From the board

The NC State Engineering Foundation (NCSEF) was established in 1944 to aid and promote, by financial assistance and otherwise, engineering education and research at NC State. A board of directors composed of alumni and friends of the College of Engineering works with the College’s advancement staff and dean to set the Foundation’s agenda.

Member updates

The Foundation Board has added five new members, plus a new student representative:

Drake Brinkley, CE ‘02

Jacob T. “Jake” Hooks, MSE ‘78

David Wagner, IV, BME ‘05, 10

Sam Wurst, ISE ‘15

Carlos Banegas, MAE ‘24 (student representative)

The following members have completed their terms:

• Bob Brooks, EO ‘69
• Pamela Townsend, CE ’84, ‘87

Board presidents celebrate Dean Louis Martin-Vega

John McCarter, NE ’73, 2005-06

“When Dean Martin-Vega arrived on campus, he had a list of things that needed to be accomplished to take the College of Engineering to the next level. At the beginning of his first semester, he and his staff joined the Foundation’s planning session, where we helped flesh out action for his objectives. This blueprint has served as the guide for many of the dean’s great accomplishment during his tenure. And the timing couldn’t have been better as the North Carolina State Senate contacted the chancellor about what plans the University had for engineering. The Dean left our planning session and went directly to the State Senate offices with a fresh plan in hand.”

E.O. Ferrell, EE ‘66, 2007-08

“Dean Louie was the Energizer Bunny for the College of Engineering. He came in with vision of what NC State Engineering could be that was not dampened by what had been. He had both the level of determination and positivity to make it happen. The result, the engineering buildings on Centennial Campus.”

S. Edward White, ISE ‘78, 2009-10

“I had the pleasure and honor of serving on the Engineering Foundation Board of Directors for nine years including two years as president. Working with Louis Martin-Vega during that time has been one of the highlights of my life experiences. Louie had a passion, vision and commitment that were unbelievable and are key to getting all departments of the College of Engineering moved to Centennial Campus. His passion was to make the College of Engineering one of the top schools in the U.S., and the results are there today. I worked with Louie on the recruitment of students to the College of Engineering, board members for the Engineering Foundation, raising money for the endowment and dean’s circle. Louie put his heart and soul into all of these efforts that made all of our jobs easier. Louie’s personality along with his other traits made him a great leader and mentor. He was the first to step up and help with our Foundation board. He made that one board meeting that you did not want to miss.”

S. Frank Culberson, CHE ’60, 2011-12

“We couldn’t have had a better dean than Dean Louie, in my opinion. He did everything right, and the results show.”

Tom McPherson, EE ‘76, ‘77, 2013-14

“Dean Martin-Vega leads the College of Engineering with vision, grand aspirations and enthusiasm. Importantly, he leads it with his warm personality. Kathy and I felt like we were best friends with Louie and Maggie from the moment they entered our home during the inaugural alumni tour. He is the perfect fit for the NC State family of high achievers. During my years on the Foundation board and as Foundation president, Louie could not have been more supportive while challenging all of us in his friendly way.”

Robin Manning, EE ‘78, 2015-16

“I can’t remember when I didn’t know Dean Louie. This is not true of course, but it seems like we have been close friends all our lives. He has a way of making everyone feel this way. Dean Louie was invaluable as a guide, a confidant, a source of energy and information during my time as the president of the Engineering Foundation. Yet most of all, he was simply a good friend. Someone I looked forward to seeing. To visit Louie is to feel his energy and enthusiasm. You walk away from a conversation with Louie feeling better about the College of Engineering, about the faculty and students here, and most of all, you feel better about yourself.  He is a special person, a great motivator, leader and a good friend. I will miss him as our dean, yet I am excited for what life holds for Louie and Maggie as they move to the next chapter of life.”

Len Habas, EE ‘66, 2017

“I consider Dean Louis a true visionary having elevated the NC State College of Engineering in
position and stature. This includes but is not limited to the expansion and creation of the
engineering buildings on the Centennial Campus. And his financial achievements during his tenure are truly unequalled.”

Suzanne Gordon, CSC ‘75, ‘80, 2018-19

“Dean Louis motivates others with his compelling energy and calms people through his exceptional interpersonal skills. He is intentional in moving the College forward, is always kind, and is quick to recognize others’ contributions.”

Nelson Peeler, EE ’88, 2020-21

“One of the things that always stood out to me about Louis was his energy and passion. No matter if the topic is engineering research, budget discussions or expansion of the college, Louis always brings a high level of energy and passion to the discussion. He is equally comfortable talking to students, alumni, board members or elected officials and always makes each of them feel like he is talking directly to them.”

Deborah B. Young, CE ’77, 2022-23

“For the last 17 years, Louie has been our guiding star. He has directed and driven our success with integrity, authenticity and knowledge.”