CapstoneEngineerMagazineFall2026 - Flipbook - Page 32
Alumni News & Accolades
Our alumni continue to make an impact through their
innovation, leadership and service. Their accomplishments reflect the strength of a UA engineering education
and the meaningful contributions they make in their professions, communities and industries. We are proud to
celebrate our alumni’s personal and professional milestones and the many ways they represent the Styslinger
College of Engineering.
Steve Milligan ’82 didn’t set out to become an
engineer — he was originally a pre-dentistry major
until his high school teacher spotted his aptitude
for the field. A chemical engineering class at UA
changed everything, and he fell in love with the
discipline.
After 35 years with Dow Chemical Co., traveling
extensively across Canada, Saudi Arabia, South
Korea and India, Milligan turned his engineering
expertise toward craft distilling. Seven years
ago, he launched his own operation, the Loaded
Cannon Distillery, in Bradenton, Florida.
There, Milligan applies chemical engineering
principles to safety protocols, equipment design,
and precise temperature and concentration
control. Every machine in the facility was designed
by Milligan.
His distillery has won several awards, including
being named LUXlife Magazine’s 2026 Best
Craft Distillery Experience in Florida. While his
nickname “loose cannon” inspired his business
name, Milligan channels that same free spirit
into building relationships — his distillery hosts
Alabama football watch parties and draws
customers who appreciate its unique atmosphere.
Looking back on his time at UA, Milligan credits
the foundational skills honed in the Styslinger
College of Engineering as an essential component
of his success.
1980s
1990s
Vicki Hollub ’81 was named to Forbes’ 2025 World’s
Most Powerful Women list and retired as president
and CEO of Occidental Petroleum.
Kelly Morris ’90 became senior partner of Joe DeReuil
Associates LLC and a member of the advisory board
for the department of civil, construction and
environmental engineering.
Rodney “Rod” B. Northam ’85 was recognized with
the Champion of the Year Award by the Northwest
Alabama Economic Development Authority.
Eric Edwards ’87 was inducted into the State of
Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame.
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Dr. David Williams ’91 received the Technical Award
for Technology Development and Research from the Air,
Space and Missile Defense Association; the Individual
Technical Award from the Missile Defense Agency; and
the Individual Technology Development Award from
the Missile Defense Agency Directorate of Test.
