Parker receives Texnikoi Award
Parker's efforts since graduation were honored during the 2015 Excellence in Engineering and Architecture Alumni Awards held on October 9, when she received the Texnikoi Outstanding Alumni Award from the College of Engineering.
Texnikoi is an undergraduate organization that recognizes qualities of leadership, integrity and personality as exemplified by active participation and influence in extracurricular activities. Each year, members select one younger alumni in the College of Engineering as a recipient of the award based upon achievements since graduation.
In her speech to the audience, Parker relayed how a long line of supporters over the years ultimately stepped up to offer the encouragement she needed to succeed. Her childhood Sunday school teacher was even in the audience that night, who played a significant role in her life, as both a teacher and godparent later on. Parker said the professors and staff at Ohio State also challenged and encouraged her, even before she started college.
"My OSU journey began when my family and I received a call from Dean Minnie McGee. I was a just a few weeks shy of graduating high school and she described this wonderful program called PREFACE where right after high school graduation, I could come to OSU during the summer and get a preview of courses that I would soon be taking as an undergraduate with a potential internship opportunity. I took her up on this challenging experience and landed my first internship at IBM before starting college," Parker said. "Throughout my years at OSU the MEP program and staff, as well as many of my ECE professors, have been a tremendous support system. While pursuing my career aspirations, I have always had a strong desire and will power to get involved in my community and help others. I have been very blessed and allotted many opportunities to succeed."
Thanking her family and friends, Parker said, "To whom much is given, much is required. It is my honor to be a servant leader and a very proud Buckeye."
Parker, a 2002 and 2004 ECE graduate, is an Engineering Manager at Raytheon Company (Space and Airborne Systems) in Dallas/Fort Worth. She is actively involved in Raytheon’s diversity and inclusion, STEM and recruitment efforts. She also serves her alma mater through involvement in undergraduate recruiting efforts and on the Board of Governors of the university’s Undergraduate Admission, University Orientation and First Year Experience Alumni Society.
