Purdue Bands presented its Alumni Achievement Award to Intel executive Gene Meieran and its Block "P" Award to Purdue Alumni Association director Larry Preo at the 2000 Homecoming football game on Sept. 23.

Meieran, a 1959 Purdue graduate who played piccolo in the "All-American" Marching Band and flute in concert band, was presented the Alumni Achievement Award for accomplishments in the corporate world. Purdue Bands has presented the award annually since 1994.

"Gene's fondest memory of Purdue is his time in the band. It's undeniable that his Purdue Band experience had a dramatic effect on his life," says Jay Gephart, assistant professor of Bands.

Meieran's bachelor's degree in metallurgy from Purdue was followed by a doctorate in materials science from MIT. Meieran resides in Chandler, Ariz., and has worked for Intel Corp. since 1973. He was appointed an Intel Fellow in 1985 and has since been working in the fields of statistical process control, advanced manufacturing strategy development and the application of knowledge management technology. Since 1996 Meieran has been director of research for the MIT Leaders in Manufacturing program.

He has taught courses in X-ray diffraction at the University of California-Berkeley and at Stanford University. Meieran has received three international awards for his technical papers on semiconductor device technology and reliability. In 1987, Purdue named him a Distinguished Engineering Alumnus, and in 1998 Meieran was elected to the National Academy of Engineering.

Preo, a West Lafayette resident, was honored with the Block "P" Award for his long record of involvement with Purdue Bands. Also created in 1994, this award is presented annually to an outstanding band supporter. Preo has involved many of the Band Department's ensembles in alumni activities including the Purdue Jazz Band, American Music Review and the Purdue "All-American" Marching Band.

"Larry recognizes the importance of Purdue’s band and orchestra program, not only to the students but to the public and to our alumni. He’s been instrumental in helping get our story out all over the country and the world," says Purdue jazz director M.T. "Mo" Trout.

The Alumni Association's support has helped make several trips possible, most notably the Purdue Jazz Band’s performing trips to California in 1999 and Europe in 2000, along with the marching band's trips to bowl games.