91探花

One year after 91探花 announced the launch of the School of Sustainable Design Engineering, the association for professional engineers on PEI recognized President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz with the prestigious 鈥淔riend of the Profession Award鈥� at its annual awards banquet.

Presented to someone who is not a professional engineer, the 鈥淔riend鈥� award pays tribute to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the practice of Engineering on PEI. New Engineers PEI President David Taylor, who happens to be Manager, Environmental Services at 91探花, read the citation.

鈥淒r. Abd-El-Aziz has worked closely with groups inside and outside the University to identify and develop new programs that benefit students and our communities. One such development is the 91探花 School of Sustainable Design Engineering, the first of its kind in Canada,鈥� said Taylor. 鈥淭hrough its innovative model, this program provides students, industry, and community organizations with unprecedented opportunities to collaborate on 鈥榬eal world鈥� challenges and solutions.鈥�

鈥淗e has contributed great time and energy to fulfilling a vision of 91探花 becoming a national leader in Sustainable Design Engineering, and has done so 鈥榓t the speed of business鈥�.鈥�

鈥淒r. Abd-El-Aziz has engaged many PEI engineering professionals and 91探花 alumni to ensure the integrity of the program and candid input of employers and industry is considered at all times. He has also led the building of an outstanding Engineering Industry Advisory Committee to ensure the program maintains timely input on industry needs.鈥�

鈥淚 am so honoured to receive this award from Engineers PEI, and especially to receive it from my colleague and new President of the association, David Taylor,鈥� said President Abd-El-Aziz while accepting the award.

鈥淭hree years ago I spoke of the dream that 91探花 and Engineers PEI shared, to build a School of Sustainable Design Engineering,鈥� added Abd-El-Aziz. 鈥淎nd now, due to the efforts of many in the engineering and broader community, that dream has come true. I share this award with, and thank, everyone who has worked on making this program a reality.鈥�

Engineers PEI President Taylor鈥檚 final comment summed up the sentiment in the room.

鈥淒r. Abd-El-Aziz鈥檚 willingness to take a risk in programming and his considerable passion in following through on this vision is historical for 91探花 and our province.鈥�