An order of Collingwood recipient has again been recognized for his volunteer work, this time for his service to the engineering faculty at University of Toronto.
Dr. Eswar Prasad, founder of Sensor Technology, was presented an Arbor Award recently, which is the highest honour bestowed by the University of Toronto. The award is for alumni or friends who have contributed "extraordinary volunteer services" at the university.
Prasad was among the 2020 recipients. He and his wife Shashi Prasad founded Sensor Technology Limited in Collingwood in 1983. The company continues to grow with manufacturing facilities in Collingwood and in Dartmouth, NS. Prasad retired in 2010.
In a news release from Sensor Technology, Prasad said he is humbled by the award.
"I have been very fortunate with the opportunities in my professional career at Sensor Technology Limited," he said in the release. "The opportunity to volunteer at the university allowed me to give back to the community in a way where I could offer the students and colleagues a glimpse of knowledge and practical experience in the industry. The work continues. I would especially like to thank Prof. Ridha Ben Mrad for getting me involved at the university,” he said.
The award citation indicates Prasad was chosen as a recipient because of his contribution to the university's students, faculty, staff, and alumni and his work at the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering.
According to the new release, Dr. Prasad is a volunteer instructor for the advanced mechatronics course for graduate students, sharing his 40 years of industry experience. He also served as a member of the industry advisory board for the department from 2011 to 2019.
He is an adjunct professor in the department and worked with the graduate students, sometimes being a co-supervisor to them.
Professor Meric Gertler, president of University of Toronto, presented the awards this year during a virtual ceremony. He said this year's presentations were especially significant because they show there is still much to celebrate, even during a pandemic.
"They are an inspiration for the entire University of Toronto community during a challenging time," he stated during the ceremony. “By your example, you remind us of how the U of T community plays an outsized role in making our world a better place,” he said. “It has truly been our honour to recognize and celebrate you, our most loyal volunteers, over the past three decades. We take pride in the fact that you have chosen to give us your most precious non-renewable resource – your time.”
Professor Marcus Bussman, the head and chair of the mechanical and industrial engineering (MIE) department at the university offered congratulations to Prasad on his award.
"I'm well aware of how much our students appreciate exposure to industry expertise," he stated in the press release. "I'm also very grateful for your service to MIE boards: first the industry and then the advisory board. On behalf of Prof. Jean Zu and I, thank you.”
According to a press briefing from the university, the Arbor awards are meant to recognize the volunteers who personify the university's motto "Velut Arbor Aevo" which means "may it grow as a tree through the ages."
"Their volunteer contributions help elevate every facet of university life – from opening new horizons for our students to championing the work of our scholars and scientists," stated the brief.
The Prasads were presented with the order of Collingwood in January 2020. You can read more from them here.
