March 01, 2005 Laurel, Maryland

For his dedication to the engineering profession, to his community and to academia, Jerry Gibbon was named Engineer of the Year by the DC Council of Engineering and Architectural Societies.

“I am elated, but also humbled by the recognition,” said Gibbon, a Capitol College alumnus and college trustee. “It's certainly an honor to be recognized by my peers and a high point of my career.”

Gibbon received his award during the council's annual awards banquet Saturday, Feb. 26 at the Four Points Sheraton in Washington, DC. The banquet wraps up the council's celebration of National Engineers Week 2005.

The DC Council of Engineering and Architectural Societies comprises 36 organizations related to engineering and architect professions in the DC region that advance the professions through public interest, scientific and educational pursuits.

Gibbon was nominated by a fellow member of the Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers, a professional organization of which he is a senior member. Gibbon is also chairman of the IEEE Region-2 South Area, which encompasses the Washington DC metro area, as well as Northern Virginia, Baltimore and Annapolis. His nomination was backed with recommendation letters from four other people, including retired Capitol College President G. William Troxler.

“I never let myself stop learning,” Gibbon said. “I've always been a proponent for education -- reading journal articles, attending lectures and seminars. In this industry, continuing education is a must because while the basic concepts stay the same, how we use those concepts change over time.”

Gibbon graduated with a bachelor's degree in electronics engineering technology from Capitol in 1975. He is a charter member of the Alumni Advisory Board, which he has chaired since 1989. He has served on the Board of Trustees since 1992 and was most recently a member of the Presidential Search Committee, which recommended Michael T. Wood as college president.

“We are so proud of our alumnus, trustee and friend, Jerry Gibbon's being recognized with this award,” Wood said. “ In addition to serving his profession and society, Jerry has been a stalwart leader and contributor of wisdom and guidance to Capitol College.  He has mentored our students and provided them with resources. Now, in addition to his wonderful work behind the scenes, Jerry will be recognized more publicly as a role model for our students and others.”

Gibbon is principal of J&BG Consultants, LLP in Falls Church, Va., a telecommunications engineering and management-consulting firm.  His career includes 22 years in federal and military service and 25 years in private industry.  In federal service, he was telecommunications manager and engineer at the Department of Commerce and the General Services Administration. He worked as a manager and engineer at Computer Sciences Corp., Pulsecom Division of Hubbell Corp., the National Scientific Laboratory Inc., and the DECO Division of Westinghouse Corp.

A fellow of the Washington Academy of Sciences and of Capitol College, Gibbon has received numerous awards such as an IEEE Third Millennium Medal and two federal bronze medals and meritorious service commendations from the federal government, IEEE and Capitol College.

Gibbon lives in Falls Church with his wife, Elizabeth. They have two daughters and a son, as well as two grandsons.