I think that all of us would agree that the tragic events of September 11th shook the world.  However, the faculty, staff and students of the Industrial Engineering Department were already visibly shaken and deeply saddened by the death of Loria Caulder, just two days earlier on September 9^th. 

Loria was an IE senior, scheduled to be among those receiving her degree today.  As I’ve done with all the students previously introduced, let me tell you a little about her.

She was a graduate of the North Carolina School of Science & Mathematics in Durham.  Earning Dean’s List distinction several times, she had been inducted into Alpha Pi Mu, the IE Honor Society.  In addition to the BSIE degree, she was pursuing a minor in Statistics and had completed a graduate level statistics course during this past summer.  She was a member of the Institute of Industrial Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers and Alpha Omega Epsilon Engineering Sorority.  She was a four-term Cooperative Education participant, having worked at both Nortel and Alcatel.  Even after all this she also found time to be an active participant in the NCSU Girls Intramural Recreation Sports Program.  She feasted on a full plate of college life.

On November 9^th the IE Faculty voted unanimously to award the BSIE degree posthumously to Loria Susan Caulder.  Also, the Department of Cooperative Education is today awarding her Certification of Completion.

To Loria’s family... look around you.  Standing with you today is a portion of Loria’s campus family.  I want to say, on behalf of this entire group, that we unite with you in celebrating her many successes and we pray that this day brings you the solemn pride made possible through her accomplishments.  Congratulations.
 

May we offer a sincere "Thank You" to Clarence Smith
and the entire Industrial Engineering staff, faculty,
and student body at NCSU, class of Fall/Winter 2001.