Mechanical Engineering Award Recipients


Student Leader Award

Curtis Casados

As Co-Chair of the Undergraduate Student Advisory Committee (USAC), Curstis has helped a large group of committee members fulfill Retention, Promotion, and Tenure responsibilities. He also developed a proposal for department improvements and planned several events including a Research Expo. Curtis has also been very involved in the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers where he served as both the Events Chair and the President.

Katie Bezdjian

As Co-Chair of our Undergraduate Student Advisory Committee (USAC), Katie has advocated for change, been the student’s voice, planned research colloquiums, and has contribute great ideas to curriculum and department changes. Outside of USAC, Katie has been in leadership roles for ASHRAE, helped host an all-day on-campus event for middle school students from underrepresented populations in STEM, and has participated in research.

TA of the Year

Billy Nagel

Billy is an amazing TA and lead TA.  He truly cares about the students and has been a great sounding board for faculty developing course content, especially in the wake of COVID19. His thoughtfulness and caring extends well beyond the students though; he is in touch with our team of TAs and constantly considers their needs and capabilities. Billy is truly a thoughtful and dedicated educator.

Honorary Students


Graduating Students


Student Farewells


Marc Thomas Reininger, BS

As I reach the end of my time here at Utah, I am filled with gratitude; I am thankful to my family, my ever-supportive engineering professors, my basketball coaches, and all the people at the U that made my experience here unforgettable. Go Utes!

Chandler Kencaid Driggs, BS

I am very grateful for my family and friends that supported me through this chapter of my life. I couldn't have accomplished this great task with out their love and support.

Ethan Lee Powers Evans, BS

Nathan Bennett, BS

Over the past four years, I have learned many skills. These skills have will enable me to continue in my success both professionally and personally. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given, and look forward to the future.

Xiang He, PhD

Studying a Ph.D. means thinking about quitting every day, every month, every year. Forget about quitting. Just sit down and stare at the problem long enough, you'll find a solution to it.

Justin Ngo, MS

Peace! ^ ^ *Mic Drop*

Bang He, PhD

Tanner J Snow, BS

Words cannot express how grateful I am to my family, my friends, and the faculty that have helped support me throughout the past 4 years. It's been a privilege to work with my fellow ME's and I look forward to the future with hopefulness and excitement!

JongHyun Kim, PhD

I am glad to have been in the history of the ME and the Wearable NEMS Lab being evolved. Time was like a river. I have enjoyed every moment. Thanks for all the experiences that make me strong. Thanks also go to colleagues and my great advisor. I am honored to explore with you.

Anthony Alan Gygi, BS

Thornton Garcia, BS

I loved the U and I love engineering, thank you for all who helped me accomplish this!

Alexander Mackenzie Pranger, BS

The academic journey has been a long and difficult one, but I am grateful to be graduating. I couldn't have made it to where I am without the support of my family and wife.

Christopher Alvarez, BS

To the end of a wonderful chapter. Blank pages lie ahead, waiting to be filled by the next adventure.

Kiley Gross, BS

It has been a long journey of hard work and dedication, but this is only the beginning. The best is yet to come, so continue to work hard and improve.

Stevie Rene Marston, BS

Best of luck to everyone, thanks for being such amazing friends and teammates!

Rowdy Hans Dejong, BS

It's about time! Thank you for everyone's support, love, and patience.

Zachery Dan Hansen, BS

I am so grateful for the time I have been able to spend as a Ute. I want to thank my beautiful wife, Jayne, for her support. I love you. Thank you to the professors who have given me the knowledge and experience I need to be successful. 2020 Graduating Class, Congratulations!

Holly Alvarez, BS

The journey has been enriching and motivating. I'm excited for us all to carve our future endeavors!

Kristen Marie Stewart, BS

Congratulations to the Class of 2020! All of our hard work and studying has paid off, and I wish you all success in the future. Go Utes!

Brett Jensen Smiley Jr. , BS

Garrett George Veenendaal, MS

Thanks for the good times. Good luck with your future careers!

Nicholas George Harrison, MS

Daniel Scott Mochizuki, BS

Hi Grandma & Grandpa Mo!!!!

Robert Edward Qualls, BS

I didn’t think I’d be participating in graduation when I completed my degree Dec ‘19, but I’m grateful to have one last opportunity to say thanks to all the engineering faculty, my senior design team, my wife, and my life raft buddy Daniel Moreno. Thanks for the……

Eric Devey, BS

It was a rough ride, but we all made it. Good luck out there in the real world!

Martin Grasic, BS

I'm thankful for all of the great experiences and opportunities I was given here at the U. I came here by chance but I'm happy I did.

Walt Sorensen, BS

It has been a long road to get here. The journey has been a wonderful with many friends found and challenging projects completed through our engineering studies at the UofU. All the best to everybody and may we all find the engineering successes we desire.

Ryan Duennebeil, BS

Thank you to all the people who helped make this day possible.

Steven Eli Markham, MS

I am grateful for the opportunity I had here at the U to expand my knowledge and my horizons. Thank you to all my family and friends who helped me get to where I am today!

Julia Rose Alcox, BS

Regardless of the current circumstances, I am incredibly blessed and fortunate to have been afforded the opportunity to study alongside such wonderful faculty and classmates at the University of Utah. I'm thrilled to be a graduate and look forward to what's to come.

Jordan P Day, BS

Something something Dark side of the force, Something something complete ~ Emperor Palpatine

Meshal Abdullah Alsulaiteen, BS

Spencer Brewster, BS

Sabin Nepal, MS

Came here as a verdant international graduate student, and am leaving with a lot of experience stacked onto my shoulders. Also, glad I could meet and get to know all the people. Thank you, the U family, for the opportunity!

Takara Everest Truong, BS

I would like to thank my classmates, friends, professors, and family for their unwavering support during my time at this institution.

Benjamin Carl Shriver, BS

Zachariah Smith, BS

A quick thank you to my lord and savior, Coffee. Your glorious aroma and caffeine embrace fueled me through the blasphemous mornings and unholy late nights.

Bryan Sullivan, MS

It only took me 3.5 years but I did it! Thanks to my work vanpool and apartment for providing a place to watch over 500+ hours of online lecture videos. Thanks to my family and friends for wondering if I'd ever graduate as it wouldn't have happened without the constant…

Mark Santo, BS

This was pretty much the gist of the last six years of my life. I finally did it though! Thank you to all of my professors, classmates, friends, and family for all your support. I want to extend a big shout out to Kirsten. Without you, this would not have been possible.

Aaron Thomas Sonderegger, MS

I didn't think I'd actually do it, but I did it! Thanks to everyone who supported me.

Mohammed Abdulrahim Al-ibrahim, BS

Carl Fletcher Garrison IV, MS

It has been a wonderful two years. I've learned much, made friends, and worked hard to achieve this degree that will take me far into the future. Thank you to all those who helped me along the way, I appreciate the time and service of everyone that has helped me get here.

Daniel Tyler Craner, BS

I wish my all my classmates well and would like to thank my wife for all of her love and support. Congrats Graduates!

Michael Ryan Quigley, BS

Congrats to everyone graduating today! I would like to thank my friends and family for all of their support!

Full College of Engineering Commencement Program


Click the image to open up the pdf version of the program.