On November 18, 2016, the UCLA Center for Excellence in Engineering and Diversity (CEED) held it’s 33rd Annual Scholarship, Awards and Recognition Banquet, at the UCLA Faculty Center. This event recognizes and rewards outstanding UCLA Engineering students and leaders. Before the event, the students and industry professionals had a chance to become acquainted and mingle, during the networking hour. While enjoying light refreshments, the scholars talked with different company representatives about their experiences and potential opportunities.
After the social hour, everyone moved into the dining room for a fine dinner and individual recognition of each scholarship recipient. CEED Executive Director Enrique (Rick) Ainsworth served as Master of Ceremonies. That night, CEED and its partners awarded 116 scholarships worth more than $441,500 to 103 students, for the 2016-2017 academic year. The majority of the scholarship contributions were from federal and foundation grants, which included the National Science Foundation Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Mentoring Underrepresented Scholars in Engineering (NSF STEM MUSE), and SanDisk, through the Silicon Valley Foundation. Both of these scholarships are on their fifth consecutive year awarding students through CEED. Six other great companies (Boeing, Chevron, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Southern California Edison, and Xerox) also participated in the evening’s festivities, offering scholarships and sending industry representatives.
