LaSelle named Tau Beta Pi Laureate

Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society, has named five Laureates in the Association’s annual program to recognize gifted engineering students who have excelled in areas beyond their technical majors. The 2013 Tau Beta Pi Laureates are Michael R. Lacey, a recent graduate from The Citadel, cited for his diverse achievements; Darick W. LaSelle, a graduate of the University of Colorado Denver, cited for his service contributions; Benjamin B. Macy, a graduate of Valparaiso University, cited for his service contributions; Glenn M. Miltenberg, a 2013 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, cited for his achievements in athletics; and Adam R. Pizzaia, a graduate of Rutgers University cited for his diverse achievements.

This brings the total to 88 remarkable Tau Bates that have been named Laureates since 1982. The Laureate Program exists to further Tau Beta Pi’s second fundamental purpose as stated in the Association’s Constitution: “ . . . to foster a spirit of liberal culture in engineering colleges.”

The primary concern of the Society 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.

The Laureates will be honored with other 2013 national award winners on November 2, 2013, at the 108th annual Convention in Ames, IA. Tau Beta Pi President Larry A. Simonson, PhD, PE, will present each with a cash award and a commemorative plaque.

Congratulations, Darick!

Bio: DARICK W. LASELLE, Colorado Epsilon ’13, is an electrical engineering graduate of the University of Colorado at Denver. Darick was nominated for his service contributions in the Autism community and his leadership for the Colorado Epsilon Chapter as a two-year chapter president. Darick has three sons, one that has been diagnosed with classic autism. He began volunteering at the school where his son was enrolled, but “it was when I first read about (TBP) MindSET that I really consciously knew where I fit.” Since that time, Darick’s service with the Association and the autistic community has been inexorably linked. He has already held an eight-week MindSET-style program with five autistic teenagers. He has also been an invaluable member of the CO E Chapter. Before he took over as chapter president, there were five active undergraduate members and one advisor. Today as he leaves, there are more than 60 members and six advisors. In addition, Darick has led his chapter to two Secretary’s Commendations, two District regional awards, and his chapter hosted the 2013 District 12 Conference. His dedication to service and contributions are characterized as an inspiration to the nominating chapter and his school.