Undergraduate Student Awards

C.L. and Harriette Johnson Scholarship

 This award was established by Clarendon Lee Johnson (BS Marketing 1954) and Erle Johnson (BSGE 1949) in memory of their father, Clarence L. Johnson. Although Clarence was not a graduate of Illinois, he developed a strong attachment to the MechSE Department through his love of steam engines. This award is determined by scholarship, personal qualities, and professional and cultural activities. 

Oscar A. Leutwiler Award

This award is given to a senior in mechanical engineering or engineering mechanics in honor of Oscar A. Leutwiler, professor of mechanical engineering and head of the department from 1934 to 1945. Established in 1991, recipients of this award are determined based upon scholarship, personal qualities, and professional and cultural activities. 

Fred B. Seely Award

This award honors an outstanding senior in engineering mechanics and was established by Professor Fred B. Seely’s sons in his honor. Professor Seely was department head of the former Theoretical and Applied Mechanics Department from 1934 until 1952. Professor Seely was not only a leader in the field of mechanics, but also had a gift for enriching the educational experiences and creative talents of his students. Every action and deed coupled with a warm and friendly attitude displayed his sincere desire to be helpful and thoughtful of others. Meticulous in his technical writing and setting high moral and ethical standards in his own activities, he inspired those who worked with him to develop professionally to their fullest capability. 

John C. and Elizabeth J. Chato Award in Bioengineering

This award was established in 2001 and is given to an outstanding undergraduate student engaged in activities related to bioengineering. Professor John C. Chato joined the faculty of mechanical engineering at the University of Illinois in 1964 and retired in 1996. He was instrumental in establishing the campus-wide Bioengineering Program and was the first chairman of its executive committee. Elizabeth Chato earned a B.S. degree in zoology from the University of Cincinnati in 1954, and later worked as a Laboratory Technician with the Department of Horticulture at Illinois. 

Helmut H. and Rudi K. Korst Award

Established in 1984, this award is presented in honor of Professor Helmut H. Korst and his wife Rudi K. Korst and is funded by the Korst children. Professor Korst served on the faculty of the Department of Mechanical Engineering from 1948 to 1984 and as head of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from 1962 to 1974. Rudi was his gracious partner and teammate throughout Helmut's tenure in the department and played an active role in assimilating the students, spouses and partners into the university culture. The award is presented to a senior in mechanical engineering who displays excellence in thermal science courses and in overall scholarship.  

Fred B. Seely TAM Merit Award

Established in the early 1980s by the former Theoretical and Applied Mathematics Department, this award honors a student's special contributions to engineering mechanics programs and activities. The TAM Merit Award is not an annual award, but rather, is given when a student's contributions during the year are determined to have been significant. 

Kenneth J. Trigger Award (in Mechanical & Industrial Engineering)

This award, in honor of Professor Trigger, is presented to a senior in mechanical engineering or engineering mechanics who has displayed an interest in manufacturing and has demonstrated excellence in that area, as well as overall scholarship. 

J. W. Bayne Award for Outstanding Senior in Pi Tau Sigma

James W. Bayne attended the University of Illinois and earned both his BSME and MSME from the former Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department. During his career in engineering education, Professor Bayne dedicated himself to fostering the careers of young people with an interest in engineering. This award is presented to an outstanding senior in Pi Tau Sigma determined by scholarship, activities, and service. 

ASME Junior Leadership Award

Established in 1975, this award is given to a junior studying mechanical engineering and is based upon achievement and leadership within the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

Pi Tau Sigma Sophomore Award

 The recipient of this award is selected by the Illinois Alpha chapter of Pi Tau Sigma, a national mechanical engineering honors fraternity. This award was established in 1962 and is given to the most outstanding sophomore in mechanical engineering each year.