Calvin Mackie, associate professor of mechanical engineering at Tulane University, was among nine individuals and eight institutions President Bush honored today with the 2003 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. Each year the president recognizes people and institutions that have provided opportunities for women, minorities and disabled persons in science, mathematics and engineering at the elementary, secondary and university levels.

Mackie received his award, which includes a $10,000 grant for continued mentoring work, at a noon ceremony at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C. The National Science Foundation administers the awards program on behalf of the White House. The award was presented by John Marburger, the science advisor to the president.

Mackie, 36, began mentoring as a sophomore at Morehouse College. Over the last decade he has given more than 500 presentations to elementary, high school and college students on the importance of science, mathematics and engineering education. He also frequently addresses major corporations, encouraging employers to support their employeesý efforts to further their science, math and engineering education.

Mackie said the award is a tribute to his own mentors such as Carolyn Meyers of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, the late Thomas Brocker of Morehouse College and Delinda Brown Clark of Atlanta University. University of New Orleans Professor Carsie A. Hall III nominated Mackie for the honor.

Article by Michael Strecker