UK Engineering Hall of Distinction inducts Alcoa's Atkins

One of the new inductees to the University of Kentucky College of Engineering Hall of Distinction has a strong connection to the aluminum industry.

Patrick R. Atkins, director of environmental affairs at Alcoa and a 1964 UK civil engineering graduate, was one of four new members inducted in ceremonies on campus April 7. Atkins, a former University of Texas professor who has been with Alcoa for more than 30 years, also holds a master's degree and Ph.D. in environmental engineering, both from Stanford University.

Atkins and Dr. Subodh K. Das, director of the Center for Aluminum Technology, were associates in the Alcoa Technology Center in Pittsburgh from 1974 to 1981, and have stayed in touch since.

Atkins "has made large contributions to the aluminum industry in this global economy by managing environmental stewardship," Das said.

Alcoa has an ambitious environmental agenda called "2020 Vision," in which the company has specific goals for measuring progress toward achieving, by 2020, a strategic plan for cleaner air, better use of land and water, and the protection of human health.

In December of 2005, Alcoa was recognized as a Top Green company by BusinessWeek magazine and the Climate Group. The designation is in recognition of Alcoa's performance in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Alcoa has been recognized by BusinessWeek as a top company of the decade and for best management practices for its leadership on environmental issues while delivering strong financial performance.