The UH Cullen College of Engineering held its Spring 2011 Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 13, with nearly 300 candidates for engineering degrees walking across the stage. The event was shared with UH's college of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and its Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture.
Among the engineering degree candidates were 19 individuals who earned their doctoral degrees in either chemical, civil, electrical, industrial or mechanical engineering. There were also roughly 130 candidates for master’s degrees and 150 bachelor’s candidates.
This spring’s candidates for graduation from the Cullen College included both the youngest and oldest candidates at the university this spring. George Hall, 86, an industrial engineering master’s candidate, shared the stage with 16-year-old David Levy, who earned his B.S. in mechanical engineering and in mathematics.
Also recognized during the ceremony was inventor and entrepreneur Ken Parr, who received an honorary degree from the University of Houston. Parr attended the Cullen College from 1952-1954. Though he did not earn his degree, he credits the education he received here with launching a successful career that included important contributions to the United States’ space program and the formation highly successful private lending business.
In addition, one of three Presidential Medallions were awarded to Ron Harrell, the president of the UH petroleum engineering advisory board. Harrell has been involved in varying capacities with the college for many years.