TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The state of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame inducted eight individuals and honored an engineering project during a recent ceremony at the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa.
These eight individuals joined the 184 inducted into the Hall of Fame over the past 31 years: Lowell Christy, of Birmingham; Stephen Cook, of Huntsville; Dorothy Davidson, of Huntsville; Tanya Fratto, of Foley; Carl Register, of San Antonio, Texas; Jonathan Sharpe, of Huntsville; Zeke Smith, of Trussville; and Norman Tew, of Madison.
Also, I-22 (Corridor X) was inducted as an engineering project, joining 44 projects inducted into the Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame since 1987.
Founded by proclamation of the governor, the state of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame honors, preserves and perpetuates the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of individuals, projects and corporations/institutions that brought and continue to bring significant recognition to the state.
The Hall of Fame is overseen by engineering colleges and schools at Auburn University, Alabama A&M University, The University of Alabama, Tuskegee University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the University of Alabama in Huntsville and the University of South Alabama.
It is administratively managed through the UA College of Engineering. For more information, visit aehof.eng.ua.edu.
Lowell Christy, founding partner and former president of Christy/Cobb Inc.
Through her career, Lowell Christy has broken ground for women in engineering and construction, along the way providing critical support for influential projects around Alabama and the nation.
As a founding partner and former president of Christy/Cobb Inc., she developed management skills as the prime design professional and structural engineer for architectural projects, municipal and industrial facilities along with temporary and special structures. Her clients include owners, state and local governmental agencies, engineers and contractors as well as architects.
Stephen “Steve” Cook’s career has made him part of the roll call of men and women who played critical roles in Alabama’s proud history of contributions to space exploration. As the former manager of NASA’s Ares Project, Cook oversaw Huntsville’s return to its roots as the nation’s Rocket City with the development of rockets designed to take humans back to the moon and, ultimately, to Mars. Now with Dynetics Inc., he continues to support our nation’s human space exploration efforts.
Dorothy Davidson, CEO, Davidson Technologies
Dr. Dorothy Davidson’s lifelong service to her profession and her dedication to promote STEM education is a testament to her love and passion for the engineering community. As CEO of Davidson Technologies in Huntsville, Davidson leads a company that has distinguished itself in the aerospace and missile defense industry with an outstanding reputation for excellence.
Tanya Fratto, former president and CEO, Diamond Innovations Inc.
Tanya Fratto was born in Ft. Benning, Georgia. She grew up in Alabama and attended the University of South Alabama. After graduating with an electrical engineering degree, she joined GE’s Manufacturing Management Program. Over the next 30-plus years, Fratto’s work assignments took her across the globe and lead to an officer position in GE, ownership of a company in private equity and a leadership role in a premier Swedish company. Her extensive experience in running companies, strategic planning, general management, sales, marketing and operations allow her to contribute to the successful oversight and governance of global organizations.
Carl A. Register, president and owner of CARCO Mineral Resources Inc. and Railcar Solutions Ltd.
With more than 50 years of experience in the construction materials industry, Birmingham native Carl Register has carved out a successful career as an executive running top engineering companies and leading his own innovative engineering ventures. His engineering savvy and business knowledge have not only elevated his companies to new levels of prominence, but they have also helped shape the industry as a whole.
Jonathan Sharpe, vice president, Lee & Associates Division of QuantiTech
In a career dedicated to our nation’s civil space and missile defense programs, Jonathan Sharpe developed and implemented innovative solutions to challenging problems, along the way strengthening human spaceflight capabilities and contributing to improved national and allied security.
Zeke Smith, executive vice president, Alabama Power External Affairs
Zeke Smith is a leader of one of Alabama Power’s largest divisions and is an influential Alabamian.
As executive vice president of Alabama Power external affairs, Smith is responsible for charitable giving, environmental affairs, governmental and corporate affairs, public relations, and regulatory affairs. In this role and others, he is an advocate for the people of Alabama, a respected leader in the state’s engineering and business community and committed to improving his company and state.
Norm Tew has devoted his career to engineering systems that defend the United States and advance strategic objectives abroad. His work has spanned more than 36 years in defensive weapon systems development, including system architecture and requirements definition, system and product design, performance evaluation, systems integration, system testing and operational fielding.
Conceived as part of the Appalachian Development Highway System to bring mobility and economic development to underserved areas of the region, the Corridor X project comprised some of the largest roadway projects in the history of the state, totaling more than $1 billion in design and construction. Now officially Interstate 22, it travels 96.5 miles delivering interstate mobility and growth to emergent northwest Alabama communities.
Contact
Alana Norris, engineering communications, 205-348-6444, anorris@eng.ua.edu