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Ole Miss Engineering

University of Mississippi

School of Engineering Honors Achievements of Three Alumni

Story by Kayla VonBurg-King

The School of Engineering recently celebrated the achievements of three distinguished alumni by presenting them with the School’s highest awards at the annual Awards Ceremony on April 11th, 2024.

Engineer of Distinction – David T. Martineau V

A woman and a man holding a gift basket wrapped in clear plastic with red and blue decorative fillers. They are both smiling and dressed in business attire. The woman is wearing a navy blue suit with a blue scarf, and the man is in a blue suit with a light blue shirt and patterned tie. The setting appears to be the same indoor room as the previous photo, with a simple wall and minimal decor.
Martineau receiving his award from Dean Acoff at the 2024 Awards Ceremony.
(Photo by Kayla VonBurg-King)

David Martineau has been honored with the Engineer of Distinction Award by the School of Engineering, the highest accolade given by the SoE. As the President of Martineau Petroleum Inc., Martineau has notably advanced the field of engineering through his entrepreneurial spirit and leadership, managing a vast operation that spans Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, and includes both conventional and unconventional oil and gas projects. His academic background with a BS in Geological Engineering from the University of Mississippi and an MS in Geology from the University of Texas laid the groundwork for a career marked by significant contributions to operational excellence and safety in the industry. Martineau’s commitment extends beyond his business achievements; he is also a proactive mentor to students and young engineers, embodying the leadership and dedication celebrated by this award.

Engineer of Service – Albert “Al” Hilliard

A woman and a man holding a gift basket wrapped in clear plastic with red and blue decorative fillers. They are both smiling and dressed in business attire. The woman is wearing a navy blue suit with a blue scarf, and the man is in a blue suit with a light blue shirt and patterned tie. The setting appears to be the same indoor room as the previous photo, with a simple wall and minimal decor.
Hilliard receiving his award from Dean Acoff at the Awards Ceremony.
(Photo by Kayla VonBurg-King)

The Engineer of Service Award celebrates alumni who epitomize extraordinary service, commitment, and mentorship within the engineering field. This year, Albert “Al” Hilliard was honored with this award in recognition of his extensive and impactful four-decade career. Hilliard has dedicated himself to mentoring, coaching, and providing financial support, significantly enriching both the Ole Miss Engineering community and broader society. His professional acumen is evident in his roles on the Engineering Advisory and Advancement Council, as an advisor to the Computer Science Department, and through his numerous guest lectures. Al has also been a pivotal figure in Phi Beta Sigma, where he has worked tirelessly to mentor minority engineering students, ensuring their success at the University of Mississippi and beyond. Even in retirement, Hilliard continues to inspire young engineers, embodying the spirit of the award through his enduring commitment to leadership and education.

Distinguished Young Alumni Award – Alyson Parsons Bybee

Two women smiling for the camera in front of a banner that reads "Ole Miss Engineering" with the university's logos. The woman on the left is wearing a navy blazer and trousers with a blue scarf, while the woman on the right is in a light-colored top and dark trousers. They appear to be at an indoor event.
Parsons Bybee and Dean Acoff at an alumni event in Flowood, MS in Fall 2023. (Photo by Christine Hellums)

The Young Alumni Award is given to School of Engineering graduates of the past 15 years who have shown remarkable career progression and have actively engaged in leadership roles supporting the SoE. This year, Alyson Parsons Bybee received this honor due to her dynamic career and dedicated advocacy for the engineering profession. Alyson works as an electrical engineer at Raytheon, where she also mentors the Ole Miss RTX Autonomous Vehicle Competition team and participates in STEM outreach initiatives. As the Engineering Week RTX site lead, she played a pivotal role in the RTX Forest location’s Engineering Week Rube Goldberg STEM competition, inspiring high school seniors with insights into the life of an electrical engineer and the opportunities at Raytheon. Her enthusiasm for fostering a new generation of engineers through education and community involvement exemplifies the spirit of the award.