Initiated in 1992, the Hall of Distinction recognizes and honors UK Engineering alumni for exemplary professional accomplishments, outstanding character and an ongoing commitment to community service. Every member of the Hall of Distinction is honored with a plaque in the lobby of the Ralph G. Anderson Mechanical Engineering Building. All members and extended bios are listed here.
B.S. in chemical engineering, 1981 Mary Shelman is a globally recognized thought leader, author and speaker in agribusiness, AgTech and food system trends. A first-generation college student, Shelman earned her Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1981, after completing her first two years of college at Elizabethtown Community College. In 1987, she went on to graduate from Harvard Business School with an MBA.
Born and educated in Fayette County, Kentucky, Samuel M. Cassidy received his Bachelor of Science in metallurgical engineering in 1925. After graduation, he accepted a position with Allen and Garcia Company, consulting and construction engineers, in Chicago, Illinois, where he received valuable experience in the field of coal mining. While employed at Allen and Garcia, he completed the requirements for a masters degree in mining engineering (’28). In 1946, he became president of Consolidation Coal Company (KY) in Jenkins, Kentucky.
S. J. “Sam” Whalen, a native of Frankfort, Kentucky, served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. Following his discharge in 1945, he entered the University of Kentucky , receiving his Bachelor of Science in metallurgical engineering in 1949. He was employed as a research engineer by Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, Ohio prior to entering Ohio State University, where he received his masters degree in metallurgical engineering in 1951.
A native of Corbin, Kentucky, Carl J. McHargue served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Following his discharge in 1946, he entered the University of Kentucky, receiving a Bachelor of Science in metallurgical engineering (with honors) in 1949, and a Master of Science in metallurgical engineering in 1951. He remained at the University of Kentucky to earn the first doctorate awarded by the College of Engineering in 1953.
Michael Marberry is known for new ideas, strategic initiatives and a vision of the future – and he has demonstrated those abilities on an international scale. A native of Paducah, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1981, graduating with high distinction. Throughout his career, he has taken on positions of increasing responsibility. His strategies will shape the future of J.M. Huber Corporation, where he now serves as President and CEO.
B.S. Chemical Engineering 1973 Carlos Cabrera has demonstrated excellence in engineering, management and leadership. His innovations will have a lasting effect on one of the world’s leading companies in its field. UOP, the company he has served throughout his career, has benefited from his ability as an engineer, his effectiveness in international settings, his business development skills and now his leadership and vision for the future as president and CEO.
An Ohio native, Clyde R. Tipton, Jr. spent his pre-college years in Danville, Kentucky and received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in metallurgical engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1946 and 1947, respectively. Following graduation, Mr. Tipton joined the Battelle Memorial Institute as a research engineer. He quickly became an active member of the scientific research and development community. His initial assignment was the investigation of precision casting of high temperature alloys used in nuclear physics investigations.
A native of Johnson County, Kentucky, and a 1948 graduate of Paintsville High School, Cullie J. Sparks longed to find an easier lifestyle than hoeing corn, digging potatoes, and working in the family grocery store. He enrolled in the University of Kentucky and received a Bachelor of Science degree in metallurgical engineering in 1952. In 1957, he became the third person to receive a doctoral degree from the UK College of Engineering. Dr. Sparks was an active student leader in the College of Engineering and served as president of the Engineering Student Council in 1951-52.
A native Pennsylvanian, Dr. Mark E. Davis was born in Ellwood City and raised in the city of Erie. He enrolled at the University of Kentucky after receiving a track and field scholarship. He was a member of the varsity track team, lettering in track. He received the University’s award for outstanding scholar-athlete from among students in all varsity sports at the University. Dr. Davis received the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1977, 1978 and 1981 respectively.
