Alma Mater Magazine - Fall 2004
The 2004 Alumni Association and University Awards
William H. Ruffner Medal
James E. Turner, Jr. '56
"James Turner is an inspiration to his peers in the Virginia Tech community as well as an exemplary example of the university's motto, 'That I may serve,'"said President Charles Steger. An involved student, Turner graduate in 1956 with a B.S. degree in agricultural engineering. Turner's successful and distinguished career spans 40 years in management positions with Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, Westinghouse, and General Dynamics. He retired in January 2000 as the president and chief operating officer of General Dynamics, the nation's largest nuclear-submarine builder. Turner has maintained a close relationship with Virginia Tech throughout the years, serving on the Academy of Engineering Excellence, the Capital Campaign Steering Committee, and the past Regional Campaign Committee. More recently, Turner served eight years on the Board of Visitors, including three years as rector, on the Engineering Committee of 100, and the Virginia Tech Foundation Board.
Alumni Distinguished Service Awards
Gene A. James '53
Gene James graduated from Tech in 1953 with a B.S. in animal science. Upon graduation, he embarked on a 43-year career with Southern States Cooperative, the last 17 of which he served as president and chief executive officer. James has served Virginia Tech over the years as president of the Virginia Tech Foundation, president of the Alumni Association, and as a member of the Leadership Council of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He has provided additional support and encouragement for for programs of the Virginia Tech Foundation by serving as current chairman and on the Executive and Finance Committees. Former president Paul E. Torgersen said of James, "He is an active volunteer who has worked diligently over the years to help this university fulfill its mission to the Commonwealth of Virginia as the largest land-grant university in the state. He embodies the motto of Ut Prosim."
J. Eugene Justice '54
Following his graduation from Tech in 1954 with a B.S. degree in Business Administration, Justice embarked on a successful 35-year career with IBM Corporation. During his time there, Justice held a variety of positions including branch manager, executive assistant to the president, and director of the corporate marketing staff. He later served as vice president of IBM Europe for the World Trade Corporation, IBM's international subsidiary. In 1988, he was appointed deputy director of the newly formed Virginia Department of World Trade located in Norfolk, Virginia. In 1990, Justice used his professional experience and expertise to form his own company, Alliance Europe. In addition to his professional success, Justice has remained active with his alma mater, serving as chairman of the Pamplin College Advisory Council, member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, the President's Advisory Council, and the President and Chairman of the German Club Alumni Foundation.
L. Preston Wade '55
Wade, CEO of Wiley & Wilson, graduated from Tech in 1955 with a B.S. in civil engineering. While still an undergraduate, he began his career with Wiley & Wilson as a draftsman and field surveyor in the firm's Lynchburg office. During that time, he was also the regimental commander for the Corps of Cadets, 1954-1955. Wade began serving in the U.S. Air Force on active duty as a maintenance engineer and a planning engineer. He left the service in 1958 as a first lieutenant and returned to Wiley & Wilson. He has served Wiley & Wilson as an associate member, partner and director of project management and construction administration. He was named president in 1973 and elected chairman and CEO in 1980. Wade has been a member of the Engineering Committee of 100 and is a member of the Ut Prosim Society, President's Council, and the Virginia Economic Development Advisory Board. He also served on the boards of directors for the Alumni Association and the Virginia Tech Foundation.
Graduate Student Awards
Christian Rieser
Electrical and Computer Engineering (for instruction)
Donna M. Augustine
Science and Technology Studies (for service)
Eric D. Vugrin
Mathematics (for service)
Graduate Alumni Achievement Award
Harold L. Martin, Sr. '80
Electrical Engineering
Outstanding Student Awards
Class of 2004 graduates who were recognized by the Alumni Association for scholarship and leadership.
Elizabeth Werner
College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
Brian Kubecki
College of Architecture & Urban Studies
Scott Coblentz
Pamplin College of Business
Emily Sarver
College of Engineering
Adrienne Moberg
College of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences
Shaun Mabry
College of Natural Resources
Nicole Reynolds
College of Science
Jody Hewitt
College of Veterinary Medicine
Outstanding Young Alumni Awards
Graduates from each college, completing degrees in the past 10 years, who have distinguished themselves professionally.
James D. Whitacre '94; Edinburg, VA
College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
William S. Murray '96; Richmond, VA
College of Architecture & Urban Studies
James A. Rosenstock III '95; New York, NY
Pamplin College of Business
Angela W. Barrios '93, '96; Hanover, MD
College of Engineering
Adam M. Leslie '98, '99, '00; Blacksburg, VA
College of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences
Kari J. Duncan '94; Vienna, VA
College of Natural Resources
Steven K. Lower '01; Hyattsville, MD
College of Science
Jane A.C. Rooney '93; Charleston, WV
College of Veterinary Medicine
Alumni Award for Outreach Excellence:
Howard Feiertag - Lecturer of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Alumni Award for Team Outreach Excellence:
Barbara B. Bunn - Instructor of Chemistry
Gary L. Long- Associate Professor of Chemistry
Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching:
Anthony J. Colaianne - Associate Professor of English
Charles F. Reinholtz - Alumni Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Alumni Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Academic Advising:
Jack A. Cranford - Associate Professor of Biology
Alumni Award for Excellence in Graduate Academic Advising:
Saied Mostaghimi - H.E. and Elizabeth F. Alpin Professor and Department Head of Biological Systems Engineering
William E. Wine Awards:
Gary L. Downey - Professor of Science and Technology in Society
Timothy Pratt - Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Jesse J. Richardson, Jr. - Associate Professor of Urban Affairs and Planning
Alumni Award for Excellence in International Programs:
Joseph L. Scarpaci - Professor of Geography
Alumni Award for Excellence in Research:
Harry W. Gibson - Professor of Chemistry
Romesh C. Batra - Clifton C. Garvin Professor and Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics
Alumni Award for Excellence in Extension:
Jennifer Unroe - Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development Alleghany County Extension Office
Gregory K. Evanylo - Professor of Crop and Environmental Soil Sciences
Sporn Award for Teaching Introductory Subjects:
Sue Simmons Saffle - Instructor of English
Sporn Award for Teaching Engineering Subjects:
Jaime de la Ree-Lopez - Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering