A century-old tradition: Graduating students choose a role model to present their Iron Ring at Calling of an Engineer ceremony

Before McMaster engineering students don their caps and gowns for Convocation, and even before they complete their final assignments and exams, they partake in a deeply rooted tradition that embodies the essence of their engineering journey.

The Calling of an Engineer ceremony, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, is a pivotal moment where emerging Canadian engineers receive Iron Rings – a symbol of their commitment to the profession and its high ethical standards.

Ceremony participants have the honour of selecting an influential engineer to present them with their Iron Ring, a request made to someone who has played a significant role in their academic, professional and personal development.

Below, seven graduating McMaster Engineering students share the significance of receiving an Iron Ring and who they selected to present it.

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What does receiving an Iron Ring mean to you?

I’m still trying to put it into words. I know it’s more than a symbol of my hard work and dedication. It’s a reminder that I’ve earned my place among the engineering community and that I have a responsibility to use my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact. My time at McMaster has been a journey of growth, self-discovery, and perseverance, and I’m proud to say that I’ve emerged as a confident, capable, and passionate engineering graduate.

Why did you choose Dr. Ofori-Opoku to present your Iron Ring?

Dr. Ofori-Opoku embodies everything I aspire to be as an engineer and a person. As a fellow Ghanaian, he’s shown me that it’s possible to succeed at the highest levels while staying true to my roots and my community. His guidance and support have been invaluable to me, both within NSBE McMaster and as I transition into the workforce. He’s more than just an advisor – he’s a role model, a mentor, and a reminder that I too can make a difference in my field. Having him present me with my Iron Ring is a powerful symbol of the impact that one person can have on another and a reminder that I have the power to pay it forward and make a difference in the lives of others.

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What does receiving an Iron Ring mean to you?

For me it’s a nice memento to cap off the past six years I’ve spent at McMaster. There have been lots of challenges, but I also grew so much and was able to be a part of a wonderful engineering community here at Mac, and I’m definitely going to look back fondly on my time here. I remember starting Welcome Week in my first year and thinking that engineering was the coolest profession out there, so it’s a special feeling to finally earn an Iron Ring and start the next chapter of my life as an engineer.

Why did you choose your brother to present your Iron Ring?

My brother has always been my biggest role model and friend and was always there for me whenever I needed advice for school or life in general. It’s special for me to have him as my presenter.

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What does receiving an Iron Ring mean to you?

Receiving my Iron Ring is a symbol of everything I’ve worked towards over the past four years. It represents the late nights, problem-solving, teamwork, and the resilience it took to get here. Beyond that, it’s a connection to the Mac Eng community and a reminder that I’m stepping into a profession built on responsibility and integrity, carrying forward the values and skills I’ve developed here.

Why did you choose your sister to present your Iron Ring?

My older sister, Stefanie, will be presenting me with my Iron Ring. She attended McMaster before me, and her passion for engineering inspired me to follow in her footsteps. When we were kids, our mom sent us to engineering summer camps together, which introduced us to the field. Now, having Stefanie present my ring feels like a full-circle moment since she has been by my side every step of the way. Throughout my undergrad, Stefanie has been a constant source of support, advice, encouragement, and reassurance, so having her present my ring makes this milestone even more special.

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What does receiving an Iron Ring mean to you?

Receiving the Iron Ring symbolizes a significant milestone in my Mac Eng journey. It feels like an “I’ve made it” moment since I have been in the iBioMed program for six years, and I have always been looking forward to getting my very own Iron Ring. The Iron Ring serves as a reminder of my journey at Mac Eng, the community I’ve loved, the challenges I’ve faced, the great memories I’ve made, the friends and peers I’ve met, the knowledge and skills I’ve gained and the growth I’ve made as a person. Going forward, the ring represents the commitment to uphold the ethics and obligations in my future career, while also honoring the support system (faculty members, staff and friends) that made this journey possible.

Why did you choose Dr. Nease to present your Iron Ring?

I chose Dr. Nease to present me my Iron Ring because he has been an incredible professor and mentor during my time at McMaster. He taught me in the IBEHS 4A03 Biomedical Control System course and I am a TA for the same course this semester. I really enjoy his lecturing style and the way he engages with students. He always answers questions with passion and he genuinely cares about helping students understand all the course material. Dr. Nease has shown me the importance of being passionate about the things I love to do. His mentorship has also inspired me to approach any future work with dedication and creativity.

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What does receiving an Iron Ring mean to you?

Receiving this iron ring is the culmination of so much hard work and dedication over the years. To me, it not only symbolizes the completion of an engineering undergrad, but also how I’ve experienced a journey of self-growth and discovery that has shaped me into the person I am today. Over the course of this degree, I’ve changed how I solve problems, changed how I work with teams, and become immensely more capable at applying my knowledge to the real world. I feel more confident and prepared to take on what’s next in my life, and the Iron Ring serves as an incredible reminder of my ability to persevere and take on challenges, motivating me to keep pushing forward. 

Why did you choose your father to present your Iron Ring?

My dad will be presenting my ring to me. From my early days, he has served as a role model for what an engineer represents; compassion for those around you, expertise in your field, dedication to your work, and an unquenchable desire to keep learning more. His steadfast support over the past 24 years has allowed me to pursue my interests without obstacles, despite it involving me having to leave home.

One thing that I truly look up to him for is his integrity. Throughout his life, in both business and personal settings, he has demonstrated the importance of integrity in decision making. As an Engineer, integrity is essential; it is our obligation to society to maintain integrity in our work and to ensure we are accountable to our peers and to society. Each and every day, I try to live by these values that he has instilled in me, and I fully credit my mom and dad for shaping my character and my drive to build a better world for all those around me.

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What does receiving an Iron Ring mean to you?

To me, receiving my iron ring symbolizes a significant milestone in my Mac Eng journey, representing years of hard work throughout undergrad and happy memories I have made along the way. I am so grateful to be participating in this ceremony with all the friends I have made throughout my time in engineering at McMaster. We have helped each other every step of the way and we made it through together. I am so happy to have been part of the Fireball Family – it really is a wonderful and supportive community.

Why did you choose your father to present your Iron Ring?

Not only do I get to share this experience with my friends, but I am also fortunate enough to be able to share this with my dad, who is presenting my ring. It means so much to me that he will be presenting the ring, since he has been an integral part of my engineering journey and is the reason I was first drawn to this field. He is my greatest role model and has helped me through every step. This moment is a testament to his endless support and inspiration, which has driven me to work hard and try my best in everything I do. I could not have done it without him, and I am so proud and grateful to be sharing this moment with him.

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What does receiving an Iron Ring mean to you?

The Iron Ring marks both a culmination and a new beginning. Throughout my journey at Mac Eng, the ring has been a symbol of the responsibility, resilience, and integrity that come with being part of the engineering profession. For me, it signifies the countless late nights in the lab, the persistence through challenges, personal and technical, and the growth I’ve experienced as both an individual and an aspiring aerospace engineer and business leader. As the first woman in my family on track to becoming an engineer, the Iron Ring carries additional significance. It reminds me of the barriers I’ve overcome and the example I hope to set for others who dream of reaching beyond the horizon. From designing power systems for the SuperBIT telescope and contributing to Canadarm3 research at MDA, to co-founding Limitless Robotics and leading McMaster’s first analogue astronaut team, every milestone has built toward this moment.

Why did you choose Marla Haring to present your Iron Ring?

Marla Haring is a brilliant and inspiring engineer from MDA, where I had the privilege of working as a co-op student. Before joining MDA and contributing to the Canadarm projects, Marla served for years in the Canadian Air Force, where she honed her engineering expertise and leadership. She has since played a key role in the international effort to propel humanity back to the Moon.

Throughout my co-op, Marla was a mentor and role model who made a lasting impact on me. From the very beginning, she welcomed me with enthusiasm and believed in my potential. Beyond my daily responsibilities, she provided me with invaluable opportunities to test new ideas, develop my skills, and connect with an incredible network of supportive fellow aerospace women who are nerdy and driven, just like the two of us.