College of Engineering Sees 949 Graduate During Spring Commencement
May 18, 2026
Nearly 950 students from 40 states and 29 countries graduated from LSU’s College of
Engineering during a diploma ceremony that took place in the Pete Maravich Assembly
Center on Saturday evening.
Among those who graduated were senior Julia Barkley of Monroe, La., who received the Sean O’Keefe Leadership Award, which rewards an outstanding LSU undergraduate student leader who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and possesses the character, capability, vision and motivation to be a leader in the future.
LSU Computer Science senior Ibrahim Alam of Lafayette, La., 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 College of Engineering Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Marwa Hassan, who also presented the Distinguished Communicator Award, and recognized the LSU Distinguished Researchers and those who graduated with College Honors and Upper Division Honors.
Roy O. Martin III hooded with an honorary doctorate from Chancellor James Dalton.
The Distinguished Communicator Award was given to 37 seniors while 12 graduated with College Honors and Upper Division Honors. The Distinguished Researcher designation went to 12 graduates. Four seniors earned the distinction of Engaged Citizen, which requires students to complete a minimum of seven credit hours of service-learning designated coursework, a minimum of 100 hours of community service, and a reflective paper detailing how the work fulfills LSU’s commitment to community.
Roy O. Martin III received an honorary doctorate for his decades of transformative leadership, philanthropy and service to the LSU System and the state of Louisiana. Martin was hooded by LSU Executive Vice President and Chancellor James Dalton, LSU College of Engineering Dean Vicki Colvin, LSU Board of Supervisors Chairman Lee Mallett, and LSU Department of Mechanical Engineering Chair Dimitris Nikitopoulos.
“Roy Martin’s impact on LSU cannot be overstated,” Colvin said. “His commitment to education, workforce development, and innovation has strengthened communities across Louisiana and helped generations of students succeed.”
Martin wasthe CEO of RoyOMartin, a privately held wood-products and forest-resources company founded in 1923 by his grandfather, Roy O. Martin Sr. Headquartered in Alexandria, the company manages timberland, real estate, minerals, hunting leases, and wood manufacturing operations throughout the region. Martin retired from the role on Jan. 1, 2026, but continues to service as chairman of the board and took on the role of chief investment officer.
Dean Colvin closed out the ceremony with final remarks.
“No matter where you came from or how old you are, every one of you will leave the university and the college with a sharper mind and brighter future,” LSU College of Engineering Dean Vicki Colvin said. “LSU is an engine of economic opportunity and social mobility in Louisiana, and this is especially true of its College of Engineering. I am happy to know that most of you will stay here in Louisiana to make your unique contributions to our communities.”
Like us on Facebook or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky, and X.