This year's Mr. Homecoming is well known across the TU campus - but his reputation also reaches into outer space.
Edmund Rybicki, chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Harry H. Rogers Endowed Chair in Mechanical Engineering, has been a member of the TU faculty for 27 years.
In that time, he has mentored hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students, published or presented hundreds of scholarly papers, conducted hundreds of hours of research in fracture mechanics, composite materials, thermal spray coatings, welding and erosion/corrosion - and served on enough University committees to fill two pages of a hefty 73-page academic vita.
But the most unusual achievement in a career filled with accolades is undoubtedly Rybicki's role as the namesake for a NASA computer, the "RYBICKI." Housed at Langley Research Center near Hampton, Virginia, the "RYBICKI" is used to analyze the fracture mechanics of the metal and composite materials used in spacecraft (as well as tennis rackets, golf clubs and many other products). The software NASA uses for this critical analysis is based on Rybicki's research findings.
While his scholarly work has led to the development of stronger, safer spacecraft, Rybicki has also made the world a better place close to home.
His service to TU includes membership on the United Way campaign committee, the TU faculty athletics committee, and the TU Alumni Association Board of Directors, to name only a few. He also founded the Industrial Advisory Board for the Department of Mechanical Engineering and co-founded TU's Erosion/Corrosion Research Center.
His commitment to the University runs in his veins.
"I know he's always there," says Professor John Henshaw, a fellow faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. "Ed has a deep loyalty to TU. He bleeds blue."
A native of a farming community near Cleveland, Ohio, who holds a doctorate in engineering from Case Western Reserve University, Rybicki was a senior scientist at the Battelle Columbus Lab for a decade before joining the TU faculty. As a practicing engineer, he brought to TU an emphasis on research and development that continues to strengthen and guide the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
For his many achievements as a scholar, educator and scientist, Rybicki has been honored as a Fellow in three international technical societies: the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Welding Society, and the American Society of Metals. He was also recognized in 2005 by the Oklahoma Society of Professional Engineers as the Outstanding Professional Engineer of the Year.
Rybicki's biggest supporter, his wife, Sandy - along with their children and grandchildren - will all be present when he is recognized as Mr. Homecoming during TU's Homecoming activities on September 14-16.
Fortunately, it's one award that doesn't require a trip to outer space.