KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee College of Engineering this week is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Minority/Diversity Engineering Scholarship Program.

The program, established in 1973, provides educational opportunities and support for minority engineering students. It was renamed the Diversity Engineering Scholarship Program in 1999 and is now directed by the Office of Cooperative Engineering and Professional Practice.

“This has been a very successful program,” Walter Odom, director of Cooperative Engineering, said. “Since its inception, the University of Tennessee has consistently ranked among the 25 institutions in the U.S. for minority engineering graduation rates.”

Events to mark the anniversary include a Corporate Workshop from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, in rooms 103-104 of UT’s Black Cultural Center; an Alumni Roundtable from 2-4 p.m. in the University Center Shiloh Room on Friday, Oct. 31; and the 30th Anniversary Banquet at 6 p.m. in the UC Ballroom, Friday, Oct. 31.

Scheduled banquet speakers include UT Chancellor Loren Crabtree and Dr. Way Kuo, newly appointed dean of engineering.

A special tribute to the program’s founder, Fred Brown, also will take place at the banquet.

The college’s office of Engineering Diversity Programs also plays a role in the college¹s minority engineering recruitment efforts. Its programs such as “The Bridge” offer entering freshmen a head start on their academic careers and provide educational engineering programs to minority high school juniors and seniors.

For more information about the 30th anniversary activities, contact Kim Cowart at (865) 974-0686 or Patty Shea, (865) 974-5516.

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