Hamden Resident Helps Build Quinnipiac School of Engineering from Ground Up

From Quinnipiac University Connecticut:

Hamden’s John Reap, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, has not only been energized by his students, but by helping to build the university’s new School of Engineering from the ground up.

“Being part of building something new has added to the enthusiasm and commitment,” he said. “The Founding Fathers of this nation would later say they acted as if the eyes of history were on them when signing the Declaration of Independence and formalizing the Constitution. Of course, this is not nearly as grand, but when you know that people will be looking at you as the benchmark, as the standard bearer, you walk a little straighter, examine your actions more carefully, state bolder goals and pursue those bolder goals with greater vigor.”

That type of energy has not gone unnoticed. He has been recognized with Quinnipiac's most prestigious faculty honor, the Center for Excellence in Teaching Award.

Reap earned a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from Lafayette College and master’s and doctorate degrees in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech. He taught for two years at Virginia Tech before joining Quinnipiac in 2012.

“I think helping students to learn, achieve and grow as human beings is a good use of my talents,” he added.

The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Service to Students encourages, supports and recognizes superior teaching and service to students at Quinnipiac. The Center serves as an important vehicle in helping the University achieve its educational mission, consistent with its three core values: high quality academic programs, a student-oriented environment and a sense of community. Honorees were recognized at the annual Center for Excellence Awards Ceremony on Oct. 20.

In addition to receiving a cash award, the recipients will be honored at a reception with the Board of Trustees and have their names carved into the stone plaque located in the Arnold Bernhard Library.
In addition to receiving a cash award, the honorees were recognized at a reception with the Board of Trustees and will have their names carved into the stone plaque located in the Arnold Bernhard Library.

Photo courtesy of Quinnipiac University