Alumni

ECE Alumni Association Board Profile

Mr. Douglas Criner
Board President 2001 - 2004

Criner

Since retiring from Burns & McDonnell Engineering Co., Doug Criner remains active in engineering, including the development of medical research equipment for conducting sleep research. He also presently serves as a member of the Illinois Professional Engineering Licensing Board and is active in the IEEE Power Engineering Society.

Burns & McDonnell, in Oak Brook, IL, is an engineering consulting firm with 1,400 employees worldwide. During his 25 years at Burns & McDonnell, Criner has worked on and managed numerous consulting projects. His assignments have included the installation of an electronic toll collection system for the Illinois Tollway, the implementation of cogeneration plants for Procter & Gamble, and the development of large power plants in Wyoming, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.

Criner appreciates the value his U of I engineering degree still holds. According to Criner, all alumni benefit from a strong, nationally recognized department. "As the current program stays strong, or even improves, it really increases the value of all our stock," Criner said. "I graduated in 1964, but the reputation that U of I has today, in some ways, makes my diploma more valuable than ever."

During his tenure on the alumni board, Criner hopes he and his fellow board members can help the department retain its preeminent standing and help students, in the process. "As the curriculum evolves, the alumni board members can make constructive suggestions about how to prepare UIUC students for the workforce," Criner said.

While he occasionally comes to campus for special recruiting events, Criner wants to use his board position to help more students prepare for life after college. "I know that students are always looking for contacts, and I'd like to help," Criner said. "I think all the advisory board members can provide the students with career advice, summer job tips, and full-time employment opportunities."