February 9, 1999
Each graduate receives a framed print of a painting by Robert P. Zerwekh, professor of engineering management and the new program director, and light-hearted instructions from Zerwekh that the print must grace their office wall.
"Students have told me that they want to hurry up and finish the program just so they can have a print," Zerwekh said.
The print is of an original oil painting, titled "Engineering Management Memorabilia," that includes textbooks, a diploma, a Jayhawk statuette and an old-fashioned alarm clock showing the evening hours when engineering management classes are held at KU's Edwards Campus, 12600 Quivira Rd., in Overland Park.
Not only do KU engineering management graduates have a Zerwekh piece, so do the presidents of the American Baseball League, the University of Vermont and the Graduate College of the City University of New York.
As an artist, Zerwekh is self-taught and paints in a highly realistic style. He uses nature as inspiration but chooses to paint objects that are not usually seen together. Zerwekh has been active in the Lawrence arts community for 29 years.
The Lawrence Arts Center, 200 W. Ninth, will feature "Virtually Real," a 60th birthday exhibit highlighting Zerwekh's paintings from Feb. 10 to March 11. A reception will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26.
He has taught engineering management courses since 1991.
Story by Rebecca Ulanoff