview and application process.

One of the primary functions of the group is to provide tours of the College of Engineering facilities to prospective students, families and alumni. ACEs are responsible for helping with events, such as Engineering Day, and they visit high schools to discuss engineering as a future career choice for potential students. ACEs also assist the Capstone Engineering Society with alumni and pre-game events, while serving as public relations hosts and hostesses for the College.

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 nearly 3,100 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.