Five engineering faculty and staff received university-wide awards at the 2005 Awards Convocation, held this sesquicentennial year in conjunction with a Founders' Day Celebration. The February 11 ceremony at the Wharton Center's Great Hall included the installation of Lou Anna K. Simon as the 20th president of Michigan State University.

Robert P. Hubbard, professor, mechanical engineering and osteopathic surgical specialties, received the Distinguished Faculty Award in recognition of a sustained record of scholarly excellence in research and creative activities, instruction, and outreach. Hubbard has received international acclaim for his bioengineering research on human spinal mechanics and for developing unique enabling technologies in human biomechanics, including office and automotive seating and a life-saving head and neck device for racecar drivers.

Richard W. Lyles, professor, civil and environmental engineering, received the Quality in Undergraduate Teaching Award from the MSU Alumni Club of Mid-Michigan in recognition of high-quality teaching and substantial continuing involvement in undergraduate education. Daniel G. Lee, senior specialist, civil and environmental engineering, received the Distinguished Academic Staff Award for extraordinary academic achievement and exceptional contributions. Graduate teaching assistants Shirish S. Karande, electrical and computer engineering; and Brian J. Olson, mechanical engineering, received Excellence-in-Teaching Citations for demonstrating exceptional care and skill in meeting classroom responsibilities.