The merit shop philosophy stands for pride in high quality and safe and efficient performance. Merit shop creates a climate where firms and individuals, regardless of labor affiliation, can work together in harmony. With that philosophy in mind, the John Trimmer Award for Excellence in Teaching is made annually to recognize a faculty member of a construction higher education program who best combines teaching effectiveness in the merit shop philosophy and interaction with the merit shop construction community.
Professor Mike O'Dea
The 2009 John Trimmer Excellence in Teaching Award was presented posthumously to Professor Michael O’Dea of Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN during a February 28 ceremony held at ABC’s 2009 National Convention in Honolulu, Hawaii.
“Professor Mike O'Dea was heavily involved in both his teaching and participation with the ABC Purdue chapter,” said Purdue student Sam McAllister. “He frequently attended our meetings and spoke on merit shop construction and really instilled in all of us what our ABC chapter was based on. Mike was also a big part of the industry support we received.”
Applicants must be a faculty member at a school with an ABC Student Chapter. Activities included in the submission are for the preceding academic year. The award recipient is officially announced, with a cash award and a plaque presented to the winner, at the ABC national convention.
For an application form or for questions, contact StudentChapters@abc.org.