Howard G. Adams, GEM inaugural executive director, to receive honorary doctorate from Notre Dame

Howard G Adams

Howard G. Adams, a leading expert on developing individuals through mentoring and strategic career and life planning, will be awarded an honorary doctor of science degree from the University of Notre Dame at the University’s 178th University Commencement Ceremony on May 21.

From 1978 to 1995, Adams served as the inaugural executive director of the National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science Inc., (GEM), which had its headquarters at Notre Dame, in Cushing Hall of Engineering, before moving to Washington, D.C., in 2007.

GEM is credited with providing fellowships and internships that have made it possible for more than 3,000 underrepresented students to obtain master’s and doctoral degrees in engineering and applied science.

In 1989, Adams was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to a U.S. congressional task force on women, minorities and the handicapped in science and technology. In 1995, he received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, and in 2002, the Golden Torch Award from the National Society of Black Engineers. 

Left to right: Ted Habarth ND ’63; Joseph Hogan, Dean of Engineering; Howard G. Adams, GEM Executive Director (with Ted Habarth)

Adams holds a bachelor’s degree from Norfolk State University, a master’s degree from Virginia State University and a doctorate from Syracuse University.

“Howard Adams’ huge impact on STEM is best measured through his contributions to establishing GEM as a highly effective organization, helping develop thousands of engineers and scientists who have gone on to hold some of the highest leadership positions in industry and academia, and to the shaping of meaningful policy,” said Leo McWilliams, assistant dean for undergraduate programs in the College of Engineering. 

“The College of Engineering is thrilled to welcome Howard Adams back to Notre Dame,” said Patricia J. Culligan, the Matthew H. McCloskey Dean of the College of Engineering. “We are grateful for his leadership in enhancing the value of the nation’s human capital by increasing the ranks of underrepresented Americans who have earned advanced degrees in engineering and science and who have gone on to do great things.”

— Notre Dame College of Engineering