College of Engineering Sees 392 Graduate During Fall Commencement

Nearly 400 students from 25 states and 28 countries graduated from the LSU College of Engineering during a diploma ceremony that took place in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Thursday.

Among those who graduated were LSU Computer Science senior Sebastian Escobar-Mesa of Mandeville, La., who received the McLaughlin Medal, an award honoring an undergraduate with the highest grade-point average. The medal, named after former LSU Engineering Dean Edward McLaughlin, was presented by LSU Cain Department of Chemical Engineering Chair Mike Benton, who also presented the Distinguished Communicator Award, and recognized the LSU Distinguished Researcher and those who graduated with College Honors and Upper Division Honors.

The Distinguished Communicator Award was given to Tiara Britten (Biological Engineering), Cristina Barcena-Ponguillo (Industrial Engineering) and Colin Templeton (Mechanical Engineering). Britten also received the LSU Engaged Citizen distinction, which goes to students who complete a minimum of seven credit hours of service-learning designated coursework, a minimum of 100 hours of community service with approved organizations, and a reflective paper detailing how the work fulfills LSU’s commitment to community.

The Distinguished Researcher designation went to Hamood Ghayas Qureshi and Lauren Wright, both in Chemical Engineering. The Distinguished Researcher designation recognizes the achievements of outstanding LSU undergraduates who participate in a track of educational and research activities, leading to a final and public presentation or publication of a faculty-mentored undergraduate scholarly project. The College Honors and Upper Division Honors from the Ogden Honors College also went to Qureshi and Wright.

“To our graduates, take a moment in the coming days to think about everything you’ve overcome to reach this point,” LSU College of Engineering Dean Vicki Colvin said. “You faced the challenges of engineering courses, labs, and senior projects. Many of you faced living on your own for the first time. Some of you juggled work or family obligations with your studies. None of these barriers were enough to keep you from completing your college degree.”

Check out the LSU College of Engineering Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts for Fall 2025 commencement photos.