UE Professor Mark Valenzuela Receives Eykamp Prize

University of Evansville associate professor of civil engineering Mark Valenzuela has been awarded the University’s Eykamp Prize. This is the first year for the award, which was presented during UE’s Fall Conference on Tuesday, August 16.

The Eykamp Prize was established by Richard and Rita Eykamp to recognize extraordinary contributions made by UE faculty to the University. The Eykamps are long-time supporters of UE with a strong connection to the institution. Rita Eykamp attended UE and is a life trustee of the institution. Richard Eykamp is a graduate of UE.

Valenzuela earned his bachelor of science in mechanical engineering at Vanderbilt University and his doctorate from Cornell University. He joined UE’s faculty in 1999.

During his time at the University, he has been dedicated to serving UE and its students

Under his leadership, UE entered its first regional concrete canoe competition in 2001. By 2005, the team was competing at the national level. UE has hosted the regional competition twice on campus; and is distinguished as the smallest university to ever host the national competition.

Well-respected and much loved by his students, Valenzuela serves not only as an advisor in academic matters but also offers them guidance in career planning and personal development.

The Alumni Association recognized him with the Outstanding Teacher Award in 2003 and 2013. He is the only member of the faculty to receive this honor twice.

Recently Valenzuela led the campus-wide effort to gain re-accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. This major commitment of time and energy was recognized when UE received an important confirmation from the commission that the University operates in an arena of excellence with a commitment to continuous improvement.

When presenting the prize, Richard Eykamp noted that, in addition to his impressive academic accomplishments, “Valenzuela is a role model who lives by a code of respect and service to others. He is a man of curiosity, personal discovery, and the highest ethical values. The University is honored by his accomplishments, his leadership, and his character.”