[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Engg-Awards-Assembly.jpg” caption=”Andrew Mah, McMaster computer engineering student, is presented his gold medal by Stephen Jack, president of the Ontario Professional Engineers Foundation for Education. The award is presented annually to Ontario engineering students graduating with the highest cumulative average in their university engineering program.”]Four-year cumulative averages of 11.8 by McMaster engineering students Gaurav Bahl, electrical engineering, and Andrew Maw, computer engineering, resulted in the first tie at an Ontario university for the most prestigious award in undergraduate engineering.

Both students received the gold medal award from the Ontario Professional Engineers Foundation for Education at the Faculty of Engineering's annual Awards Assembly. This is the first time since the award was established in 1961 that two students at the same university have tied for graduating with the highest cumulative average.

“Achieving these averages is a remarkable accomplishment for these two students and reflects highly on the Faculty and the University,” said Mo Elbestawi, dean of engineering. “The strong commitment demonstrated by our students is a great source of pride and the hallmark of a truly successful university.”

The evening also saw the introduction of two new annual scholarship awards.

The Canadian Institute of Steel Construction established a $2,000 annual award to be presented to the student who attains high standing in CIV ENG 3S03 and shows an interest in steel structure research. David Jonkman, civil engineering, is this year's recipient.

The Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering (CSChE) established an annual award of $500 to be presented to the student entering Level II of a program in the Department of Chemical Engineering who has attained the highest academic standing in Level I. This year's recipient is Andrew Evans, chemical engineering and bioengineering.

A total of 175 undergraduate engineering students earning 76 entrance, in-course and academic awards were recognized at last evening's award assembly. Students were joined by family, faculty, staff and award sponsors at University Hall to celebrate their achievements.

“We extend our congratulations to all these students for their academic achievements, scholarly success and hard work,” said Elbestawi. “We also extend our thanks to our generous donors who make this recognition possible and assist in supporting the education of our engineering students.”