W.S. Lee College of Engineering Alumni Awards

Award Descriptions

Outstanding Alumni Award (1-3 are granted annually)

The Outstanding Alumni Award is the William States Lee College of Engineering’s highest honor, recognizing graduates whose exceptional professional achievements, leadership, and service bring distinction to the William States Lee College of Engineering and UNC Charlotte. Recipients demonstrate a lasting commitment to supporting the College and University, and their accomplishments reflect the engineering excellence that elevates UNC Charlotte’s reputation locally, nationally, and beyond.

Industry Partnership Award

The Industry Partnership Award recognizes corporate partners or industry leaders who have made exceptional contributions to strengthening the William States Lee College of Engineering. Honorees demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing engineering education, research, and student success through meaningful collaboration. This support may include sponsoring internships or co-ops, mentoring Senior Design teams, participating in mock or informational interviews, hosting site or facility tours, establishing student scholarships, sharing industry expertise and resources, enhancing classrooms or labs, financially supporting research initiatives, and/or partnering on research contracts and grants.

Professional Achievement Award

The Professional Achievement Award honors alumni of the William States Lee College of Engineering who have made outstanding contributions to their profession and demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and excellence in their field. Recipients bring meaningful recognition and distinction to the College and UNC Charlotte through accomplishments such as significant career advancement, national or international recognition, industry awards, leadership roles in professional or civic organizations, entrepreneurship, research contributions, patents, and innovations that advance the engineering profession.

Service Award

The Service Award honors alumni who have made meaningful contributions to the William States Lee College of Engineering through their time, leadership, and support. Recipients advance the College’s mission by giving back through mentoring, classroom engagements, professional development opportunities, student organizations, or other initiatives that strengthen the College and leave a lasting legacy. This service reflects voluntary involvement beyond the scope of their professional responsibilities. Honorees serve as exemplary role models for students, fellow alumni, and the broader community.

Previous recognitions from W.S. Lee College of Engineering

Early Career Award

The Early Career Award honors alumni who have graduated from William States Lee College of Engineering within the last 10 years. Graduates are recognized for their exceptional accomplishments in their chosen field which may include company recognition and/or promotion, awards, certifications and professional accreditations (PE, PMP, LEED, Six Sigma), publications, presentations, entrepreneurship, patents, and innovation.

Department Awards

Alumni from each of the five departments at the William States Lee College of Engineering will be recognized for utilizing their degrees and education to advance the engineering and engineering technology professions. The College departments are: Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, Civil and Environmental Engineering; Electrical and Computer Engineering; Engineering Technology and Construction Management; and Industrial and Systems Engineering.