West Virginia University’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering will induct Gregory S. Babe, president and CEO of Bayer MaterialScience, into its Distinguished Alumni Academy at a banquet April 21 in Morgantown .

Babe is a 1980 graduate of WVU with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Established in 1990, the Academy recognizes graduates of the department and others who have had distinguished professional careers and have been of outstanding service to WVU .

We are very proud to welcome Gregory Babe into our Academy,said Ever Barbero, department chair.He has brought honor to our department as a practitioner and as a citizen.

As head of the NAFTA Region, Babe is responsible for North American activities of Bayer MaterialScience, which is a member of the worldwide Bayer Group, an international health care, nutrition and innovative materials group.

Prior to his current position, Babe was president and CEO of Bayer Corporate and Business Services, where he was responsible for providing expertise and support in engineering and other business services to Bayer Corporation and its affiliates.

He is a member of the American Plastics Council (APC) Operating Board, the APC Officers Group, and chairs the Board’s Membership Committee. He also is the executive sponsor of the Bayer Diversity Advisory Council and is on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Western Pennsylvania . Babe is married, has four children and lives in Mt. Lebanon , Pa.