College of engineering celebrates 50 years of educating

September 1956 marked a new era in technological pursuing at Southern University, under the auspices of Henry Louis Thurman, the first Dean of the College of Engineering.
The college celebrated their 50th anniversary last week with an “Honoring Our Past (1956), Creating Our Future (2006)” theme on November 3 and 4.
“This means a lot to the university,” said Habib Mohamadian, dean of the College of Engineering. “Really it’s a milestone in educating African-Americans in engineering and technology.”
Mohamadian said more than 5,000 engineers have graduated from the college and have moved on to various paths like running some of the largest cooperations in the world to teaching.
“Many continue to practice engineering while others have used their engineering backgrounds as a basis for moving in to other fields,” he said.
During the two-day celebration, there were various events that took place including a luncheon for the Council of Visitors and special guests speakers.
“We try to contribute to the community, and the nation as a whole,” Mohamadian said. “We had an opportunity to invite alumni back and celebrate the 50th Anniversary with them.”
Since the college’s inception in 1956, the engineering and technology programs have been very effective in promoting competitive curricula, student performance and over-all enrichment.
“It is a privilege to serve as dean of The College of Engineering,” Mohamadian said. “(And) to be able to work with such an outstanding faculty and staff.”