Top Dog Honorees
Lyles College of Engineering Outstanding Alumni

Tony Akel (1983, ‘85)
President, Akel Engineering Group, Inc.

With 38 years of professional experience, Akel has led more than 300 system master planning and special study projects throughout California and the United States. His firm is an industry leader in digital water engineering, offering expertise in creating integrated infrastructure master plans for water, sewer and storm systems.

Ed Dunkel ('01)
President, Precision Civil Engineering

An innovator in civil engineering and land surveying, Dunkel has worked on a variety of high-profile commercial and public infrastructure projects such as the Marketplace at El Paseo and Avenue 12 reconstruction. As a community leader he lent his expertise and time to support a number of community organizations to help improve regional economic development.

Joseph F. Picket ('94) 
President, Pickett & Sons Construction, Inc. 

Under Pickett’s leadership, Pickett & Sons Construction, Inc. has continued to construct commercial projects throughout the Central Valley, including office buildings, shopping centers, light industrial buildings, apartments and assisted living facilities. Pickett & Sons Construction, Inc. has been recognized multiple times for its work. 

View 2022 Top Dog Awards