The first Department of Computer Science and Engineering Distinguished Alumnus Award was presented to Mr. Kevin Ohl at the College of Engineering Awards Banquet on May 8. This award recognizes an alumnus of the Department who has distinguished himself/herself as a leader through professional contributions, public service, and personal accomplishments.

Kevin J. Ohl graduated from Michigan State with a B.S. in Computer Science in 1978 and an MBA in Accounting in 1981. He passed the CPA examination in May 1981 and although he focuses primarily on business and technology consulting, he is a CPA registered in the State of Illinois.

In July 1981, Kevin joined Crowe Chizek and Company LLC, a leading provider of assurance, consulting, risk management, tax and technology services to large and middle-market public companies and large privately-held businesses. Currently an Executive with Crowe Chizek and Company LLC, Kevin assists clients with developing technology strategy, supervises projects related to implementation of business processes and systems, and oversees Crowe Chizek's Government Consulting practice in the state of Illinois.

Kevin has been active in industry groups, such as COMMON, and on advisory boards to various technology vendors. He has also been active with Public Television, serving as an Auction Volunteer, Annual Auction Chairperson, and Board Member and Treasurer; and with the United Way, serving as a fund-raising captain for a number of annual campaigns. Kevin is currently involved in youth sports coaching and organization, including indoor soccer and baseball.

Kevin was heavily involved with the Computer Science Department even before becoming an active alumnus. He served in a number of roles as an undergraduate, beginning as a teaching assistant during his sophomore year and eventually becoming a course administrator for the entry level computer science courses. Upon entering his MBA program, Kevin assumed instructional responsibility for these entry-level courses and also taught COBOL Programming. Finally, Kevin served as a non-faculty representative on the Computer Science Department's Curriculum Committee.

Kevin is an "engaged alumnus". He serves on the CSE Department's Strategic Partner Council and on the College of Engineering's Alumni Board. He has works actively with the CSE Department to sponsor class projects and extracurricular events. He gives presentations to CSE classes. He also has been a key participant in the CSE Department's semi-annual graduation receptions with his remarks from an alumni perspective.

Kevin is also actively involved with MSU on a financial basis. He and his wife Sue are Hannah Society members. Kevin continually advocates for MSU both within and outside of Crowe Chizek. He was responsible for organizing an annual contribution from the MSU alumni at Crowe Chizek and Company LLC; this contribution has resulted in an endowed scholarship fund that awards annual scholarships to CSE students. Kevin also established the Emerson and Dorothy Ohl Scholarship Fund for a similar purpose. Kevin makes a contribution to the CSE Department for each graduate that joins Crowe Chizek and Company LLC.

Kevin is the proud member of a family including his wife Sue, daughter Alison, and son Nicholas; father Emerson, and siblings Jennifer, Dana, Lynnea, Tracey, Cameron and Colin; and numerous nieces and nephews.