CESAA Teaching Awards: Gjelsvik, Polvani, Shahabuddin

The Columbia Engineering School Alumni Association selected three SEAS faculty members as winners of its Distinguished Faculty Teaching Award. Using evaluations prepared by students, the Alumni Association's Award Committee reviewed the more than 30 nominations from students and selected three awardees: Atle Gjelsvik, professor of civil engineering and engineering mechanics; Lorenzo Polvani, associate professor of applied physics; and Perwez Shahabuddin, associate professor of industrial engineering.

The Award is given on behalf of the students and alumni of the School for excellence in teaching, especially to undergraduate students. The award carries with it a citation and $1,000.

Students praised Atle Gjelsvik by bestowing two ultimate accolades, calling him ``awesome'' and ``way funny.'' He was praised for his ``warm, insightful and approachable personality.'' He had been honored by the Society of Columbia Graduates with its Great Teacher Award in 1989.

Lorenzo Polvani was consistently praised for caring about students, both in the classroom and outside. ``You can see the love of math in his eyes,'' said a student. He is renown for his step-by-step explanations and for making all students understand the subject matter.

Perwez Shahabuddin was repeatedly cited for his organization and for his availability to students. ``He is one of the nicest, friendliest and most available teachers I have ever had,'' commented one student. He was praised for his caring manner, for his role as mentor, project advisor and friend, and for the enormous amounts of time he devotes to his students.

In presenting the 1997 awards at Class Day, CESAA President Donald E. Ross '53 praised the winners. ``Their research accomplishments are attested to by their peers and by their numerous publications and awards,'' he said, ``and today we attest to their excellence in teaching through the voices of their students.''