OSU Alumni named to CEAT Hall of Fame and honored with Lohmann Medal

Monday, October 13, 2014

(STILLWATER, Okla., October 13, 2014) – The College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology at Oklahoma State University inducted five industry leaders into its Hall of Fame and awarded three Lohmann Medals on Saturday, Oct. 11. More than 250 people were present at the ConocoPhillips Alumni Center to recognize the achievements of those extraordinary individuals.

Hall of Fame inductees included Debbie Adams (’83 Chemical Engineering), Harold Courson (‘52-‘55 Engineering), Jeff Hume (‘75 Petroleum Engineering Technology), David Timberlake (‘65 Architectural Engineering) and Janet Weiss (‘86 Chemical Engineering).

These distinguished professionals were honored by OSU for their exceptional leadership and contributions to advancing the fields of engineering, architecture and technology.

Debbie Adams currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Phillips 66 based in Houston, Texas. After graduating from OSU with her chemical engineering degree in 1983, she began her career in oil and gas as a process engineer with Conoco. She worked in several capacities for the company, including roles that took her to Sweden and England after the 2002 merger that created ConocoPhillips. During the most recent transition that resulted in the formation of Phillips 66, Adams was named the President of Transportation and promoted to Senior Vice President. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees and Board of Governors for the OSU Foundation.

Harold Courson attended the engineering program at Oklahoma A&M from 1952-1955 before leaving to pursue the oil and gas drilling business. He purchased speculative gas leases in the Texas panhandle and founded Courson Oil and Gas in 1960. His company drilled two of the first horizontal wells in the early 1970s, one of which is still producing today. He has served three terms as Mayor of Perryton, Texas, and is currently the Chairman for Courson Oil and Gas, Inc. and Natural Gas Anadarko Company. Courson was one of 100 recognized as a History Maker of the High Plains by the Amarillo Globe-News.

Jeff Hume is a 1975 Petroleum Engineering Technology graduate who began his career prior to his time at OSU. Immediately following high school, Hume worked as a roustabout in the oil fields outside Enid. He soon realized his passion for the industry and came to Stillwater to obtain his degree. Since that time, he has been a leader for Continental Resources, Inc. for more than 30 years. Hume is a registered professional engineer and member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. He is currently the Vice Chairman of Strategic Growth Initiatives for Continental Resources, Inc.

A 1965 Architectural Engineering graduate, David Timberlake received his degree and joined the Army Corps of Engineers before transitioning to the private sector. In Washington D.C., he worked in structural engineering and construction inspection for government buildings. There he met an influential colleague who led him on the path to founding his own company — Timberlake Construction. The company has built structures in 48 of the 50 states and its founder currently serves as Chariman and CEO.

Janet Weiss brought her love for math and science, especially chemistry, to OSU when she enrolled in the Chemical Engineering program. Her father, Dr. Franklin Leach, was a professor of biochemistry at OSU, so Janet grew up gaining a love for learning from her father and the university. She graduated in 1986 and began her career at ARCO, where she moved through the ranks. For the past 14 years, Weiss has worked for BP, and she has been a leader in the oil and gas industry. She currently serves as President of BP Alaska and is a published author on the Kuparuk River Field. Weiss is an active member of the Alaska Oil and Gas Association Board, University of Alaska Fairbanks Advisory Board and the Anchorage United Way Board.

The Melvin R. Lohmann Medal was established in 1991 to recognize graduates of the OSU College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology who have made outstanding contributions to the profession or education of engineers, architects or technologists. The medal is named after Dr. Melvin R. Lohmann, former dean (1955-1977), who led the college to national prominence. The award is considered the college’s highest honor for distinguished graduates.

This year’s Lohmann Medal recipients are Alan Brunacini (‘60 Fire Protection Technology), L. Decker Dawson (‘41 Civil Engineering) and Johann Demmel (‘85 Industrial Engineering and Management, M.S.).

Graduating in 1960 from OSU with an Associates Degree in Fire Protection Technology, Alan Brunacini is a leader and innovator in the fire safety industry. He served as the City of Phoenix Fire Chief from 1978-2006 before retiring as one of the most influential people in the field. He has authored seven books on the topic and developed an emergency scene personal and resource management system used across the country.  Brunacini has been recognized as an industry leader by the Wall Street Journal, Journal of Emergency Medical Services, Fire Service Journal and The Mesa Tribune.

L. Decker Dawson graduated with his Civil Engineering degree from OSU in 1941. He served in the United States Naval Reserve Active Duty after graduation. Soon after leaving the service, he founded Dawson Geophysical Company, which has been a leader in developing subsurface mapping technology for oil and gas resources. It has been the largest geophysical company in the U.S. for more than 60 years. He has been a member of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists since 1948 and has served as both President and Secretary-Treasurer in that time. Dawson and his wife, Lou, received the Philanthropist of the Year award in 2011.

Johann Demmel received his Masters Degree in Industrial Engineering and Management from OSU in 1985. He worked full-time for Raytheon Company while pursuing his doctorate degree, and since 1987, has progressed through the ranks of the company. Demmel currently serves as the Capture Manager/Program Strategy Development – Advanced Missile Systems and is a certified Raytheon Six Sigma Expert. He is a fellow of the Institute of Industrial Engineers and Tau Beta Pi.

Following Saturday’s ceremony, the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology has recognized 101 Hall of Fame inductees and 32 Lohmann Medal recipients.

For more information on the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology at OSU, visit www.ceat.okstate.edu