photo of Sharon Wood in cap and gown with Nathan Rubin also in cap and gown accepting award

Dean Sharon Wood recogizes Nathan Rubin at the fall commencement ceremony.

Dec. 16, 2014

Civil engineering graduate Nathan Rubin recently received the Fall 2014 Cockrell School of Engineering Outstanding Scholar/Leader Award. Each semester, only one engineering undergraduate student is selected to receive the esteemed award. Dean Sharon Wood presented Rubin with the award during the Cockrell School's commencement ceremony on December 6.

Since Rubin's first year as an undergraduate, he has shown excellence in academics. In addition to his scholarly activities, he has shown exceptional leadership abilities.

In 2013, he founded the Texas Theme Park Engineering Group (TxTPEG) as a recognized on-campus student organization.  This interdisciplinary organizaion is focused on the field of theme park engineering and related hands-on educational experiences.

As TxTPEG President and Corporate Relations Chair, Rubin has brought in speakers from the amusement park industry, increased corporate sponsorship, and organized behind-the-scenes park tours.

While balancing his professional career, Rubin also rose to the position of section leader of the University of Texas Longhorn Band. In this role, he carries out management and leadership responsibilities, while remaining a member of the band.

He also served as Vice President of the UT ASCE student chapter and was active in the organization's activities, including serving as a theme captain for the concrete canoe team.

He has also held four internships during his four years at the university and is the recipient of various scholarships and awards including a competitive four year University-wide Endowed Scholarship.

Nominator and assistant professor Patricia Clayton says "When asked to identify a graduating student for this honor, I can think of no one who better fits the criteria than Nathan Rubin. He is a bright, hardworking student who is an active leader in a variety of extracurricular activities."

Rubin plans to remain at the University of Texas at Austin, where he will pursue graduate studies in structural engineering.