Grace Deane isn’t new to recognition in her chosen field of study, mechanical engineering.
Nearly four years ago, the Clarendon Hills resident was part of a small group chosen to participate in the ComEd EV Rally, which is meant to engage, inspire and nurture a passion for STEM, which corresponds with academic disciplines related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
At that time, as Deane worked with fellow female high school students to engineer, build and race electric go-carts, she said she planned to study mechanical engineering in college after graduating from Hinsdale Central.
And that’s exactly what she’s done at the University of Illinois at Champaign, where she’s finishing up her junior year.
As she continues her academic success, Deane recently received another impressive accolade, the Andrea J. Culumber Memorial Award. Each year, one student is selected for this award, based on their leadership, enthusiasm, creativity, and kindness, according to information from the university.
“This honor recognizes a student who is not only innovative, but also inspires others to become involved and engaged within the campus community,” a U of I dean wrote in a letter to Deane. “Your contributions reflect these qualities and have made a meaningful impact on those around you.”
The letter from Jonathan J. Makela, associate dean for Undergraduate Programs at The Grainger College of Engineering, stated that the award was established in memory of Grainger Engineering alumna Andrea J. Culumber, who received her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1997.
“She was deeply involved in student activities, both within The Grainger College of Engineering and across campus,” Makela wrote. “Her creativity, enthusiasm, and positive attitude left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She was an exceptional role model, and her intelligence, outgoing personality, and natural leadership set a high standard for student leaders.
“Your achievements,” he wrote to Deane, “embody the spirit of her legacy.”
The award includes a $1,000 monetary prize in recognition of Deane’s outstanding contributions and achievements.
Deane said she learned of the award, and read a description of it, after the College of Engineering sent out emails, asking students to apply for various awards or nominate other faculty or students.
“It resonated with me, since the former student it honors in memorial was also a young woman studying mechanical engineering here,” she said.
Deane decided to write the necessary essays to apply for the award and was then chosen to be interviewed. About a week later, she was told she was the winner.
“I was very surprised, as I had written the essays just for fun to see if anything came of it, and had the same attitude toward the interview,” she said. “I was just being myself, with no intentions or expectations of actually winning anything.”
Deane said she views every interview or essay as great practice for additional opportunities, such as job interviews. And winning this award was extra special for her.
“Everyone at this school is extremely qualified academically and is very smart,” she said. “But it takes more than just brains to be kind, inclusive and to be able to think outside the box. While I have had academic success, it has been difficult to find my place and purpose here on campus in my three years here, and this award affirms that I have succeeded in not just doing so for myself, but for others, as the award specifically mentions being involved myself and encouraging others to be involved, too.”
Deane has another year of study at the University of Illinois before graduating, and she has no plans to take the summer off.
She will be spending 10 days this month with the College of Business, studying in Japan, visiting companies and universities there. In June, she will start working at West Monroe, a tech consulting services company in Chicago, as an energy & utilities intern.
After graduation, Deane hopes to work for a consulting firm, specifically within renewable and sustainable energy.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
