United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Celebrates Inspirational STEM Speaker, Engineer, and Entrepreneur

 Dr. Calvin Mackie, motivational speaker, bestselling author, successful entrepreneur, and mechanical engineer, received the coveted Legacy Award from the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) on Friday, February 15. As the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization, this is the highest award alumni can receive. It was presented as part of UNCF's annual leadership conference, which featured the theme of "Partnerships for Transformation: Moving Students To and Through College." The Legacy Award honors Dr. Mackie, author of A View from the Roof (Acanthus Publishing, 2005) and Grandma's Hands (Acanthus Publishing, 2012), for his long-standing record of encouraging students to realize their full potential. A compelling role model, his accomplishments as a STEM educator, inventor, entrepreneur, and mentor have touched the lives of countless students, helping them achieve a brighter future.

Dr. Mackie's personal journey through higher education grew from humble beginnings. After high school, Dr. Mackie was accepted to Morehouse College under the condition that he undertake remedial classes first. Surpassing everyone's wildest expectations, he went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude and as a member of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society. Over the course of 11 years, he earned four STEM degrees, reaching the peak of educational success with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech. In 2003, he was presented with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. For the past two decades, Dr. Mackie has shared his personal story with students and educators across the country, proving to them that with hard work and perseverance anyone can succeed. He is a tenured professor at Tulane University and owns a patent on a device to retrofit luggage stowbins on 737 and 757 Boeing commercial airliners. He is also currently a partner in Golden Leaf Energy (www.GoldenLeafEnergy.com), a company that produces biodiesel, a clean-burning, renewable alternative to petroleum-based diesel. "It's a true honor to receive the Legacy Award," says Dr. Mackie. "Having experienced the challenges that many minority students face today, I take great pride in helping them overcome adversity and grow into successful men and women. We all have the capacity to be great within us. Dedicated to making sure every student has a chance to show it, UNCF deserves an enormous praise for their 67 years of hard work helping more than 400,000 students attend and graduate college." The Legacy Award was presented to Dr. Mackie Friday on February 15, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. during the UNCF Alumni Recognition Event in Atrium Ballrooms B and C at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.Presenting this award was Dr. Michael Lomax, President and CEO of UNCF. On Saturday, February 16, Dr. Mackie also received the Bennie Award for Achievement from Morehouse College for his work and success within the STEM field.
For more information on Dr. Mackie, visit www.CalvinMackie.com.

Congrats to My Friend, We've ALWAYS been proud of You.