The Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award as established by the Faculty of the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University in 1966 to honor engineering graduates who have been recognized for outstanding achievements in planning and direction of engineering work; fostering professional development of young engineers; contributing to knowledge in the field of engineering; or bringing, in other ways, distinction to the University through engineering achievement.

Below you will find the original citation for Nuclear Engineering awardees —

 

Dade W. Moeller – PhD NE 1957

Awarded as distinguished alumnus in 2018.

The distinguished career of this outstanding alumnus is marked with significant contributions to environmental health and radiation safety. He received his B.S. degree in civil engineering and his M.S. degree in environmental engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1948, and he received his PhD in nuclear engineering from NC State in 1957. He served as a commissioned officer in the US Public Health Service from 1948 to 1966. While at Harvard University, he chaired the Department of Environmental Health Sciences and served as associate dean for continuing education. A member of the National Academy of Engineering, he served on the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the International Commission on Radiological Protection, and the National Research Council. He was a consultant for the World Health Organization and is past president of the Health Physics Society. He is a fellow of the American Nuclear Society and the American Public Health Association, a registered professional engineer, a diplomat in the American Academy of Environmental Engineers, and is certified by the American Board of Health Physics.

Donald H. Roy – BS NE 1958

Awarded as distinguished alumnus in 2018.

This distinguished alumnus, who has made significant contributions to the nuclear power field, earned two degrees in Nuclear Engineering from this university: the B.S. degree in 1958 and the Ph.D. degree in 1963. He earned his M.S. degree in Nuclear Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His entire professional career has been with Babcock and Wilcox. His outstanding record of technical and managerial skills has led him to his present position with the company as Vice President of Engineering and Systems Development in the Power Generation Group at Barberton, Ohio. He is responsible for the Departments of Fossil Systems Engineering, Design and Equipment Engineering, Engineering Design Graphics, Systems Development and Integration, Automation and Advanced Systems, and Engineering Operations. A leader in his profession, he was major technical contributor to the thermal-hydraulic models used to evaluate the emergency core cooling systems of Babcock and Wilcox nuclear power plants. He served this university as a member of the Engineering Foundation, the Engineering School Advisory Council, and the Nuclear Engineering Industrial Advisory Group.

Linda Butler – BS NE 1986

Awarded as distinguished alumnus in 2018.

This distinguished alumnus is responsible for Rex’s medical staff, quality programs (includes risk management and infection prevention), transitional care programs, and performance improvement. She was a pediatrician in Wake County for more than 13 years before joining Rex as VP of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer in 2009. Linda Butler served as a John Rex Endowment Board Chairman in 2016-2018. She is a member of the North Carolina State University Engineering Foundation and the Johnston Health Board. In 2012, she participated in Leadership NC as a member of class XIX.  Linda Butler was named “100 Hospital and Health System CMOs to Know,” by Becker’s Hospital Review in 2013.  She serves on numerous multidisciplinary committees focused on population health in Wake County. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering from N.C. State University and a master’s degree from University of Florida.  She attended medical school at UNC Chapel Hill and completed her pediatric residency there as well.

Alan S. Icenhour – NE 1986

Awarded as distinguished alumnus in 2017.

This distinguished graduate earned his bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering in 1986 from North Carolina State University. He was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy on a nuclear-powered submarine. After leaving active duty, he continued his service with the Navy as a reservist, retiring in 2010 at the rank of captain. He joined the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in 1990, serving in various roles including principal investigator, research group leader, director of three research divisions, and his current role as associate laboratory director for the Nuclear Science and Engineering Directorate. He has more than 30 years of experience in nuclear reactor operations and R&D on topics such as enrichment, radiochemical processing, radioisotope production and applications, nuclear fuels, radiation effects on materials, radioactive waste management, and nuclear security. He was elected a Fellow of the American Nuclear Society and chairs the NC State Department of Nuclear Engineering’s Advisory Committee. He also holds M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in nuclear engineering from the University of Tennessee, where he is an adjunct professor of nuclear engineering. For his outstanding leadership in the engineering community and support of the College and its students, the College of Engineering recognizes Alan S. Icenhour as a Distinguished Engineering Alumnus.

Raymond T. Odierno – NE 1986

Awarded as distinguished alumnus in 2015.

General Raymond T. Odierno earned a master’s degree in nuclear engineering in 1986 from NC State. He is also a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Army War College and Naval War College. He was Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army from 2011 to 2015. During more than 38 years of service, he has commanded units at every echelon, from platoon to theater, with duty in Germany, Albania, Kuwait, Iraq, and the United States. After his assignments with U.S. Army Europe and at Fort Bragg, NC, Odierno served as a commander during deployment for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He later served as a commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom and in subsequent operations in Iraq. Other significant assignments include: Arms Control Officer, Office of the Secretary of Defense; Chief of Staff, V Corps; Assistant Division Commander (Support), 1st Armored Division; Deputy Commanding General, Task Force Hawk, Albania; and Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Johnny F. Norris – NE 1971

Awarded as distinguished alumnus in 2009.

This distinguished graduate earned his bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering in 1971 from North Carolina State University. He attended NC State on a football scholarship and following graduation served for 10 years in the US Air Force. After leaving the Air Force in 1982, he advanced rapidly to top executive positions with Duke Energy before joining the American Bureau of Shipping Group as president and COO and later American Electric Power as senior vice president of operations and technical services. In 2006 he became president and CEO of Fuel Tech, a leading technology company that specializes in air pollution control and efficiency improvements for power plants and industrial combustion units. Under his leadership, the company quickly experienced record-setting growth in revenue and profit and was ranked 12th in the 2007 Fortune Small Business List of America’s Fastest Growing Small Public Companies. At NC State, he has mentored students, provided summer internships and employment opportunities, and has served on various advisory committees. He is a life member of the Alumni Association and a member of the Wolfpack and Varsity Clubs.

Albert Carnesale – NE 1966

Awarded as distinguished alumnus in 2004.

This outstanding alumnus received his bachelor’s degree from Cooper Union in 1957 and his master’s degree from Drexel University in 1961, both in mechanical engineering.

He earned his doctoral degree in nuclear engineering from North Carolina State University in 1966 and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters in 1997.

As a faculty member, he served as head of the Division of University Studies and as university coordinator for Environmental Studies.

A native of New York, he began his career at Martin Marietta Corporation. At Harvard University he held the Lucius N. Littauer Professorship of Public Policy and Administration, served as academic dean and dean of the John F. Kennedy School of Government, and was provost of the university.

An expert in national security, he represented the US government in high-level negotiations on defense and energy issues and served as a consultant to US government agencies.

John T. McCarter – NE 1973

Awarded as distinguished alumnus in 2000.

This distinguished alumnus is president and CEO of GE Latin America of Sao Paulo, Brazil. A native of Philadelphia, PA, he came to NC State from his adopted home of Hickory, NC, and received his BS degree in nuclear engineering in 1973.

He began his lifelong career with General Electric as technical director of installation for the nuclear steam supply system at CP&L’s Brunswick Nuclear Plant.

After serving in a series of developmental marketing positions in the power generation industry, he was a sales engineer for GE’s Power Generation Business. Later he rose through several positions for GE’s Power Systems in Schenectady, NY, ultimately serving as general manager of customer service and later GM of North America sales to electric utilities and power generators.

After taking over the Latin America operations for GE’s Power business, he became president and CEO of GE Latin America.

In 1997 he endowed the Mr. and Mrs. John T. McCarter Sr. Scholarship, named for his parents. He currently serves on the board of the Engineering Foundation and is GE’s executive liaison to the University.

John J. DuPlessis – NE 1958

Awarded as distinguished alumnus in 1995.

This outstanding engineer, a native of Winston-Salem, earned undergraduate degrees in Nuclear Engineering and Metallurgical Engineering in 1958 and a master’s in Metallurgical Engineering in 1960.

As a technological and business consultant for Crucible Materials Corporation, he searches the globe for new sources of strategic metals and technologies. During his 31 years with Crucible, he served in positions of increasing responsibility culminating with his tenure as president from 1985 to 1991.

While he was president, the company’s business doubled, and it increased its export market from less than one percent of total sales to over forty percent.

Research and consulting activities have taken him to the far corners of the world, and recently he returned from his third trip to Russia. Additionally, he is active in many professional organizations and civic activities. Highly regarded for his business acumen, he has served for the past seven years on the Advisory Council of the NCSU Department of Materials Science and Engineering and has been pivotal in fund-raising efforts for materials engineering scholarships.

Donald H. Roy – NE 1958

Awarded as distinguished alumnus in 1986.

This distinguished alumnus, who has made significant contributions to the nuclear power field, earned two degrees in Nuclear Engineering from this university: the B.S. degree in 1958 and the Ph.D. degree in 1963. He earned his M.S. degree in Nuclear Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

His entire professional career has been with Babcock and Wilcox. His outstanding record of technical and managerial skills has led him to his present position with the company as Vice President of Engineering and Systems Development in the Power Generation Group at Barberton, Ohio. He is responsible for the Departments of Fossil Systems Engineering, Design and Equipment Engineering, Engineering Design Graphics, Systems Development and Integration, Automation and Advanced Systems, and Engineering Operations.

A leader in his profession, he was major technical contributor to the thermalhydraulic models used to evaluate the emergency core cooling systems of Babcock and Wilcox nuclear power plants. He served this university as a member of the Engineering Foundation, the Engineering School Advisory Council, and the Nuclear Engineering Industrial Advisory Group.

Edward E. Hood Jr. – NE 1952

Awarded as distinguished alumnus in 1980.

This outstanding alumnus earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Nuclear Engineering in 1952 and 1953, respectively. Following service in the United States Air Force, he joined the General Electric Company in 1957 as Design Engineer in the Flight Propulsion Division. At General Electric, he has established a record of original achievements which placed him at the top of one of the nation’s largest corporations. He was recently appointed Vice Chairman of the Board and Executive Officer of the General Electric Company.

Since his first assignment, he has held the following key positions: Head of the Supersonic Transport Project with responsibility for directing the design and development of this advanced technology engine; General Manager of the commercial Engine Division (in this assignment leading GE’s re-entry in the commercial airline engine market) and Company Vice President; Vice President and Group Executive with responsibility for the company’s International Group; Vice President and Group Executive of the Power Generation Business Group; and Senior Vice President and Sector Executive, Technical Systems and Materials Sector.

He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering. Throughout the years, he has maintained close ties with his alma mater through the Alumni Association, which he actively supports.