Young Donors
Rob Gies
I graduated from Old Dominion University on May 5, 1990 with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation, I started working at Newport New Shipbuilding (NNS). Currently, I am an Engineering Supervisor of the Main Propulsion Machinery and Technical Team within the Machinery Department of Aircraft Carrier Engineering.
I was very involved in many campus activities, and I have lots of fond memories of my time at Old Dominion. I feel strongly that the Frank Batten College of Engineering and Technology did an outstanding job of developing the various tools that I use in accomplishing my job. The faculty fostered within me something all engineers gain as they traverse through their curriculum: the ability to logically assess a situation and develop a design that fits within its intended environment. Old Dominion provided this solid foundation upon which I could build a career in engineering.
I am very grateful for the education that I was fortunate to receive, and as a result, I have remained very active with various Engineering Societies,and particularly with Old Dominion,since graduation. Each graduate of Old Dominion, especially those who completed programs in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, should take pride in his alma mater. We are very lucky at Old Dominion to have such high-caliber faculty, staff, and administrators who really care about our success and who are recognized as being leaders in their respective areas.
The worth of our diploma is directly related to the perceived reputation of the University. As a result, I would like to challenge all alumni to contribute to Old Dominion. Your contribution does not have to be financial;donating your time, even if it is just a few hours, is just as valuable. There are numerous ways that you can get involved with your University : mentoring students, writing your legislators to ask them to continue to support Old Dominion, becoming involved with the various Old Dominion Prides (Alumni Chapters ) , recruiting prospective students with Admissions, offering internships through the Career Management Center, and supporting the many events sponsored by Old Dominion.
I am grateful for the education and total University experience that I received at Old Dominion, and I am sure that each alumnus has many memorable experiences. So take pride in your alma mater, and be a part of the University of the 21st Century!
Robert J.Gies, BSME '90,MEM '94
Editor's Note:Rob Gies received the 2000 Doug Ensor Award as Young Engineer of the Year from the Peninsula Engineers' Council.He is also the recipient of Newport News Shipbuilding's highest honor, the President's Medal of Excellence, and the NNS Community Service Award. Rob currently serves as President of the Old Dominion University Alumni Association