Some students attend class to become engineers, others to change the world. Erica
Barnes falls into the latter group. The valedictorian will receive her engineering degree
along with students of her graduating class at today's 2:30 p.m. convocation ceremony.

Barnes's mission to help her future colleagues become global engineers earned her the
2011 Gold Medal Student Award from Engineers Canada.

“Her belief in sustainability, ability to see the global perspective, and determination to
make a difference are an inspiration to all of us,” says David Wilkinson, Dean of the
Faculty of Engineering.

Barnes has been an active member of the Faculty of Engineering Sustainability Task
Force. She has also been on the Faculty of Engineering Student and Professional Affairs
Committee, and recently joined the Dean's Advisory Board.

“Erica is a truly amazing individual, who has poured her heart into a number of key
initiatives here at McMaster,” says Brian Baetz, Professor and Chair of the Department of
Civil Engineering. “She has been heavily involved in the integration of sustainability
concepts into our Faculty's curriculum.”

Erica was president of McMaster's Engineers Without Borders (EWB) chapter in 2009, and
successfully expanded EWB membership to several other Canadian universities.

She and fellow members developed an educational program that reached more than
1,000 students annually, as well as a Root Causes of Poverty Workshop for first-year
Engineering students at McMaster. In addition, Barnes's volunteer work in Malawi in
2008 as a Junior Fellow gave her a strong practical foundation to mentor other students
on global development issues.

Those efforts led to the Chapter being named Most Improved Chapter and Chapter of
the Year by EWB Canada.

“I am honoured to receive this national award from Engineers Canada,” says Erica. “I
want to acknowledge the McMaster Faculty of Engineering for the many opportunities
they have given me to learn and grow.”

Erica will be joining engineering consulting firm Halsall Associates in July, working with
the structural restoration group, but before then, she will address her graduating class
as valedictorian.

“I am excited to begin my career at Halsall Associates, and look forward to staying
connected with McMaster University” says Erica. “I also know there will be many
opportunities to stay involved with Engineers Without Borders as a practicing engineer.”

Gary Purdy, distinguished professor and recipient of the Canadian Metal Physics Medal,
will also address graduates at the ceremony. Purdy will receive an honorary Doctor of
Science.