Reflections On A Year As The Black Engineer Of The Year

A year ago, when Dr. Eugene DeLoatch was recognized as the 2017 Black Engineer of the Year, he didn’t realize what was ahead of him.

- Gale Horton Gay

In addition to being shepherded through a whirlwind of lunches, breakfasts, and meetings at the conference, he shook a slew of hands, gave numerous impromptu speeches, and accepted congratulations from more people than he can remember.

“It’s a distinct honor,” said DeLoatch of finding himself as the “centerpiece” of attention at the event.

However, there was more to come.

All three of his alma maters asked DeLoatch to return to share his knowledge and experiences so they could bestow him with honors. Tougaloo College in Mississippi awarded him an honorary degree. New York University Polytechnic Institute recognized him during a diversity weekend. Lafayette College in Pennsylvania asked him to return to lecture. He also was inducted into the National Black College Hall of Fame and honored with the Distinguished Service Award by the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering.