Professor emeritus receives award from alma mater

February 22, 2019

University Relations

Sukumar Bandopadhyay, front left, professor emeritus of mining engineering, received the Distinguished Alumnus of the Century in Making Award on Feb. 11, 2019. Presenting the award is Manoj Sinha, front right, India's minister of communications and state minister of railways. Photo courtesy of Sukumar Bandopadhyay.
Sukumar Bandopadhyay, front left, professor emeritus of mining engineering, received the Distinguished Alumnus of the Century in Making Award on Feb. 11, 2019. Presenting the award is Manoj Sinha, front right, India's minister of communications and state minister of railways. Photo courtesy of Sukumar Bandopadhyay.


Sukumar Bandopadhyay, professor emeritus of mining engineering, received the Distinguished Alumnus of the Century in Making Award on Feb. 11 during centennial celebration for the Indian Institute of Technology-Banaras Hindu University. The institute grants the award to alumni who have made exceptional contributions to society.

Prior to his retirement from UAF, Bandopadhyay served as a professor of mining engineering for over 34 years, and as dean of the School of Mineral Engineering from 2001-2005. He is known for his leadership in the advancement of mining education in Alaska, mentoring of students worldwide, and promoting responsible and sustainable mining in the Arctic.

Bandopadhyay received his Bachelor of Technology degree in mining engineering in 1970, and a Master of Technology degree in mine planning in 1975 from the Indian Institute of Technology-BHU. He also holds master of science degree in mining engineering and operations research (1979) and a Ph.D. in mining engineering (1982) from Pennsylvania State University.