Formally naming its Mechanical Engineering division after him, the College of Engineering and Computing honored Michael Zabinski, PhD, for his 55-year legacy in engineering schooling.
Michael Zabinski, PhD, professor of mechanical engineering, joined Fairfield College in 1969. Over the previous 5 and a half many years, the valued professor and pioneer within the discipline of engineering schooling has made a long-lasting impression on the establishment.
The dedication of the Michael P. Zabinski, PhD, Division of Mechanical Engineering started with remarks from Dean Andres Leonardo Carrano, PhD, who set the scene by inviting attendees to think about Dr. Zabinski’s early years at Fairfield, lecturing about thermodynamics within the unairconditioned halls of the Bannow Science Middle. Dr. Carrano emphasised the full-circle nature of the second, honoring Dr. Zabinski’s contributions to the College within the actual place the place his Fairfield profession started.
Provost Christine Siegel, PhD celebrated Dr. Zabinski’s trailblazing function as an educator, together with his involvement in establishing Fairfield’s famend 3+2 engineering program. This initiative allowed college students to check at Fairfield earlier than transferring to prestigious engineering establishments reminiscent of College of Connecticut and Columbia College to finish their levels. Dr. Siegel additionally highlighted Dr. Zabinski’s visionary efforts in founding the Nationwide Pc Camp, the primary summer time program of its type, aimed toward sparking curiosity in know-how amongst center and highschool college students. “Dr. Zabinski has been a real pioneer, laying the groundwork for Fairfield’s now-thriving engineering program,” stated Dr. Siegel.
In her speech, Dr. Siegel famous Dr. Zabinski’s dedication to college students throughout his tenure on the College. “As a trainer, he was at all times devoted to the expansion and growth of his college students, a few of whom are right here at the moment, a lot of whom have handed below his tutelage for 55 years.”
Fairfield College President Mark R. Nemec, PhD expressed deep gratitude for Dr. Zabinski’s contributions, acknowledging how his imaginative and prescient continues to form the varsity’s evolving identification as a “fashionable, Jesuit Catholic College.” Dr. Nemec spoke of the enduring twin legacy Dr. Zabinski embodies: celebrating the previous whereas embracing the College’s future in engineering and know-how. “Our problem is to hold our 500-year custom ahead, and there’s no higher image of that custom than this newly named division,” he stated.
Dr. Zabinski’s closing remarks mirrored his journey in academia, as a witness to the evolution of the engineering program. He stated, “I’ve had the privilege of working with shiny colleagues and nice college students. These nice college students, with their curiosity and excellence, have been the driving drive behind my ardour for educating.” He recounted the phases of Fairfield Engineering: the early years of the three+2 program, the transition to a four-year diploma in 1994, and the brilliant future forward with the anticipated enlargement of engineering amenities. His phrases conveyed a deep sense of delight for his college students and colleagues, emphasizing the significance of educational freedom and creativity in engineering schooling.
“Fairfield Engineering certainly has a really shiny future and can proceed to encourage excellence. I foresee a College of Engineering that encourages creativity with applications that combine classroom studying with hands-on initiatives, analysis alternatives, and partnerships with business,” stated Dr. Zabinski.
Expressing gratitude to his household, colleagues, and Fairfield management, Dr. Zabinski acknowledged the collective effort that led to this honor. “I’m privileged to have labored at Fairfield, a spot that really cherishes educational freedom and excellence,” he stated.
As Fairfield’s first named division, the Michael P. Zabinski, PhD, Division of Mechanical Engineering stands as a long-lasting tribute to Dr. Zabinski’s impression on Fairfield College and his life’s work in engineering schooling. The ceremony concluded with an outpouring of gratitude from pals, household, alumni, and colleagues.
