FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts: Kerry-Ann Hamilton Media Relations Manager k_hamilton@howard.edu 202.238.2332

Howard University Engineering Alumna, Faculty Member recognized by Tau Beta Pi

WASHINGTON (August 30, 2010) – Uchechukwuka D. Monu, (B.S. ’09) an electrical engineering graduate of Howard University College of Engineering, Architecture and Computer Sciences, was one of the students selected as a Tau Beta Pi Laureate, and joins the rank of 65 other Tau Bates who have been named Laureates since 1982. Robert E. Efimba, Sc.D., P.E., associate professor of civil engineering at Howard, and the chief advisor to the District of Columbia Alpha Chapter, was also selected as the 2010 Tau Beta Pi National Outstanding Advisor. Tau Beta is an international engineering honor society, whose primary concern is to recognize students of superior scholarship and exemplary character and to honor eminent practicing engineers. The Society also encourages excellence in engineering education and in the ethical practice of engineering. Monu is an electrical engineering graduate of Howard and is currently working on her Ph.D. at Stanford University. She is a competitive swimmer and is training to qualify for the 2012 London Olympic Games where she hopes to represent her native country Nigeria. Monu swam for Howard’s varsity swim team and holds the University records for the 400 and 800-yard freestyle relays. Monu, also led the DC AlphaChapter of Tau Beta Pi as president and the Greater Interest in Government (GIG) initiative to teach high school students about electromagnetism

. In addition to the GIG award won by the chapter for the first time in 12 years, she also led the Howard University Chapter to win a Secretary/Treasurer's Commendation for the second year in a re-started streak and an award for Outstanding Chapter Projects for the 12th year in a row. Under her leadership, the chapter initiated a record five Eminent Engineers, an increase of 50 percent of people initiated in that category in the chapter's 53 year history.

Monu is the first Howard University student to be honored with the TBP Laureate award since the DC Alpha Chapter was established in 1956, and is perhaps the only person in the history of Tau Beta Pi to have swept all three awards open to competition by student members, namely: the $2,000 Scholarship for Juniors, the $10,000 Fellowship for Seniors, and the Laureate.

Students and friends of Tau Beta Pi have lauded Efimba for his dedication to the enhancement of the Society at the local and national levels and his commitment to inspiring excellence and propelling student success.
 
He has been chief advisor to the DC Alpha Chapter for 20 years and an advisor to the chapter for nearly 33 years. He specializes in structural engineering, mechanics and design. He joined Howard’s civil engineering faculty as an assistant professor in 1975, becoming an associate professor in 1982. Efimba earned his bachelor, master and doctorate degrees from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

About the College of Engineering, Architecture and Computer Sciences
The College of Engineering, Architecture and Computer Sciences (CEACS) is one of Howard University's 12 schools and colleges. CEACS is composed of the School of Engineering and Computer Sciences and the School of Architecture and Design. The CEACS is home to six academic departments offering accredited undergraduate, graduate and professional programs.

About Tau Beta Pi
Tau Beta Pi, the world’s largest engineering society, has initiated 508,000 members since it was founded in 1885. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, the Association has 234 active collegiate chapters and 17 active alumnus chapters throughout the country. The Howard University DC Alpha Chapter of Tau Beta Pi was the 100th to be established in the nation and the first in the District of Columbia.

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