Celebrating Alumni, Industry Partners, and Co-op Students at 2024 Ingenium Awards

The College of Engineering and Computing Sciences hosted its annual Ingenium Awards on April 18 at NYIT de Seversky Mansion on the Long Island campus. The event brought together a tapestry of distinguished guests, accomplished alumni, and promising students.

The evening’s program unfolded with remarks from Babak D. Beheshti, Ph.D., dean of the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences, whose words of encouragement and vision for the future set the tone for the night ahead. “There is so much to celebrate tonight. As we commence our third annual Ingenium Awards ceremony, it is befitting to celebrate what our alumni, students, faculty, and staff have accomplished,” Beheshti said.

Following Beheshti’s address, President Hank Foley, Ph.D., shared his insights and aspirations for the university. He noted, “The students, the faculty, and the graduates at New York Tech’s College of Engineering and Computing Sciences are among the best examples we have of young people who epitomize the doer, maker, innovator spirit.”

The spotlight then turned to the evening’s luminaries as the awards were presented.

Rising Star

First, the Rising Star award was presented to Omair Khanzada (B.S. ’16), whose remarkable journey from student to executive vice president at Tower Consulting Engineers serves as a testament to the transformative impact of education and dedication. Khanzada stated, “I am profoundly honored to accept this Rising Star award on behalf of myself and other alumni at Tower Consulting Engineers.” The award celebrates an alumnus who graduated from the college no less than 10 years from the date of the award and shows great promise in their career trajectory.

Omair Khanzada accepting the Rising Star award.

Industry Partner

Next, Carmella Stephens, representing Carter, DeLuca & Farrell LLP, introduced the Industry Partner award recipient, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. “We recognize 1-800-FLOWERS.COM for their contributions to the College, including hiring and mentoring our co-op students, [the] contributions of Mr. Arnie Leap (B.S. ’93), chief information officer, and 1-800-FLOWERS.COM’s continual financial support and sponsorships,” said Beheshti. Jay Sweeney accepted the award on behalf of the company.

1-800-Flowers received the Industry Partner award. From left: Dean Babak D. Beheshti and Carmella Stephens, representing Carter, DeLuca & Farrell LLP, presented the Industry Partner award to Jay Sweeney, who accepted the award on behalf of the company.

Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony was a highlight of the evening, with last year’s winner, David Schieren (M.S. ’06), presenting the award to Wilson Milian (B.S. ’92), assistant vice president and senior program director at AECOM. Prior to joining AECOM, Milian worked for New York City Transit. “Not only am I an alum, but I am also one of many who has benefited from the internship program here at New York Tech. In fact, my internship turned into my first job as a professional and ended up as an entire career at New York City Transit.” Milian’s outstanding contributions to his field exemplify the spirit of excellence and innovation that defines New York Tech alumni.

President Hank Foley (left) and, and Dean Babak D. Beheshti (right) present Wilson Milian with the Hall of Fame award.

Co-op Student Scholarship Awards,

The gala also celebrated the next generation of talent by presenting the Co-op Student Scholarships to Jaan Din Malik and Seiji Zapanta. They were honored for their dedication and commitment to academic excellence, professional development, and community engagement. Peter Goldsmith, M.B.A., director of industry relations at New York Tech, presented the scholarship award.

From left: Seiji Zapanta and Jaan Din Malik received Co-op Student Scholarship awards.

Throughout the night, students from the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences showcased their innovative projects, offering a glimpse into the future of technology and engineering. Their creativity and ingenuity underscored New York Tech’s commitment to nurturing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Students from the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences showcased their innovative projects, offering a glimpse into the future of technology and engineering.

This article was contributed by Paula Juric Kreuz, professional development specialist, in the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences.