Distinguished Alumnus Darwin Walker
Whether he's sacking quarterbacks on the playing field or running a thriving multi-disciplined engineering and consulting firm, Darwin Walker remains committed to excellence in all aspects of his life.
Walker grew up in Walterboro, S.C., where his parents owned Walker Construction Company. Both were licensed contractors, and Walker became fascinated by the theoretical part of putting together projects. He was determined to get a degree in civil engineering.
Football was Walker's other passion. He began his college experience at North Carolina State, where his brother was also a player, but he transferred to UT as a defensive tackle after his freshman year.
"I came to the University of Tennessee because it had, in my opinion, premier programs in both engineering and football," Walker said.
Walker was a part of one of the most exciting eras in UT football, as the team racked up two Southeastern Conference Championships, and then went on to win the 1998 National Championship against the Florida State Seminoles. Walker's fourth quarter sack of FSU's quarterback was a turning point in the intense game, setting up the UT team for a 23-16 victory.
"The national championship was a time in my life that I will never forget," Walker commented. "There is no feeling better than being a part of a group of people who come together with one common goal, one synergy, one dream and one opportunity to achieve greatness-and to actually do it."
Although there was concern that Walker might leave the university early for a slot on an NFL team, he was determined to earn his degree in civil engineering.
"The National Championship was one of the greatest accomplishments that I have ever had in my life," Walker said. "But when I walked across the stage to get my degree, that was the greatest achievement."
After graduating in 2000, Walker was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals, where he played for two games before joining up with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he was a highly successful and visible presence as the team won the 2004 NFC Championship. During the past five years, Walker has had 26 1/2 sacks, making him the fourth-most productive defensive tackle during that span.
In August of 2007, Walker was traded to the Chicago Bears, the defending NFC champions.
He is now a free agent player.
Walker co-founded Progressive Engineering with fellow Tennessee grad Paul Tucker following his graduation. Beginning with just two offices, in Knoxville and Philadelphia, the partners developed the firm into a thriving, full-service multi-disciplined engineering and consulting firm.
Progressive then formed a strategic alliance with Pennoni Associates Inc., a Philadelphia-based firm with company with several offices across the country. Walker became part-owner, Chief Development Officer and Vice-President of Pennoni.
Walker's wife, Danielle, took over leadership of Progressive until the birth of their son, Darwin Walker II. At that time, the couple decided to merge Progressive into Pennoni Associates. Today, the company has 925 employees with 22 offices.
"When I became an officer with Pennoni, we had 600 employees. We now have 925. I always say it was because of me," Walker joked. "Actually, Pennoni was established over 50 years ago."
Walker is also active in many charitable and community-based organizations, both through the work of his foundation and through participation with groups including the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
Walker recently visited UT to serve as commencement speaker for the College of Engineering's 2007 Spring Commencement, where he outlined "Darwin's Rules for Success" to the new graduates.
In addition to their engineering interests, Darwin and Danielle Walker enjoy spending time with their young son, who was born in 2006.
"My son is a blessing," Walker said. "I still have to pinch myself when I look at him."
Walker added that he will let his son make his own decision about whether or not to attend his alma mater.
"I will let him decide, but of course, I'm biased," Walker said. "I have so many wonderful memories from my years at UT."