Engineering Grad 'Duin' Great Things at NDSU

Spencer, Carol Duin Establish College of Engineering Faculty Fellowship

Spencer Duin graduated from NDSU with an industrial engineering degree in 1966; he then enjoyed a distinguished 40-year career working for Westinghouse and Eaton Corporation.

Duin credits NDSU for his success and these days, the retired engineer devotes time and financial resources to his alma mater. Last year, Duin and his wife, Carol, established a fellowship to support faculty and educational excellence in the College of Engineering.

"My engineering degree from NDSU opened doors to many opportunities and a successful and very satisfying career," Duin said. "Carol and I have established the endowed fellowship to increase support for College of Engineering faculty and to acknowledge the value of my NDSU education."

The Spencer and Carol Duin Endowed Fellowship recognizes the leadership potential of talented faculty within the College of Engineering and provides funding to enhance academic programs, and research and to support professional growth. Faculty fellowships also support the university's goal of retaining and attracting top faculty. NDSU benefactors who establish faculty fellowships provide a minimum of $30,000 in annual funding for at least five years.

The Duins, of Ashville, N.C., worked with the NDSU Foundation and Alumni Association to establish the fellowship through cash donations and a designation of a portion of their estate for the endowment. Faculty fellowships are awarded to accomplished scholars to advance research, provide transformative learning experiences for students and support outreach services.

In early 2019, Om Yadav, professor of industrial and manufacturing engineering, became the first NDSU faculty member to be appointed to the newly-established fellowship within NDSU's College of Engineering.

"The single most important asset of the College of Engineering is its faculty," College of Engineering Dean Michael Kessler said during Yadav's fellowship award ceremony. "They drive innovation that will shape a better world and mentor the next generation of engineering leaders.

The Duins have supported other efforts within the College of Engineering, and Spencer also gives generously of his time and expertise. He is a trustee of the NDSU Foundation and Alumni Association, chair of the Foundation's investment committee and a founding member of the College of Engineering Advisory and Advancement Board. In 2017, he received the College of Engineering's Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2018, NDSU President Dean L. Bresciani awarded Spencer Duin an honorary doctorate during winter commencement ceremonies.