Three outstanding alumni have been named as the 2025 Alumni Award winners for their incredible accomplishments in their careers and impact in their communities. Travis Thul ’06, Dr. Joseph Rencis ’78, ’80 and Eric Gardner ’15 were presented with their awards at the 2025 Alumni Awards ceremony on Friday, October 10. Learn more about each recipient below.
Travis Thul '06 | Outstanding Alumnus of the Year
Travis Thul ’06 has built a remarkable career at the intersection of engineering, education, public service and national security. A first-generation college graduate, he earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology from MSOE before completing a master’s at UW–Madison. He went on to serve his country as a fourth-generation member of the U.S. Coast Guard, deploying worldwide in support of major operations including the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and multiple hurricane relief missions. Rising to the rank of Commander, he continues to serve as a Senior Reserve Officer. Thul’s leadership extends well beyond military service. He has held influential roles at the Federal Communications Commission, Minnesota State College Southeast and the Technological Leadership Institute at the University of Minnesota, where he advanced programs in engineering, workforce development and semiconductor manufacturing. In 2018, he was appointed a White House Fellow, serving in industrial policy and economic security with the Export-Import Bank and contributing to the Abraham Accords. An innovator as well, he holds a patent for Ramen Now!, a small kitchen appliance. Today, Thul is vice president of student success and engagement at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he leads workforce development and career initiatives.
Dr. Joseph Rencis '78, '80 | Alumni Advocate for Equity and Inclusion Award
A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Joseph J. Rencis earned his associate and bachelor’s degrees in architectural and building construction engineering technology from MSOE before completing a master’s at Northwestern University and a doctorate at Case Western Reserve University. He serves as professor and associate dean of the School of Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide in Florida. He began his academic career at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he became a tenured professor of mechanical engineering and director of engineering mechanics. He later served as dean of engineering at Tennessee Tech University, where he established the Student Success Center to improve retention and graduation rates, particularly for low-income and first-generation students. He held similar leadership roles at Cal Poly Pomona, the University of Albany (SUNY) and the University of Texas Permian Basin, consistently championing diversity, equity and inclusion while supporting student organizations such as the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). Throughout his career, he has combined engineering expertise with a deep commitment to fostering inclusive academic environments. His leadership philosophy—“Step up, step back and step together”—reflects his belief that teamwork rooted in inclusiveness creates stronger solutions and communities.
Eric Gardner '15 | Graduate of the Last Decade
Eric Gardner ’15 graduated from MSOE with a mechanical engineering degree, finding his passion for engineering as well as rowing as a member of the men’s rowing team. He carried forward lessons in collaboration and innovation that he learned from both of these experiences, and they continue to shape his career. While at MSOE, an Honors class in toy design, where he and a classmate developed “Rink,” a portable multi-air hockey game, sparked his interest in product development, a path he pursued through an internship and later full-time work at Rockwell Automation. He joined Rockwell’s Leadership Development Program right after graduation, and for two years he traveled across the country, gaining broad business experience. After graduating from the program in 2017, he moved into a mechanical engineering role in new product development for Rockwell’s motion control business, where he has earned multiple patents. Today, Gardner serves as a system responsible engineer, leading a team in developing Rockwell’s cutting-edge Independent Cart Technology. Beyond his professional achievements, Gardner has stayed closely connected to MSOE as an assistant rowing coach, mentoring student-athletes for the past five years.
Alumni Awards 2025
