Early Career Distinguished Alumni Society

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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. Please note that peer or colleague nominations require a very brief impact statement and nominee contact information. The Clark School will send an invitation to the nominee to request that they complete a full application. All application materials must be received no later than March 6, 2024.

Nominations are open now through February 23, 2024. Completed packages will be reviewed by a committee of Clark School faculty, staff and alumni leaders. Inductees will be notified in June 2024.  

Please direct all questions to Heather Medina, Director, Alumni Engagement and Outreach 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, 2024 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 field;
  • Presented with the Early Career Distinguished Alumni award during a special reception with Clark School and volunteer leadership;
  • Recognized on the engineering website as well as college and departmental newsletters and/or magazines; 
  • Provided access to Clark School leadership and campus resources to advance their careers, research, corporate engagement or entrepreneurial ventures; 
  • Invited to connect with current engineering students to share advice as they embark on their professional journeys;  
  • Engaged with the Clark School throughout the year as additional opportunities arise 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 2024.  Inductees must be present to accept the award and induction to the Early Career Distinguished Alumni Society on the UMD campus on Friday, September 27, 2024. 

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, Jr.
Dean and Nariman Farvardin Professor


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