OEM Alum Jon Gotwald Named Florida Engineering Society Pinellas Engineer of the Year

Jon Gotwald, an Outreach Engineering Management (OEM) Program alum, has received the 2018 Engineer of the Year Award, given by the Florida Engineering Society (FES), Pinellas Chapter.

This prestigious award is presented to one FES member each year who not only embodies the ideal image of a Professional Engineer but also has a long list of significant achievements in education, employment, and professional and public service activities.

Gotwald graduated from OEM with an M.E. degree in 2002 and has been an instrumental leader in the FES, focusing many of his efforts on promoting STEM to K-12 students. He participates in the Great American Teach-In for Pinellas County Schools, he is a mentor for various grade schools in the county, and participates as a judge in multiple level science fairs. He also currently serves as the FES Pinellas K-12 Committee Chair, the FES Pinellas Speakers Bureau Committee Chair, and the FES MATHCOUNTS Chapter Coordinator.

“Mathematics is the language of science, and it can be learned. The earlier and more often one is exposed to it, the more confident and more fluent they can become. Hence, it is of utmost importance to provide fun and engaging mathematics programs for students in K-12 to help attract more diverse talent to STEM disciplines. We are very proud to have Jon as one of our alumni members, who does impactful work with a dedicated engagement in this important arena,” said Elif Akcali, Ph.D., OEM Director.

In addition to being active in the community, Gotwald works full-time as the Director of Civil Engineering for Osborn Engineering’s Florida operations. Osborn is a full-service engineering company headquartered in Cleveland, OH with Florida offices in St. Petersburg, Tampa, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale.

Gotwald was recognized for his many accomplishments and was presented the award at the Tampa Bay Engineers Week Banquet in February 2019.