Community Leadership Medal: Dennis W. Elsenbeck, ME '96, of Orchard Park, N.Y.

Large commercial and industrial management is Dennis Elsenbeck's main role as regional executive of energy solutions services in National Grid's western division, as well as the public affairs and community relations function.

Elsenbeck has risen through the ranks of what was once Niagara Mohawk to his current position. Despite his increasing workload and responsibility, not only has he become involved in a number of community service endeavors as a board member, but has also re-connected significantly with the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

He became a member of the school's Dean's Advisory Council a few years ago and now chairs the group. Early last year, he was instrumental in convincing National Grid to invest in UB Engineering in a big way. The company made a $250,000 contribution over five years to the school, which will augment such programs as the award-winning BEAM (Buffalo-area Engineering Awareness for Minorities) as well as help to launch new initiatives that introduce Buffalo Public School students in grades 6-12 to careers in high-demand fields such as biomedical engineering and green energy.

Elsenbeck was also instrumental in securing National Grid CEO Steve Holliday as the keynote speaker at the 2007 UB Business Partners Day. The presentation was the first in the U.S. for the United Kingdom-based Holliday. Additionally, Elsenbeck, in cooperation with the school, was a major force in developing two CEO roundtables that were targeted for National Grid's top industrial customers, with Holliday again participating.

On the academic side, Elsenbeck has played a critical lead role in National Grid's involvement with the school to establish a master's-level degree centered on the needs of the modern electrical utility company. Over the last several years, some 35 National Grid employees have earned their degrees in this specialized program.