Fireball Family Affair: Calling of an engineering has Mac Eng grads present Iron rings to loved ones

A graduating student’s Mac Eng journey reaches a significant milestone when they receive their Iron Ring at the Calling of an Engineer ceremony.  

At this ceremony, future engineers take an oath to uphold the ethical standards of their profession and their obligation to serve the public. The ceremony also allows seasoned engineers to welcome the next generation of engineers to their field and support them during their transition. 

And all of that is represented by the Iron Ring. Worn on the pinky finger of their working hand, it serves as a reminder of the professional responsibility they now carry with them. 

For these six McMaster Engineering students and one graduate, their ceremony was made extra special by having their family members present their ring to them. Below, they share what the Iron Ring means to them and why they selected their presenter. 

What does receiving an Iron Ring mean to you?  

I’ve been looking forward to this milestone since the day I accepted my Mac Eng offer. Receiving my Iron Ring is a testament to the hard work I’ve invested over the past five years. It represents not only the knowledge and skills I’ve gained, but everything it took to get here. This ring holds memories of the long hours, the stress, and the growth I’ve experienced as both an aspiring engineer and as a person. Along the way, I’ve watched myself take on challenges, embrace new opportunities, and grow more confident in my abilities. From the clubs and jobs to the friendships I’ve built and the communities I’ve been part of here at McMaster. These experiences remind me that engineering isn’t about individual success, but about collaboration and support. 

When I first started, my dad always told me engineering would “rewire your brain”, and now I understand. This experience didn’t just give me a degree; it changed how I think and approach problems, giving me confidence to handle things when they don’t go as planned. It’s something I know I’ll carry with me in my career and in life. 

After everything it took to get here, the Iron Ring serves as more than just a symbol of what I’ve accomplished. It reminds me of the responsibility that comes with it. To act with integrity and take pride in doing things the right way. 

Why did you choose Wael to present your Iron Ring?  

My father has been my biggest mentor throughout my engineering journey. Growing up, he was my first introduction to the field, from helping me study to hearing about the work he was doing. It also meant having someone at home who had already gone through the challenges of an engineering degree, which has been a privilege. His constant advice and reassurance have played a significant role in getting me to this point. 

To make this even more meaningful, my family immigrated to Canada so my dad could pursue his PhD in engineering at McMaster. Now, nearly two decades later, I’m graduating from the same university. Having him present me with my ring feels like a true full-circle moment. 

What does receiving an Iron Ring mean to you?  

Receiving an Iron Ring is a significant accomplishment that represents many things to me. I have been looking forward to this moment ever since I saw the ring on my father’s finger growing up and learned about what it means to be an engineer. Now that I am finally receiving it myself, I feel it reflects the years of hard work and late nights I’ve dedicated to becoming a software engineer. It also serves as a reminder of the responsibility I’ve taken on and must uphold throughout my career. Lastly, it serves as a reminder that I have earned my place in the engineering community and to never doubt myself. 

Why did you choose Angelo to present your Iron Ring?  

I chose my father to present my Iron Ring because he has been my mentor and greatest supporter throughout my life. From elementary school through high school and even in university, he has always been there to guide me, whether it was helping with homework or encouraging my curiosity about the world. His unwavering support, motivation, and guidance have shaped who I am today, and he is one of the main reasons I am achieving this milestone. I hope to carry the same dedication and integrity in my work that he has always shown in his. 

What does receiving an Iron Ring mean to you? 

Receiving my Iron Ring marks the end of five years of hard work, perseverance, and countless late nights spent studying and growing as an engineer. It represents not only what I’ve achieved, but everything I’ve learned along the way. More importantly, it serves as a reminder of my responsibility to act ethically, to approach every challenge with integrity, and to always do my best. It also represents the support and guidance I received along the way, which makes this achievement even more meaningful. 

Why did you choose Samuel to present your Iron Ring? 

At the end of high school, my brother explained how impactful a career in engineering could be and encouraged me to pursue it, ultimately setting me on this path. Throughout my five years, he has always been someone I could turn to with my questions and has supported me along the way. He understands the dedication it took to get here and has always pushed me to keep going. Having him present my ring makes this moment especially special and memorable to share with him!

What does receiving an Iron Ring mean to you? 

For myself, receiving the Iron Ring is a reminder of the work that I’ve done to get to this point. As I move forward with my career and experience new challenges, successes and failures, I’ll always remember the effort I’ve put in to get this far and the commitments I’ve made to constantly challenge myself. 

Why did you choose Nancy to present your Iron Ring? 

I chose my mom to present my Iron Ring to me because she is one of the most important figures in my life, and a major reason why I began this journey to study engineering. She has always been there supporting and guiding me towards a field that I truly enjoy, and as a McMaster graduate herself it is even more special to get the chance to share this with her. 

What does receiving an Iron Ring mean to you? 

Receiving an Iron Ring signifies the cumulation of years of hard work and dedication. It’s something every engineer should feel proud of wearing. The iron ring serves as a reminder of the standard we need to follow. As an engineer it should always be our priority to help people and provide the highest quality work even through life’s challenges. 

Why did you choose Archie to present your Iron Ring? 

My sister has always been someone I’ve deeply admired all through my childhood. We always joked when I decided to become an engineer that maybe she could be my ring bearer, but I’ve never fully realized it until now. I’m super grateful to have her in my life as a mentor and one of my best friends, so this means the world to me that I get to choose her to be my ring bearer. 

What does receiving an Iron Ring mean to you? 

 It is hard to fully express the meaning behind receiving the iron ring. It is a physical testament to the past five years of hard work and perseverance, and something I will look at  everyday as a reminder that I am capable of accomplishing anything I put my mind to. It also represents the obligation we hold as engineers, both to the public to prioritize safety and welfare above all else, and to ourselves to uphold the integrity and values this ring stands for. 

Beyond that, it connects me to my parents, the incredible friends I’ve made at Mac Eng, and all the engineers who came before me. As I begin the next chapter of my life, the ring will always represent my time at McMaster and everything it has done to shape me into the person I am today.  

Why did you choose Marlene to present your ring? 

I chose my mom (Mac Chem Eng ‘92) to present my ring because I truly would not be receiving it without her. I can’t count the number of times she has supported me through busy midterm seasons or convinced me I could do it when I wanted to give up. She has been encouraging me to be my best since I was a kid, from putting me in engineering camps to supporting me when I was one of only a few girls in my high school physics classes. It feels especially meaningful to receive my ring from someone who was one of a handful of women in her program when I am now surrounded by so many incredible women engineers receiving theirs. I am so proud of everything my mom has accomplished and she truly embodies the characteristics of an engineer I aspire to emulate. It was my absolute honor to have her present my ring.

What does receiving an Iron Ring mean to you?  

Receiving my Iron Ring is especially meaningful because my path to this moment was anything but straightforward. After graduating from McMaster’s Bachelor of Technology program in 2019, I was required to complete several additional technical exams before becoming eligible for the Calling of the Engineer. Returning as an alumnus to finally receive the ring now years later, after many late nights studying long after my undergraduate degree feels like both an honour and a milestone I truly earned.  

Why did you choose Stephen to present your Iron Ring?  

I chose my father, Stephen Veldhuis, to present my Iron Ring because he has been a constant source of guidance and inspiration throughout my life. From building soap box derby racers with me as a young boy to tackling home renovation projects with the kind of precision only he possesses, he has always exemplified the thoughtful, capable, and principled engineer I aspire to be.