More than 230 fourth-year students recited the University of Windsor Engineering Oath during the Faculty of Engineering’s Iron Pin Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 16, 2026. (KYLE ARCHIBALD/University of Windsor)
By Lindsay Charlton
More than 230 engineering students pledged their commitment to integrity, respect and positive impact as they complete their final year of studies and prepare for the professional world.
The fourth-year students recited the UWindsor Engineering Oath on Friday, Dec. 16, during the Faculty of Engineering’s Iron Pin Ceremony, where students vowed to carry forward the values and professional commitments of the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario, the University of Windsor and the Faculty of Engineering.
“We’re having them acknowledge these are important qualities for them to practise,” said Jennifer Johrendt, assistant dean, student affairs.
“There are many reasons for them to behave professionally. With the increased number of group projects and interactions with professors and industry professionals during co-op, they can practise now in a safe space. If they don’t get it right the first time we can help them at this point. But once they leave, they should have a good understanding of what’s really expected.”
Lauren Schmidt, a fourth-year mechanical engineering student in the aerospace option, said this was a moment she had been looking forward to.
“It's really rewarding, and it's great to have this physical representation of the work you've put in,” she said. “We spend a lot of long hours here and put in so much hard work; it’s nice to see how far you’ve come since the beginning of it all.”
More than 230 fourth-year students recited the University of Windsor Engineering Oath during the Faculty of Engineering’s Iron Pin Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 16, 2026. (KYLE ARCHIBALD/University of Windsor)
Reciting the oath with her classmates was important to Schmidt, calling it a meaningful reminder of why they’re here.
“I think it’s so important we know and learn the oath before we’re actual engineers because we can see what we’re working toward and, of course, the importance of the work we’re doing,” she said.
As she nears the completion of her studies, Schmidt said the past four years have been a journey.
“As a female in the field, there have definitely been some challenges, but it's been really great because this is something that I set for myself in high school,” she shared. “I knew that I wanted to do this, and being able to show myself that with hard work and dedication, I can do anything I put my mind to is really important to me.”
Schmidt will carry the oath’s sentiment with her into the next chapter, beginning her professional career at NextStar Energy, where she completed three co-op terms.
Since its introduction in 2018, the ceremony has marked students’ journey through the program, beginning in first year with a pin designed with three openings for bronze, silver and gold medallions, each awarded annually, with the final gold added Friday to complete the set.
“It gives them a common bond,” Johrendt noted. “We see students wearing the pins on their convocation gowns, and they wear them at their Iron Ring ceremony.”
The Faculty of Engineering’s Iron Pin is designed with three openings for bronze, silver and gold medallions, each awarded annually. Pictured at the fourth-year Iron Pin Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 16, 2026. (KYLE ARCHIBALD/University of Windsor)