The Mechanical Engineering Society of Distinguished Alumni inducted four new members at an event held October 19, 2023, at The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center.

Joining the society are:

  • Darrell R. Branscome
    Classes of 1966 and 1974
    President, DRB Associates
  • Phil Burkholder
    Class of 1986
    Executive Vice President, Operations, Defense; Rolls-Royce
  • Howard Dittmer
    Class of 1975
    Chief Information Officer, ARPAC LLC
  • Mohammad H. Elahinia
    PhD, 2004
    Distinguished University Professor, Chair
    Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department, University of Toledo

The ME Society of Distinguished Alumni is an honorary society open to qualified graduates of the ME Department at Virginia Tech (at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels). The fundamental purpose of the Society is to provide a formal means of recognition of those alumni who have demonstrated extraordinary achievement in their careers. A major objective of the Society is to promote greater interaction between ME Alumni and ME faculty, staff, and students. Nominations generally open in the spring, with induction occuring in the fall following committe review and selection.