The Chemical Engineering Department recently celebrated the success of its graduates through a Virtual Convocation on April 13, 2020. The guest speaker was Michael Cleveland (’82) who shared some tips on “How to Become Invaluable During Uncertain Times.”
Keynote Speaker
Michael J. Cleveland ’82
Mike Cleveland serves as the vice president and general manager for UOP LLC, based in the Des Plaines, Illinois Lifecycle Solutions and Technology business at Honeywell UOP.
UOP is a leading international supplier of process technology, catalysts, engineered systems, and technical and engineering services to the petroleum refining, petrochemical, and gas processing industries.
Since joining UOP in 1982, Mike has held key positions within UOP, spanning research and development, manufacturing, and business management. Mike was critical in the commercialization of new hydrocracking catalysts, isomerization catalysts, and on-purpose propylene process technology.
Before being named to his current post in 2019, Mike served as the General Manager for UOP CH based in Rolle, Switzerland within the Catalyst, Adsorbents, and Specialties business.
Mike earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Michigan Technological University in 1982 and began his career with UOP upon graduation. Mike is a licensed professional engineer in the State of Michigan and Illinois. He is an active member the Michigan Tech Alumni Association.
Students were recognized with the following awards:
Prevent Accidents with Safety (PAWS) Award
Daniella Kyllonen
Dow Chemical Marriot W. Bredekamp Award
Ellie Bruckner, Bryce Evan, Nate Giem, and Kate Schaaf
This award recognizes outstanding technical skills in the laboratory, outstanding teamwork and professionalism, effective oral and written communication, and strong adherence to process safety practices as recognized by your peers and supported by the faculty of the department. This award is in memory of Dr. Mariott W. Bredekamp.
Kimberly Clark Communication Award
Nate Giem
This award recognizes the winner of the Award for Excellence in Communication from the Department of Chemical Engineering for the academic year.
Kimberly Clark Professional Ethics Award
Clara Peterson
This award recognizes a student who has exhibited exemplary ethics and admirable professional conduct during Plant Design and Unit Operations experiences, and throughout their academic career at Michigan Technological University.
Davis W. Hubbard Outstanding Rising Senior Award
Tanner Shehan
Chair’s Award
Jacob LeBarre
The Chair’s Award for Outstanding ChE Senior recognizes a particular student in the graduating class whose actions embody excellence. Excelling in academics is expected, but the recipient must also exhibit the traits of character, leadership, and service–to-others that are valued to the department.
John Patton Senior Design Team Awards
1st Place
Abigail Hendrix, Ben McKenzie, Korey McKinley, Collin Mitchell
2nd Place
Ryan Knoll, Hunter Osgood, Bronson Wood, Cody Woodbury
3rd Place
Christen Calanayan, Zach Hancock, Brenden Presnell, Stephan RhodeHumphries, David Scherzer
Student Leadership Awards
- AEE: Jacob Zuhlke
- AIChE: Jacob Luchenbill
- CMLC: Jacob LeBarre
- CPM: Nick Vlahos
- OXE: Erin Parker
- SAB: Nate Giem