The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Foundation hosted the Reinventing the Future fundraiser on March 21. This event aimed to celebrate next-generation engineers and honor Oscar Barton, Jr., a pioneering figure in engineering who opened doors for those underrepresented in engineering.

The event brought together visionary leaders and STEM advocates united to celebrate progress toward equity in education.

Dr. Oscar Baron, academic dean at Morgan State University’s Mitchell School of Engineering, received the 2024 Edwin F. Church Medal.

The event was held Thursday, March 21, at Capitol Crossing in Washington D.C. All proceeds from this significant event benefit Dr. Oscar Barton, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund and the ASME Foundation’s Campaign for Next Generation Engineers.

The Edwin F. Church Medal, established in 1972, is presented to individuals who have demonstrated eminent service in enhancing mechanical engineering education’s value, importance, and attractiveness.

Dr. Barton received this honor for his outstanding leadership at Morgan State University.

As dean, he has spearheaded innovative strategic growth, fostered dynamic collaboration among faculty, staff, and students, managed multiple research centers, and advanced academic and research programs preparing students for future industries.

Integral to the Edwin F. Church Medal’s awarding is ASME’s shared responsibility to diversify and cultivate tomorrow’s engineering professionals. To this end, ASME has committed to establishing Dr. Oscar Barton, Jr. Endowed Scholarship focused on underrepresented male students pursuing engineering degrees at Morgan.

Pictured left to right: George Mason University President Gregory Washington, Ph.D., Alabama A&M Professor of Mechanical Engineering Aaron Adams, Ph.D., honoree Oscar Barton, Jr., Ph.D., and Morgan State University President David Wilson, Ph.D.

Join the #ASMEFoundation on March 21 at their Reinventing the Future fundraiser to celebrate next-generation engineers, and honor Dr. Oscar Barton, Jr., a trailblazer in opening doors for those underrepresented in engineering: https://t.co/CQIRCyQNWP pic.twitter.com/sDsaFiZqov

— ASME.org (@ASMEdotorg) March 19, 2024