Campbell University added a new ring ceremony over Homecoming weekend this year — the Order of the Engineer initiated 29 alumni, six faculty and staff and three external advisory board members in its first event on campus since the program earned ABET accreditation this fall.
Alumni came from as far away as Nevada and Kansas to participate in the ceremony held in Butler Chapel, where initiates received a stainless steel ring — to be worn on the fifth finger of the working hand — after accepting the Obligation of an Engineer. According to School of Engineering Founding Dean Dr. Jenna Carpenter, future ceremonies at Campbell will be held in conjunction with Senior Design presentations in the spring so graduating seniors can be inducted (along with alumni, board members or faculty who have yet to do so).
“We have looked forward to this day since we welcomed our first class of engineering majors in 2016,” Carpenter said. “The Order of the Engineer is one more way that we emphasize the importance of ethics as engineers and our obligation as servants of the public. We were just thrilled to see so many alumni return for our inaugural ceremony, and many more who were not available today but who will look forward to participating in the spring.”
Dr. Teresa Ratcliff, director of interprofessional education and outreach at Campbell, has participated in several of these ceremonies in her role as president of the National Society of Professional Engineers. She said this one was extra special for her.
“In all of that history, I have never been more honored to be a part of the ceremony nor so humbled to be in such a perfect venue as Butler Chapel,” Ratcliff said.
