Vittorio Adeagbo is a 4th year ECE student in the Nanoelectronics and Nanotechnology track from Desoto, Texas. He is the Programs Chair for the UT Austin chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (UTNSBE). Last week, UTNSBE organized a dedication of the John W. Hargis Lounge in the Engineering Education Research Center. Named for Texas Engineering's 1st Black student and alumnus, the space is open to all Cockrell School students and is an acknowledgement of their ongoing strength, courage and resilience. We talked with Vittorio about his time at Texas ECE and how UTNSBE contributed to the development of the John W. Hargis Lounge.
Why did you choose to attend UT?
I chose to attend UT because I really liked the engineering program and the environment of UT in general. I also really liked the energy and vibe of everyone I met when I toured.
What made you decide to pursue electrical and computer engineering?
I have always been interested in electronics, and I took an electronics class that I loved in high school. I always get a certain sense of joy when I am working on a circuit and it works. It also is such an open ended major that I feel like I can branch into so many things related to electronics.
Tell me about the goal of NSBE and why it is important to you.
The mission statement of NSBE is to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers that excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community. We are supporting the diversity of the fields of engineering and the representation of African/African American engineers. We also form a familial community for all people that support our mission regardless of race or major.
What role did NSBE play in making the Hargis Lounge come together?
The top 5 officers in UTNSBE are the ones that came up with the idea and requested a space for black engineering students. We met with the deans on many occasions to plan out the purpose and specifics of the room. UTNSBE essentially contributed most of the planning and volunteers that help to keep the Hargis Lounge in good condition.
Having learned John Hargis’s story, what is something you admire about him?
I really admire his desire to make a change and his dedication to making sure it happens. He was willing to go through the struggles of being a black student in a predominately white institution back when this was completely against the norm. John Hargis inspired me to remember that I can succeed against odds that are against me when I have the tenacity to succeed.
What are your future plans?
I intend to work in industry after I graduate this spring. I currently do not have a job offer but the companies that most interest me are semiconductor and nanotech companies. As I am interested in nanotech and integrated circuits, the places that I would like to go are the places that relate most to these topics.
