In case you missed it, Eugene DeLoatch and Tyrone Taborn (photo taken at a BEYA event) were honored this week at a ceremony held in Washington, D.C. The National Science Board (NSB) presented the BEYA co-founders with the Public Service Award.

The award recognizes people and groups that have increased the public’s understanding of science or engineering. Past award recipients include the American Museum of Natural History, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and the PBS television series NOVA.

“This is a great honor, said Taborn. “Together, we’ve moved the train of opportunity along. As we have done for the past 35 years, Career Communications Group, Inc.’s US Black Engineer magazine, the Council of Engineering Deans of HBCUs, BEYA sponsors, institutions, and trusted individuals across America, the BEYA STEM Conference will continue to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and minorities in STEM careers and promote better access to young people who are left behind.”

Throughout his years of service in higher education, DeLoatch led the nation in the production of African American electrical and civil engineers at the baccalaureate level. His students have gone on to senior positions in government, industry, and academia, and have, in turn, influenced and encouraged another generation of minority scientists and engineers. Notably, in 2001 he became the first African American elected to serve as president of the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE).

“We are part of history in the making, and I thank you for honoring the BEYA STEM Conference,” said DeLoatch. “As a proud member of the host committee and Council of Engineering Deans of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), our intent has always been to impact the aspirations of young people positively. With its 34-year history, the BEYA STEM Conference is unlike any other. Once again we thank you for honoring us on this occasion and trust you agree with us on the mutual value that has been added through this event.”

Taborn founded Career Communications Group to highlight the achievements of underrepresented minorities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). He developed US Black Engineer Magazine, which has been the main vehicle to showcase the accomplishments of underrepresented groups in STEM and serves as a vehicle for the discussion of broad science and engineering policies, including the hiring of minority scientists and engineers across the spectrum as well as retention and promotion at the professional level.

Over 33 years, the BEYA Conference has exposed more than 100,000 students to role models in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers.

More than 10,000 men and women have been nominated for Black Engineer of the Year Awards; 957 have received category awards, and 33 have been selected as Black Engineer of the Year.