Alumnus Gene Fraser established two professorships to help new engineers tackle 21st century challenges.

Fraser has been recognized by the Society of Women Engineers for his contributions to the advancement of women in the field.

Two new teaching professorships in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering will guarantee Gators are among the most prepared to deal with the waves of challenges that humankind will face in the decades ahead, university officials say.

The Gene Fraser Endowed Teaching Professorships at the Engineering Leadership Institute will be used to teach skills and develop traits that will make UF students tomorrow’s leaders in their chosen career fields. Fraser (BSCHE ’76), a retired U.S. Marine and company executive, established the professorships to address problems such as global warming, food insecurities and renewable energies.

“Gene’s gift underscores the importance of teaching our students how to be leaders in the practice of engineering in an increasingly complex and interconnected global economy,” Dean Cammy Abernathy says.

The first Gene Fraser Teaching Professors are Claudio Spiguel and Bill McElroy. Both teach courses on ethics and professionalism, and McElroy also teaches engineering leadership classes.

The Engineering Leadership Institute is designed to groom the next generations of engineers to pass society’s greatest future tests. The institute focuses on training students for leadership roles, and provides opportunities to engage top engineering leaders in academia, government and industry.

Fraser spent 27 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and another 17 at Northrop Grumman Corp., where he retired as vice president of programs, quality and engineering. Fraser and his wife, Danielle, live in St. Augustine.