March 18, 2024

Boeing—a leading global aerospace company with a strong presence in the state—has received the 2024 Missouri Honor Award, the highest honor bestowed by the College of Engineering.

The award was presented during the Mizzou Engineering Awards Banquet on March 15.

“Boeing has been a longtime supporter and industry partner,” Praveen Edara, interim dean and chair of civil and environmental engineering, said. “For more than 20 years, Boeing has been committed to Mizzou Engineering, generously supporting scholarships and student organizations. They’ve employed numerous interns and graduates from the College. And the company has collaborated with our faculty to advance research endeavors and innovation.”

Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing’s facilities  in the  St. Louis region employs more than 16000 people  involved in the development, production and sustainment of advanced military aircraft and weapons systems.

Accepting the award on behalf of the company was Jim Young, B.S. CiE ’89, Executive Program Director, Precision Engagement Systems-Direct Attack.

“As one of the largest employers in the state of Missouri, this award is a testament to the outcome of our commitment to find the very best talent in our industry,” Young said.  “As a graduate of Mizzou in engineering and one who has interacted with many Mizzou students, I personally know the type of talent that comes from the University of Missouri, and Boeing is committed to continue the strong relationship with the University and growing the best of the best talent within this region.”

Young is one of several notable alumni who have worked at Boeing. Jim O’Neill, a civil engineering alumnus who retired as president of BDS Development at Boeing, is a member of the College’s Dean’s Advisory Council.

“Industry partners like Boeing are critical to our mission of training new generations of engineering leaders,” Edara said. “Boeing has truly been an outstanding collaborator with us over the years, and this award is a fitting tribute to recognize those contributions.”