Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering

Industrial engineering student one of two award winners from Iowa State

 

Beth Takemoto, an industrial engineering major, is one of two Iowa State University students—and four seniors overall at Regent universities in Iowa—to have been awarded the second annual Alliant Energy Erroll B. Davis Jr. Award recognizing engineering or business students from underrepresented groups.

“I am very honored to receive the award,” Takemoto said, “and I hope that after I have started my career, I will be able to give back to other engineering students.”

Besides Takemoto, the other winners are Korin Reid, a chemical engineering major at Iowa State; Gregory Scott, a mechanical engineering major at The University of Iowa; and Angelica Anderson, a finance major at The University of Northern Iowa.

The students were honored at a lunch hosted by the Board of Regents during the March 11 board meeting in Iowa City.

Takemoto, who is graduating from Iowa State in May, will work in Ottumwa, Iowa, for John Deere Ottumwa Works as a manufacturing engineer. While an undergraduate, she had interned for three sessions at John Deere and studied in Newcastle, Australia. “Iowa State has allowed me to really enjoy my time as a student by giving me many opportunities to grow not only as a student but also as an individual,” Takemoto said.

The award was created by Alliant to honor Davis, who served as chairman of the board of Alliant Energy Corporation from 2000 to 2006. Davis retired from his dual roles as president and CEO of Alliant to become chancellor of the University System of Georgia, where he oversees the state’s 35 public colleges and universities. The award, made possible through a gift of $400,000 from the Alliant Energy Foundation, recognizes its recipients’ academic achievement, leadership in campus and community organizations, and potential for future career success. As part of an agreement between the Alliant Energy Foundation and the Regent institutions, the gift will ensure that the award is presented annually in perpetuity and will honor up to four students each year.

Each honoree receives a cash prize after her or his graduation.

Associate UI Provost Marcella David coordinated the application process and chaired the selection committee, which included Professor of Management Gerald Smith of UNI and Director of Undergraduate Support Services Karen Zunkel of Iowa State. “It is a great day,” said Smith, “when we can recognize the achievements of talented and committed students.”

---