Many engineering and computer science societies’ codes of ethics include statements of the professional responsibilities of their working members. The purpose of this ceremony is to remind and encourage NC State College of Engineering students to be cognizant of these responsibilities as they embark on the professional phase of their lives. In addition, we wish to celebrate the conclusion of their time on campus and wish them well in future endeavors as they represent themselves, their families, the college and NC State itself.

2026 Keynote Speaker

Sharon Nell

Sharon Nell is a Strategic Operations Partner at Fractional Insights, LLC, where she helps organizations navigate growth, transition, and capacity challenges with clarity and structure. Her approach is grounded in the foundation she built at NC State, where she earned a Master’s in Industrial Engineering, and Bachelor of Science degrees in Industrial Engineering and Multidisciplinary Studies as a member of the second cohort of Franklin Scholars. She later completed her MBA at Wake Forest University, expanding her ability to guide teams through complex decisions and organizational change.

Before launching her consulting practice, Sharon spent 25 years at John Deere in leadership roles spanning Manufacturing, Supply Management, and Product Program Management. She is deeply engaged in community and mission-driven work, supporting organizations focused on meeting critical needs and strengthening human connection. Her leadership style is marked by empathy, curiosity, and commitment, a perspective shaped by the personal vision of success she developed years ago and continues to use as a grounding tool in her work and life.

Watch Ceremony Livestream

Eligibility

All eligible College of Engineering and Computer Science students are encouraged to participate in the Recognition of Graduates Event sponsored by the college. Students who are within 24 credits of graduation, or have recently graduated, are eligible. At the ceremony, all students will be recognized and receive a ring or lapel pin and certificate. (To receive a ring or lapel pin, students must participate in the ceremony.)

Family and guests are welcome to attend. Registration and tickets are not required.

Order of the Engineer (OOE)

Students in one of the ABET-EAC engineering degree programs will be inducted into the Order of the Engineer (OOE) and will receive a ring. Please see www.order-of-the-engineer.org for details on this designation. 

Pledge of the Computing Professional

Students in Computer Science will be inducted into the Pledge of the Computing Professional and receive a lapel pin or a ring. Please see http://pledge-of-the-computing-professional.org/.

How to Participate

If you wish to participate in the College of Engineering Recognition of Graduates Event, please begin registration by clicking the link below when registration is open. Sizing is required for registration.

CSC Students: You may choose between a lapel pin or ring.

Ring Sizing: You will need to know your ring size to register. The ring will need to be sized for your small finger on your working hand. To figure out your ring size, do one of the following:

• Visit the link here regarding how to measure your ring size at home.
• Attend one of the ring sizing events on Centennial Campus (EBII Breezeway).
  • Wednesday, March 4 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 10 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Visit the COE Academic Affairs main office at 416 Lampe between 8:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday.

Options if you cannot attend this year

• Attend a future NC State ceremony. Ceremonies are held annually during the week of graduation. You can send an email to engineering@ncsu.edu between January and April in the year you would like to attend to indicate you are interested in participating in the event.
• Reach out to other local institutions who host induction ceremonies for the Order of the Engineering (list here) or Pledge of the Computing Professional (list here) to inquire whether they allow students from other schools to participate in their events.

Registration

Registration opens January 15, 2026.

Questions?

Contact the engineering office at engineering@ncsu.edu or call 919-515-3263.

Accommodation Requests

NC State is committed to providing an inclusive environment and, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided at least 10 days before the event. Direct accommodation requests to Gabe Wical, jgwical@ncsu.edu, (919) 515-9946.

Past Keynote Speakers