Cal Poly’s Engineering Student Council presented its outstanding faculty and staff awards at a reception held Saturday, May 31. The annual awards were based on a collegewide student survey and presented by Engineering Student Council president Rob Potter.

Taufik (he uses only one name), an electrical engineering professor and director of the school’s Electric Power Institute, was named Outstanding Professor in the College of Engineering. “Dr. Taufik is known for his passion for engineering education, especially power electronics,” said Potter. “The notebooks he crafts for his classes are almost legendary. The notes and illustrations make complex engineering concepts easy to understand. During summers he works with industry on leading-edge projects and brings that knowledge back to the classroom. The depth he goes into, the clarity he brings, and the care and eagerness with which he shares his knowledge and expertise has empowered us all.”

James Meagher, a mechanical engineering professor, was named the Outstanding Club Advisor for exemplary involvement in the Cal Poly American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) student chapter over the past 25 years. Meagher’s industry connections led to the club hosting the ASME Student Professional Development Conference this year, which attracted more than 150 students from 17 universities to the Cal Poly campus. “It was a major-league opportunity for students to connect with leading industry professionals and attend technical workshops and seminars,” said Potter. He also cited Meagher’s role in fostering the chapter’s active participation in competitions such as the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Challenge, in which Cal Poly placed first.

The award for Outstanding Support in the College of Engineering went to Amy Hewes, director of publications and communications for the college. “The news and publications she oversees are exemplary and are an integral part of our image as a college,” said Potter. “Engineering Advantage, in particular — the college’s flagship publication — is always a showcase of how cool the college is. Our outstanding reputation is due, in great part, to her understanding of the college’s strategic direction and the role communications plays in achieving our goals. The power of these stories brings us all together — and inspires us to greater accomplishments.”