Since alumna Linda Cook graduated 29 years ago with a degree in petroleum engineering, she has served on the boards of directors for both Shell and Boeing. Her prominence in the energy industry has earned her repeated recognition by Forbes Magazine as one of the 100 most powerful women in the world, reaching No. 43 in 2008.
Cook spoke to more than 100 undergraduates assembled in Eaton Hall Friday. Cook said she chose to visit the University because, for as far as she could remember, the need for engineers specializing in energy had never been greater.
“We need more engineers in the world today and, in particular, in the energy sector,” Cook said. “So, if I can come here and try to encourage the kids who are thinking about engineering to devote their energy toward the energy sector, then it would be well worth it.”
Cook said the current worldwide energy crisis created a need for engineers specializing in all energy fields and challenged students to fill this demand. She spoke from experience. She herself landed her first job—with Shell in Northern Michigan— during a time of similarly high demand.
