The Lyles School of Civil Engineering and the College of Engineering hosted a special event on Tuesday, February 26th to celebrate the legacy and significance of David Robert Lewis (BSCE 1894), Purdue University's first black graduate. The event included a lecture by Dr. Mamon Powers, Jr. as well as a luncheon showcasing the historical perspective of African Americans in engineering at Purdue and the rededication of the National Society of Black Engineers Key.

Keynote Lecture: Dr. Mamon Powers, Jr. (BSCE '70 and HDR '14) - "The Path is the Same, but the Journey is Different"

Dr. Powers' lecture provided the basis for a Purdue Exponent article - "Purdue grad discusses changing black experiences on campus"

Luncheon Program
The luncheon included a special feature showcasing the historical perspective of African Americans in engineering at Purdue and the re-dedication of the National Society of Black Engineers Key.

Welcome: Rao S. Govindaraju, the Bowen Engineering Head of Civil Engineering
Keynote: Mung Chiang, the John A. Edwardson Dean of the College of Engineering
Ross-Ade Pavilion, Buchanan Club