Swanson School’s Department of Industrial Engineering Welcomes Incoming Class at Inaugural Pin Ceremony
On Thursday, March 19, in Benedum Hall, the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering hosted its inaugural pin ceremony to welcome its new cohort of undergraduate students. The event recognized 50 incoming students and their commitment to integrity, responsibility, and the values of the Swanson School’s Industrial Engineering community.
Taking inspiration from practices such as Canada’s Iron Pin Ceremony for incoming engineering students, as well as the White Coat Ceremony for those studying medicine, this pin ceremony underscores the immense responsibility students are undertaking when they enter a field like industrial engineering.
“The event marks the beginning of an annual tradition for our department, one that builds community and celebrates professionalism, pride, and the values of engineering from day one,” said Mostafa Moussa, assistant professor of industrial engineering who spearheaded the effort. “I’m honored to bring this tradition to Pitt.”
To kick off the event, Michele Manuel, U. S. Steel Dean of Engineering, provided the opening remarks, welcoming the new class and reflecting on the unique responsibility that comes with industrial engineering. Lisa Maillart, Leighton E. and Mary N. Orr Professor and department chair of industrial engineering, shared insight into what makes the program special. She then introduced guest speaker Kerry McCarthy (BSIE ’07), a Principal at LMI Consulting, who shared his perspective of the field as an alumnus now working in industry.
After faculty and staff were introduced, leaders from the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineering (IISE) student chapter and Alpha Pi Mu shared an overview of the organizations. The ceremony ended with the incoming class taking a group oath and receiving their Pitt Swanson School Industrial Engineering pins.
“I’m excited to have been welcomed into a family of like-minded engineers,” said Anthony Tabak, an incoming industrial engineering student. “I really enjoyed celebrating such an important milestone together with the other IE students and starting to build connections that will last a lifetime.”
Added incoming industrial engineering student Abby Ivory, “The event was a great way to introduce the first-year engineers to the world of industrial engineering. It made such a special moment even more meaningful. I enjoyed meeting the faculty and staff and hearing what they had to say about the program. It made me even more excited to start my journey in IE.
“We’re so excited to welcome our newest class of future industrial engineers with this wonderful event,” said Maillart. “Essential to our program are an ethical commitment, a deep sense of purpose, and the close-knit community that defines Industrial Engineering at Pitt. This celebration embodied all three.”