UBCO student recognized for his hard work in classroom and as volunteer

Photo: Contributed

Venedict Tamondong

A UBCO student is being recognized for his hard work both in the classroom and as a volunteer.

Venedict Tamondong recently graduated from UBCO with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering, and was also recognized for his student leadership and awarded the 2021 Dr. Gordon Springate Sr. Award in Engineering.

“I am truly humbled by this award, especially considering that it is based on experiences that also positively impacted my university career,” says Tamondong. “The students, staff and faculty that I connected with at UBC and across Canada continue to inspire me.”

During his five years as a student, Tamondong served as a first-year representative, vice-president external and president of the UBC Okanagan Engineering Society. He also served on numerous executive positions with the Western Engineering Students Societies’ Team and the Canadian Federation of Engineering Students.

As a leader in many university organizations, he helped make the experiences of engineering students across Canada better while promoting the profession, says Rehan Sadiq, executive associate dean of the School of Engineering.

Tamondong also coordinated meetings and events including the conference on diversity in engineering, leadership, and sustainability, the Canadian Engineering Competition and UBCO’s Summer Session Jumpstart Program - a professional development program for new students.

The $10,000 award is given out annually, and to a student who is completing their Bachelor of Applied Science with the School of Engineering and has demonstrated a material contribution to their community outside their studies.

Tamondong says he is thankful for the program, and credits the UBC for all of his success.

“Frankly, all these opportunities came to me because I happened to choose UBC, and I’m thankful the School of Engineering offers so many ways to contribute and connect,” he says. “To all the student groups I had the opportunity to be a part of during my years at UBCO, I say thank you. I will always remember being able to help advocate and serve fellow students and I am proud of my accomplishments.”

Tamondong is now working in Medicine Hat, Alberta as a field engineer at Capital Power Corporation. He is helping build renewable wind turbines, and he plans to continue working in responsible, renewable energy with the goal to keep developing his skills as a project engineer and future corporate leader.