Grand Valley celebrates largest class of engineers

Grand Valley's largest graduating class of 120 student engineers participated in a special graduation ceremony August 5. The class graduates as the School of Engineering celebrates its 30th anniversary of co-op education. 

At the Order of the Engineer ceremony — a traditional commencement ritual — each student received an iron ring, placed on the little finger of the working hand, which symbolizes bridging the step between training and experience. Engineering graduates earn their degrees later than the traditional spring ceremony because they complete a year-long co-op experience.

The 18th annual Engineering Design Conference took place the same day. The conference celebrates the completion of the Capstone Design Program in which teams of senior engineering students solve real-world engineering design problems sponsored by companies. 

Engineering alumni and industry partners were also celebrated August 4 at a special 30th anniversary celebration event. The event honored those who have helped shape the School of Engineering's co-op program, which develops engineering talent for Michigan and the region. 

What started as a handful of students in 1986 has grown to nearly 300 junior- and senior-level students this year. In May, a record-breaking cohort of 140 junior-level students began their co-ops.

Paul Plotkowski, dean of the Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering and Computing, said most students are offered full-time jobs before they graduate, many times at companies where they completed their co-op. 

"We're a teaching-oriented university, and the co-op program gets our students ready for life and careers, not just theory," said Plotkowski. 

For more information about 30 years of co-op education, visit www.gvsu.edu/pcec/30-years-98.htm.