University Engineering alumna Jill S. Tietjen will join the likes of CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric and other alumnae today when she receives the University Women's Center Distinguished Alumna Award.
"Women came to this University over 25 years ago, and lots of them have had incredible achievements," said Heather Neier, the center's director of development. "We want to recognize them for that."
The award has been presented annually since the early 1990s, Neier said.
"We are excited about honoring Jill for her mentoring and leadership in engineering," she said.
Tietjen, CEO of Technically Speaking Inc., who graduated in the Class of 1976, said she was honored both to be nominated by Engineering Dean James Aylor and to receive the award.
"I am very pleased and quite surprised," she said. "It is very humbling."
George Cahen, associate vice president of the University's Engineering Foundation, said Tietjen was of the first 10 females to graduate from the Engineering School.
"She was one of the early females that came here and showed an interest in learning and leadership while at U.Va," he said.
Tietjen said she is concerned about a continuing lack of interest in engineering.
"The problem right now is we are not graduating enough engineers total, both male and female," she said. "There are not enough kids interested in math and science even though it underlies every career. Any person who has the talents and abilities to be an engineer should be encouraged to be an engineer."
Tietjen will be honored today by the Women's Center and the Engineering School and will speak at the Rotunda at 1:30 p.m., according to Neier.
Read More
U.Va. loses over $60 million in federal research cuts
By Bertie Azqueta | 2 days agoThe impacted grants include three from the NIH, seven from the NEH, one from the United States Agency for International Development and four from the State Department.
Department of Education reverses course, awards Federal Executive Institute to U.Va.
By Ford McCracken | 4 days agoThe ED had previously awarded the institute to Charlottesville City Schools.
Students reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis
By Bertie Azqueta | 5 days agoAt the University, students shared a range of perspectives on his legacy of reform, inclusivity and his impact on the global Catholic community.
