Amazing Alumna:

Cheryl (Bunnett) Schrader ’84,College of Engineering, Christ College

Current life role: Dean, College of Engineering Boise State University

“Engineers make the world a better place,” says Cheryl Schrader—and she ought to know! Last November, Schrader was recognized by President Bush for her outstanding work mentoring women and underrepresented persons. She was one of only 10 professionals in the nation to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, which included a $10,000 grant for continued mentoring work and a trip to the White House.

Visiting the Capital

Schrader, who began her teaching career at VU before moving on to Rice University, the University of Texas at San Antonio, and now Boise State University, said the trip to D.C. to receive the prestigious award was a truly memorable experience.

“I brought my husband, son and the woman who spearheaded my nomination. We had two days packed with activities,” she says. Her whirlwind trip included a roundtable attended by more than 75 federal executives, a private tour of the White House, and a trip to the Eisenhower Executive Office Complex where the awards were presented.

”The look in my son's eyes when he realized the immensity of this award was priceless,” Schrader says. “That was the instance during which I felt most moved and humbled.”

Post-award glow

As a result of the award, Schrader and other Presidential awardees co-wrote a paper on mentoring as the key solution for the nation's science and engineering workforce shortage. President Bush spoke about the proposal in his 2006 State of the Union Address, announcing the “American Competitiveness Initiative.”

”I’m both honored and inspired by the opportunities this national recognition affords,” she says. “This is an award I cherish because my former protégées, underrepresented in engineering (women, ethnic minorities and the physically challenged), nominated me and eloquently expressed how I had transformed their lives. And they themselves were likewise inspired to make a difference in the lives of others and have gone on to do amazing things.”