Fellow Colleagues: I was one of those fortunate enough to study under "Prof" Bryan some 35+ years ago. I was working as a sprinkler apprentice for GRINNELL FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS in Southeast Alaska when I was notified, by Dr. Bryan, that I was accepted to enter the FPE Program in 1977. A deal was worked out with Sprinklerfitter's Local Union #669 and my employer. If memory serves, Professor John/'Jack Watts' (no relation) was finishing up his doctoral work (sabbatical) and Prof was covering the "Intro" course that Fall Semester. Suffice to say I was in awe of the man - and that awe never diminished. I am unable to put in to words what Prof meant to Fire Protection Engineering, the students he molded in to FPE's, his impact on our industry/profession. The man did it all and I doubt anyone will ever come along to fill his shoes (sorry, Dr. Milke/my former graduate instructor). I would like to also cite my other "sponsors" who employed me (summers) during my school years at Maryland - Mr. Richard Boulanger (SENTRY AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER) and Mr. William J. "Bill" Bennett (SUPERIOR AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER CO.) Because of Dr. Bryan and The Program I was able to eventually transition in to the design/sales areas of the sprinkler industry. Our company has underwitten a scholarship at UM/FPE Program for undergraduate, on-campus, female students in The Program. We named it in honor of my late father, Charles D. "Chuck" was, a 40+ year veteran of the Fire Sprinkler Industry ( Website: http://ter.ps/engwatts) God Bless Dr. Bryan (and his late wife) for all of the wonderful work he did and all of the opportunities he afforded thousands of young men and women. Through them, he and Dr. Hickey will never be forgotten. Respectfully- Jerry [email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected]) Jerry D. Watts, SFPE* President & Co-Founder ACCENT FIRE ENGINEERING INT'L. Ltd. Santa Fe, New Mexico USA (800) 503.1961 nationwide *Vice President/NM Chapter SFPE In a message dated 10/17/2014 7:48:43 A.M. Mountain Daylight Time, [email protected] writes:
Likely, the first book I read regarding Fire Sprinklers was written by a professor at the University of Maryland. I was fortunate to work with one of his star pupils and was even more fortunate to meet the man. I harbor deep jealousies of those that studied under him. And consider it a career privilege to have sat with him after seeking his advice on starting a college level program. His humor, generosity and curiosity are legendary. Dr John L Bryan, it is my hope that your next journey brings as much benefit to those around you as this journey has.Rest In Peace, Prof.http://nfpatoday.blog.nfpa.org/2014/10/dr-john-bryan-former-nfpa-chair-professor-at-unive rsity-of-maryland-dies.html Sincerely, Cecil Bilbo Academy of Fire Sprinkler Technology Champaign, IL 217.607.0325 www.sprinkleracademy.com [email protected] OUR STUDENTS SAVE LIVES!! _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org
