Engineering and computing students, faculty and alumni recognized in Order of the Engineer and Pledge of the Computing Professional induction ceremonies
On April 15, 2025, the 黑料不打烊's (UA) College of Engineering and Polymer Science celebrated the ethical commitment and professional readiness of its graduating seniors, faculty and alumni during the annual Order of the Engineer and newly added Pledge of the Computing Professional ceremonies. Held in the Jean Hower Taber Student Union Ballroom, the event marked an important milestone in the academic and professional journeys of students across engineering and computing disciplines.
This year, 120 engineering students and four engineering alumni were inducted into the Order of the Engineer, an organization that promotes ethics and professionalism in the engineering profession. Membership is voluntary and open to seniors in and graduates of engineering programs accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. As part of the ceremony, inductees take a solemn oath to "uphold devotion to the standards and dignity of the engineering profession" and receive a stainless steel ring, worn on the fifth finger of the working hand as a reminder of their commitment.
Additionally, 21 computing students, two computing alumni and three faculty members — Dr. Joan Carletta, Dr. En Cheng and Dr. Zarreen Farooqi — participated in the Pledge of the Computing Professional, which mirrors the Order's tradition by promoting ethics and service in computing careers. UA’s Chapter of the Pledge of the Computing Professional was established in 2024 as the 9th node in the organization’s Linked List of Nodes. Created in 2007 by Ohio Northern University and the University of South Florida, and further developed by an international team of 17 computing professionals, this organization fosters professional pride, moral obligation and ethical responsibility in graduates of computing disciplines.
The ceremony also recognized individuals who bridge both fields. Two computer engineering students were inducted into both organizations in acknowledgment of their interdisciplinary contributions.
This year’s event featured guest speaker Derek Dunn, a 2022 UA computer engineering graduate and senior software engineer at Keyfactor, a cybersecurity software company in Independence, Ohio. Dunn, who was a scholar in The Drs. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Honors College, graduated summa cum laude and completed five co-op rotations with Keyfactor prior to accepting a full-time position with the company. While at UA, he was an active member and team lead within the Zips Racing Electric student design team.
Dr. Selena Myers, director of the College’s Co-op and Placement Program, emphasized the significance of both ceremonies and expressed gratitude to her team for identifying the newly added Pledge of the Computing Professional. She congratulated the inductees and reflected on the importance of the event.
“Congratulations to the students and faculty who have chosen to join The Order of the Engineer or take the Pledge of the Computing Professional this year,” Myers said. “This ceremony reflects on the impact the work of engineers and computing professionals has on society. Today’s inductees have chosen to publicly affirm their commitment to using their skills for the public good ethically and honestly throughout their careers. This ceremony is a powerful reminder of the responsibility our students carry as they enter their professions."
Myers also highlighted the connection between the college's values and the purpose of the ceremony.
“By taking this pledge, our students commit to ethical standards that align with everything we strive to instill through our college — personal integrity, accountability and professionalism,” she continued. “I also want to extend special thanks to Dr. Carletta for her continuous support as the master of ceremonies for the event and to Dr. Cheng for helping incorporate the Pledge of the Computing Professional into this year鈥檚 ceremony. Their dedication made it a meaningful milestone for our students and further enriched the experience for all involved.”
The College of Engineering and Polymer Science congratulates all of this year’s inductees and extends sincere appreciation to the dedicated staff members whose efforts were instrumental in coordinating and facilitating this meaningful event. The ceremonies were organized and managed by the Co-op and Placement Program, whose continued leadership ensures this tradition remains a proud and impactful moment for students, faculty and alumni alike.
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Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu.