TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Dr. Tom Piwonka, retired director of the Metal Casting Technology Center in The University of Alabama College of Engineering, recently received the American Foundry Society Award of Scientific Merit, one of the highest forms of recognition AFS gives to individuals.

AFS presented Piwonka with the award at the 107th Casting Congress in Milwaukee, Wis., April 26-29. The award is “for extensive contributions in the form of fundamental research and transfer technology regarding molding sand, steel technologies, investment casting and thin walled iron castings.”

“Dr. Piwonka is a prime example of the high-quality leadership in the College,” said Dr. Timothy J. Greene, dean of the College of Engineering. “He truly represents excellence at The University of Alabama, contributing to his field, even in his retirement.”

Founded in 1896, AFS has nearly 13,000 members in 47 countries. AFS helps member companies and individuals manage production operations, market their products and services and manage their employees. AFS also works with government agencies to set reasonable environmental standards and to promote the interests of the foundry industry.

In 1837, UA became the first university in the state to offer engineering classes and was one of the first five in the nation to do so. Today, the College of Engineering, with about 1,900 students and more than 90 faculty, is one of the three oldest continuously operating engineering programs in the country and has been fully accredited since accreditation standards were implemented in the 1930s.