John J. Uhran, Jr. died October 2nd, 2023, at the age of 87 at home with his family by his side. He was born on December 1st, 1935, and raised in Queens, New York to John J. Uhran, Sr and Lucille Coogan Uhran who proceeded him in death as did his brother Dr. George M. Uhran. On July 2nd, 1966, he married his loving wife, Sue, who survives along with his children, John R. (Theresa), Michael N. (Kathleen O’Connor) and Anna (William) Wasierski as well as eight grandchildren: Megan, Christopher, Gavin, Joshua, Abigail, Sarah, Sean and Katelyn.

John developed a love for teaching as a graduate student at Purdue University when he was offered a position as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and then as Instructor for which he was awarded Tau Beta Pi Most Valuable Instructor Award. During his academic years he was awarded numerous other honors such as Outstanding Engineering Graduate Award from Manhattan College Centennial, 1993. ASEE Fluke Corporation Award for excellence in laboratory instruction, 1998 and The Notre Dame Presidential Award in 2007.

At Notre Dame he guided many students in research projects resulting in degrees at all levels. The supported grants and solicited equipment acquired showed his interest in developing bright, well-prepared engineers. As Associate Dean he counseled numerous students, helping them to persevere through difficulties to see and reach their true potential and a Notre Dame degree. Seeing the benefits of foreign study for engineers, he developed programs in Dublin, Ireland, and Cambridge, UK and as well as encouraged many engineering students to attend the Summer London Program. Eventually he focused more and more on engineering education.

While Associate Dean of Engineering, he chaired a committee to make first year engineering more relevant for the engineering student at ND. He went on to start a conference on first-year engineering education called FYEE (First Year Engineering Education). It involved colleagues across the country, and it grew year by year to several hundred faculty and professionals. The main purpose of this meeting was to share ideas with others. John served in many areas of ASEE including being a Board member and several years the zone chairman. He was the organizer and chairman of many conference sessions. The highlight of his ASEE career was becoming a Fellow of ASEE. He also was active in (ABET) Accreditation Board for over 30 years.