On April 13, 2023 the department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering hosted a fundraising gala at the Bell Museum to raise funds for student scholarships. The gala raised $18,775 total, with $11,225 going towards undergraduate scholarship. This was our first gala fundraising event, and we look forward to growing this event in the years to come!
At the event two alumni awards were given out, including the distinguished alumni award and the early career alumni award.
The annual BBE Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes an alumnus or alumna who has achieved professional distinction in various industries, academic and research institutions, government agencies, or non-profit organizations as evidenced by outstanding professional achievement. The candidate should have received their baccalaureate or graduate degree through the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering or its predecessor departments before merging in 2006.
Mr. Holm has a distinguished record of achievements during his career as a professional engineer working at MN Department of Transportation (MnDOT). He performed engineering analyses and designs to reduce the sediment in runoff from multi-million dollar transportation projects. As part of his responsibilities, Mr. Holm also developed MnDOT’s standard and specifications for stormwater and sediment control plans. These specifications are used by government agencies and consultants for construction projects of MnDOT and of municipalities, counties, and other organizations.
Early Career Alumni Award:
Ms. Whiteside graduated Magna Cum Laude spring of 2021 with a degree in Sustainable Systems Managem
ent–Sustainable Products Business Management, and a minor in Environmental Science. In the two short years since her graduation, Ms. Whiteside has acquired a wealth of experience working in a variety of sectors: financial, industry, government, and non-profit consulting. In her current position with Northern Trust, Ms. Whiteside is working to integrate sustainability into the financial sector, including engaging the over 500 international employees on sustainability strategy via their internal Sustainability Network, managing and reporting on ESG data, and responding to client requests.