We are pleased to announce the Honorable Heidi Shyu MS ’81, Engr ’82 will address this year’s graduating class at commencement on June 16 at Pauley Pavilion.
As an immigrant to the United States from Taiwan, Shyu is an American success story who has been recognized for her leadership in the aerospace industry, as well as in the top ranks of government.
Shyu began her career as an engineer at Hughes Aircraft, and spent the majority of her aerospace career in senior positions at Raytheon focusing on the technical strategy and development of radars and sensors for military aircraft, unmanned systems, and space systems.
In 2000, Shyu was nominated to the United States Air Force Scientific Advisory Board where she served as vice-chair and chair. The board provides independent counsel on technologies such as supersonic aircraft, satellite communications, defense against aircraft and missiles, weather monitoring, and medical research. It also performs in-depth reviews of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s science and technology research.
In 2012, she was nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the Senate for the position of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology, a position she held until January 30, 2016. She was responsible for an annual research development and acquisition budget that ranged from $23 billion to $33 billion, and was in charge for all resources used by the Army.
Shyu has received the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service, the Department of the Army Medal for Distinguished Civilian Service, and the Department of the Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service, to name just a few honors. In 2014, she received the UCLA Samueli Professional Achievement Award, recognizing her distinguished career.