WHEN I ARRIVED AT THE UNIVERSITY IN FALL 1975, I knew little of what would await me as an incoming student. While I had an underlying interest in math and science, my decision to enroll in an engineering program was largely based on the advice of my father, who was an engineer with the Department of Energy.

During my early years at the Engineering School, I quickly came to understand the meaning of "applied science" and its application to real-world issues. I also found that problem-solving was never easy, and that to be successful, one needed to weave together the traits of creativity, discipline and hard work. These traits, developed during my years at the Engineering School, have served me well throughout my business career.

I elected to major in Mechanical Engineering due to my interest in energy systems and their application. While the course work was challenging and enjoyable, I enjoyed most the dialogue with the professors who freely shared their real-world experiences about the application of their course material in industry, government and research. Two professors were especially excellent in this regard: Tim Scott in his Instrumentation Lab course and Taylor Beard in his Heat Transfer course. Both these professors were gifted in helping young engineering students see the practical applications of their course work.

Upon completing my undergraduate studies, I enrolled in the Engineering School's graduate engineering program.

It was during my time as an upper-class and graduate engineering student that I began to develop an interest in the commercial application of science and technology. I clearly understood the application of what was taught at the Engineering School, but I wondered further how these ideas make their way from laboratory to consumer.

Upon completion of my graduate engineering studies, I enrolled at the Colgate Darden Graduate School of Business Administration at the University. It was at the Darden School where I focused on Finance and Operations studies.

Over the ensuing 20 years, my career has focused on the commercial application of energy systems. Today, I am president and chief executive officer of Tractebel North America, a broad-based downstream energy company operating in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Our businesses include liquefied natural gas importation and sale, electric power generation, energy trading, gas distribution and retail electricity sales. My formative years at the Engineering School were important to me, not only for the broad-based course work that ultimately stimulated my interest in energy systems, but also for reinforcing those traits to which I attribute much of my career success, namely creativity, discipline and hard work.

The Engineering School was instrumental both in my education and in shaping me as a business leader. In support of those who follow me at the Engineering School, I am a long-time contributor to the Virginia Engineering Foundation and have recently provided initial funding for the Business Minor program. It is through this program that I hope future engineers will gain exposure to the field of business administration and further develop their skills as business leaders in engineering-related fields.

-William Utt (ME '79, '80 )
President and CEO, Tractebel North America Inc.