Well, this was unexpected…

Unexpected but much appreciated

Earlier this summer, I was notified that I will be receiving the 2024 Alumni Merit Award from the U-M College of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). This was surprising, mainly because I received the Distinguished Alumni Service Award from the College of Engineering back in 2016, so I thought I had “shot my wad,” so to speak. However, this award is extra special, because ECE is the department I labored in during my student days, and it is quite an honor to be recognized by the almost wholly new generation of ECE faculty and staff.

Of course, at Michigan most perks come with some work, and this award is no different. In receiving the award, I must present a lecture in the College during homecoming week. Far from dreading the task though, I’m looking forward to presenting what will hopefully be received as a lively and thought-provoking lecture, with at least one special wrinkle.

This event is open to the public, and my experience is that programs of this type usually include tasty snacks (or at least pure water), so I’m expecting to see my “posse” in the audience. Seriously, I hope this will be a fun and enriching occasion, a chance for our community to come together and celebrate each other.

GO BLUE!