Early Career Distinguished Alumni Society

  • Home
  • Alumni
  • Early Career Distinguished Alumni Society

Early Career Distinguished Alumni Society

Dean Samuel Graham, Jr. and the leadership of the A. James Clark School of Engineering announce the call for nominations for the next class of the Early Career Distinguished Alumni Society (ECDA). The ECDA Society celebrates the accomplishments and impact of Maryland engineers under 40 years old and is an exclusive professional network of alumni leading the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and change-agents.

The Early Career Distinguished Alumni Society recognizes engineering alumni under 40 years old for their leadership, innovation, service or entrepreneurship:

  • Leadership: Rapidly advancing individuals in complex organizations with national or international impact;
  • Innovation: Explores cutting edge research or has developed technology that will improve society;
  • Service: Dedicated to advancing the community and/or the future of the field of engineering;
  • Entrepreneurship: Founded a company or commercialized a product or service with demonstrated market success

Self nominations are encouraged. Peer or colleague nominations require a brief impact statement and nominee contact information. Upon receipt, the Clark School will invite the nominee to complete a full application. This is an opportunity to recognize peers whose leadership, innovation, and service reflect the values and impact of Maryland Engineering.

Nominations are open now through March 1, 2026. All application materials must be received by March 13, 2026. Completed packages will be reviewed by a committee of Clark School faculty, staff, and alumni leaders. Inductees will be notified in early June.

Please direct all questions to Heather Medina, Senior Director, Advancement Operations & Constituent Engagement at hmedina@umd.edu or by phone at 301-405-3303.

Applicants must have received a degree from the A. James Clark School of Engineering, be no more than 40 years old on December 31, 2026 and exhibit one or more of the professional characteristics aligned with the ECDA Society (leadership, innovation, service and/or entreprenuership).  

A new class of inductees will be announced biannually. 

Inductees to the Early Career Distinguished Alumni Society will:

  • Be welcomed back to campus for a day of networking with fellow alumni at the forefront of their respective fields;
  • Receive the Early Career Distinguished Alumni Award at a special reception with Clark School and volunteer leadership;
  • Be recognized on the engineering website and in college and departmental newsletters and/or magazines;
  • Gain access to Clark School leadership and campus resources to support their careers, research, corporate engagement, or entrepreneurial ventures;
  • Connect with current engineering students to share insights and advice as they begin their professional journeys;
  • Engage with the Clark School throughout the year through opportunities to speak in classes, serve on advisory boards, collaborate with faculty, and more.

UMD Faculty, staff, alumni and industry peers are encouraged to nominate an engineering alumnus/a without completing the full application. The nominee will be alerted to complete their package with the most up to date and accurate information. Self-nominations are accepted and encouraged. 

Complete packages will be reviewed by a committee of Clark School faculty, staff, and alumni leaders. Inductees will be notified in early June 2026.  Inductees must be present to accept the award and induction to the Early Career Distinguished Alumni Society on the UMD campus in September 2026. 

Nominate

"The Early Career Distinguished Alumni Society recognizes and connects Clark School alumni under 40 years old who are leading the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and change-agents."

—Dr. Samuel Graham
Dean and Nariman Farvardin Professor


Top