2025 Francis Crowe Induction Honors graduates and distinguished engineers
May 11, 2025 | College of Engineering & Computing
The 2025 Francis Crowe Society Induction Ceremony took place on Sunday, May 11, celebrating the accomplishments of some of the University of Maine’s most distinguished engineering alumni and over 250 graduating students. Named after Francis Trenholm Crowe, UMaine Class of 1905 and chief engineer of the Hoover Dam, this annual tradition recognizes graduates who have made significant contributions to the engineering profession through research, industry, and education.
Crowe, known for his pioneering work on major water infrastructure projects in the American West, serves as an enduring symbol of UMaine’s legacy in engineering excellence. His career was shaped by an early lecture he attended while at UMaine and later led him to innovate dam construction techniques that are still influential today.
The ceremony was hosted by Giovanna Guidoboni, Dean of the Maine College of Engineering and Computing. The Pledge and Preamble was delivered by Mohamad T. Musavi, Associate Dean, and the Fundamentals of Engineering Cord Presentation was given by Brent M. Bridges, PE, Chair of the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers.
2025 Distinguished Engineer Inductees
Kevin Libby – Electrical Engineering
A native of Farmington, Maine, Kevin Libby earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from UMaine in 1986 and an M.S. in Computer Engineering from UMass Lowell in 1992. Currently a Distinguished Engineer at NVIDIA Corp., Kevin has led innovations in Static Timing Analysis and design methodology for over two decades. He also serves on UMaine’s Electrical and Computer Engineering visiting committee and is preparing for retirement while pursuing his interest in vintage pinball machines.
Larry Foster – Mechanical Engineering
Larry Foster brings 38 years of aerospace engineering experience, focusing on composites and structural innovation. His work spans elite organizations like Pratt & Whitney and Wisk Aero. He has 13 patents and has significantly influenced both academic and industrial practices. Larry serves on UMaine’s Mechanical Engineering Advisory Board and is passionate about mentoring and next-generation flight systems.
Carrie Enos – Chemical Engineering (B.S. 1999)
As President of the UMaine Pulp and Paper Foundation since 2014, Carrie Enos has expanded employer partnerships and scholarship opportunities. A former business unit manager at Verso Paper, Carrie is a recognized leader and mentor in the pulp and paper industry. She serves on the Board of Directors for TAPPI and continues to champion student success.
Julia O’Neill – Chemical Engineering (B.S. 1981)
With over 30 years of experience in pharmaceuticals and chemicals, Julia O’Neill has made her mark as a statistician and chemical engineer. She played a vital role in Moderna’s Spikevax vaccine development and was named a Fellow of the American Society for Quality. Julia’s interdisciplinary expertise has helped bring life-changing medicines to market.
Matthew Tonello – Civil & Environmental Engineering (B.S. 1994)
Matthew Tonello leads Consigli Construction’s Northern New England operations and has overseen major UMaine infrastructure projects including the Ferland Engineering Education and Design Center. With dual graduate degrees in structural engineering and real estate development, he continues to shape Maine’s built environment and serves on multiple advisory and nonprofit boards.
Outstanding Graduating Students
Zachary Hopp – Mechanical Engineering
From Maple Grove, Minnesota, Zach is the Outstanding Graduating Student in the College. A member of the Men’s Swimming and Diving Team, he has completed multiple internships and contributed to research on sustainable packaging. His work exemplifies the application of engineering in real-world challenges. Zachary was also the inaugural Prashanth Chandrasekar Excellence Award recipient, recognized as the first Chandrasekar Scholar.
Siddhartha Bajracharya – Electrical Engineering
Originally from Kathmandu, Nepal, Siddhartha is recognized as the Outstanding Graduating International Student. His passion for embedded systems was cultivated through national ballooning research collaborations. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in computer engineering at UMaine.
The Francis Crowe Induction Ceremony remains a hallmark event celebrating the enduring impact of UMaine engineers. With honorees whose work spans global innovation, community development, and academic mentorship, this year’s celebration reaffirms the University of Maine’s commitment to excellence in engineering education. As new graduates and seasoned professionals stood together to recite the engineering pledge, the spirit of integrity, service, and innovation that defined Francis Crowe continues to inspire future generations. In addition to the distinguished alumni, over 250 undergraduate graduating seniors were also inducted into the Francis Crowe Society, highlighting the depth and promise of UMaine’s engineering legacy.