This year’s Melvin A. Eggers Senior Award will be presented to Brad Strait ’58, G’60, ’65, an electrical engineering graduate of Syracuse University’s L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science (LCS).
The Melvin A. Eggers Senior Alumni Award Dinner will be held Thursday, Oct. 14, at 5 p.m., at Drumlins Country Club, 800 Nottingham Rd. The presentation of the Eggers Award is part of the University’s Orange Central celebration, which takes place Oct. 14-17 on the SU campus. Orange Central includes class reunions, special group reunions and Homecoming, all rolled into one exciting weekend.
Strait is the founding director of CASE (Center for Advanced Systems and Engineering), which works with New York state industry and through academic research to produce innovative products and services. The center, which is also the first New York state-sanctioned CAT (Center for Advanced Technology) in the area, has not only increased the stature of LCS, but also of the entire University.
“During the 80s and 90s, more IBM people held advanced degrees from SU than any other institution. Computers and the Internet we know today were built by SU graduates in programs created under Brad’s leadership,” says Shiu Kai Chin, professor of electrical engineering and computer science in LCS. “I cannot think of a better example of service to society combined with loyalty to SU.”
Strait spent his entire teaching career at SU, before taking on the role of dean of LCS from 1981-84, and again from 1989-92. He has been the recipient of such awards as the Outstanding Alumni Award for Schools/College (1993), Eta Kappa Nu Outstanding Teaching Award (1986) and SU Chancellor’s Citation for Distinguished Service. Strait has earned listings in Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in Science & Engineering. He has also authored numerous publications.
Officially retired, Strait maintains a strong presence at the University and is continually sought after for counsel and direction by deans, department heads and students. He is a founding member of the Jamesville Community Museum and continues to volunteer as an active Rotarian in Syracuse, often being asked to be a guest speaker on current issues.
Established in 1988 by former SU Chancellor William Pearson Tolley in honor of then-Chancellor Melvin A. Eggers, the award recognizes senior alumni for their loyalty and service to the University.
The cost of the dinner is $30 per person. For reservations or questions, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 1-800-SUALUMNS (782-5867) or email sualumni@syr.edu.
