Dr. Calvin Mackie Wins Legacy Award
-- United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Celebrates Inspirational STEM Speaker, Engineer, and Entrepreneur --
Dr. Calvin Mackie
Atlanta, GA (February 27, 2013) -- 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.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Mackie takes great pride in his family and personal life. Mackie's parents provided a powerful, character-building influence growing up, which is a legacy he has succeeded in carrying on. He is a personal mentor to his younger brother Anthony Mackie, the accomplished Hollywood actor who will play the role of Falcon, Marvel Comic's first African-American superhero, in the upcoming Captain America sequel. He strives to create a supportive environment for his wife, Tracey, and pass on leadership lessons to his two young boys, Myles and Mason.
"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
About Dr. Calvin Mackie
Dr. Calvin Mackie is an award-winning engineer, internationally-renowned motivational speaker, successful entrepreneur, author, and arbiter of social change. He is a recognized and respected authority on business decision-making and ethics, leadership, educational excellence, and mentorship. He has won numerous awards, including the 2003 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, which he received at the White House.
His first, best-selling book, A View from the Roof - Lessons for Life & Business (Acanthus Publishing, 2005) offers life lessons that empowered him to reach his dreams without compromising his values. It is now in its sixth printing and has sold over 40,000 copies around the world. His second award-winning book, Grandma's Hands: Cherished Moments of Faith and Wisdom (Acanthus Publishing, 2012) celebrates the enduring values of the women in Dr. Mackie's life, offering their guidance and wisdom for the challenges of 21st-century life.
Mackie is currently a partner in Golden Leaf Energy (GLE) www.GoldenLeafEnergy.com. GLE produces biodiesel, which is a clean-burning, renewable alternative to petroleum-based diesel made from natural, renewable, sustainable sources, such as vegetable oils. The company distributes to commercial clients, including the Louisiana Hollywood film production industry and operates a 2.2 million gallon, multi-feed stock facility in Southeast Louisiana.
Dr. Mackie currently resides in New Orleans with his wife, Tracey, and his two sons, Myles and Mason.
PRESS CONTACT:
Luke Messecar
The Ictus Initiative
(617) 717-8294
SHARE THIS PAGE:
|
