Seven honorees given 2019 McKelvey Engineering Awards
Seven honorees received awards from the McKelvey School of Engineering for their professional accomplishments and service to the university
Young Alumni Award
Deanne Bell
As an engineer, television host, and the founder/CEO of Future Engineers, Deanne Bell is introducing the field of engineering to new audiences.
Bell worked as an engineer prior to her career in television, which began as co-host of the PBS children’s series, “Design Squad.”
Subsequent hosting credits include ESPN, Discovery Channel, National Geographic, DIY Network, and most recently CNBC.
She also founded the award-winning education technology company, Future Engineers, which hosts online challenges for K-12 students. Bell earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from WashU in 2002.
Alumni Achievement Award
Lorrie Faith Cranor
At Carnegie Mellon University, Cranor is director and Bosch Distinguished Professor in Security and Privacy Technologies, FORE Systems Professor of Computer Science and Engineering & Public Policy and director of the CyLab Useable Privacy and Security Laboratory. In 2016, Cranor was chief technologist at the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. She also co-founded Wombat Security Technologies Inc.Cranor earned a bachelor’s in engineering and public policy in 1992, a master’s in technology and human affairs in 1993, a master’s in computer science and a doctor of science in engineering and policy in 1996, all from WashU.
Alumni Achievement Award
Charles Eggert
As senior advisor for Arsenal Capital Partners, a New York City-based private equity firm, Charles (Chas) Eggert acquires and builds mid-size specialty chemical companies.He is a board director at J. M. Huber Corp. and is recognized as a Governance Fellow with the National Association of Corporate Directors.
Before joining Arsenal Capital, Eggert was president and CEO of OPX Biotechnologies, helping the company grow from a small startup to raising more than $70 million of venture capital funding.
Eggert earned a bachelor’s in chemical engineering in 1975 and an MBA in 1985, both from WashU.
Alumni Achievement Award
Raj Gupta
As executive chairman of Environmental Systems Design (ESD), Raj Gupta emphasizes innovation in creating smart, sustainable spaces and ways to interface with the built environment.
Founded in 1967 by Gupta’s father, ESD is known for its forward thinking and creativeness.
Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia, slated to be the world’s tallest building, will have essential systems provided by ESD. As a dual degree student, Gupta earned a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from WashU in 1984 and a bachelor’s in engineering management from Claremont McKenna College in 1984.
Alumni Achievement Award
Fred Palmerton
As founding president, Fred Palmerton established Palmerton & Parrish Inc. (PPI) as an engineering corporation in 1989.
PPI is a leader in geotechnical engineering and construction materials with projects ranging from dams and levees to healthcare and educational facilities.
The consulting engineering and materials testing firm has 50 employees with offices in Missouri and Oklahoma.
Palmerton is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers (MSPE), for which he was president in 1998. Palmerton earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from WashU in 1960.
Dean's Award
Don and Karen Jubel
A St. Louis native, Don Jubel is executive chairman of Spartan Light Metal Products, a supplier of die-cast parts and assemblies for the automobile industry.
He and his wife, Karen, who serves as a board member for the company, are a family whose history has been intertwined with Washington University for three generations.
Don and Karen have honored his late parents with the Henry A. & Elvira H. Jubel Hall.
Don is a member of the Washington University Board of Trustees, the Engineering National Council and is past chair of the Engineering Eliot Society Committee.
He has received numerous awards from the university and co-chaired his class of 1973 35th, 40th and 45th reunions. In addition, Don and Karen received the university’s Founders Day Robert S. Brookings Award in 2014. Don earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from WashU in 1973. Karen is a graduate of Maryville University.
