College of Technology faculty and staff gathered on April 30 to share experiences and spirited reflections on the career journey of Dr. Bernard McIntyre, who retired at the end of the spring 2014 semester.
"I have highly valued his counsel, friendship and what he has done for the college," said Dean William Fitzgibbon. "We all owe him a debt of gratitude for his dedicated service through some challenging times," Dean Fitzgibbon reflected. "I am proud to be his friend."
Dr. McIntyre commended the support of many colleagues throughout the years. "I have enjoyed the interactions with faculty and staff. It has been exciting, to say the least. If I had to do it all over again, it would be with the same people. I see good things coming from the college and look forward to its ever-growing stature within the university," said McIntyre.
Dr. McIntyre earned his M.S. degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and began his teaching career in the Utica, New York community college system. He received a National Science Foundation grant to pursue his PhD in Theoretical Solid State Physics at Brown University. McIntyre came to Houston to work for the NASA Space Science Group, became interested in microcomputers and took several courses at University of Houston-Clear Lake. He joined the UH College of Technology in 1982 and held positions as department chair, associate dean and then Dean from 1992-1999. Dr. McIntyre continued his research on space probes with funding from the NASA-Johnson Space Center and spent a year in the Solid State Division in the Oak Ridge National Lab in 2000.
"During my years in the College of Technology, I have seen a very gradual change to the caliber of student attracted to our programs. We have many more students now who value the role of research and want to pursue a Master’s degree. I feel that this College is poised to play a more vital role in this University and my only regret is that I will be sitting on the side lines watching it", Dr. McIntyre said.
His passion for the students is evident through their continued connections to the College. As an example, Technology alumnus, Irsan Tisnabudi, B.S. Computer Engineering Technology, '97, was inspired by Dr. McIntyre and contributed a one-time gift of $30,000 toward scholarships last year. "Dr. McIntyre was one of several engineering technology professors who recognized my talent and potential. He helped me to learn the importance of focusing on my academic performance that would help me to earn scholarships to fund my education," Tisnabudi said.
"We are appreciative of his outstanding leadership and service to the College of Technology, the Engineering Technology Department, and our students. He will be truly missed as a colleague and friend", said Dr. Heidar Malki.