Shafiq Ahmed.
 
 
In 1997, after I finished my master’s degree in Numerical Methods from the SU math department,
I was attending various interviews, one of which was with Microsoft at Redmond, WA. 
At the end of the interview someone in the “installer” project, who happened to be a Syracuse alumnus, 
took me to a dinner. 

One name from his conversation got my attention so strongly that later it changed my life. 
"It was Software Engineering Studio from Dr. Jim Fawcett that opened my eyes in this profession", he said.
I met Dr. Fawcett in August 1997. On first visit, he outlined my path to complete a second masters in Computer Science, 
a vision that I could not understand. The rest is history.
I took Software Engineering, Software Modeling, Design Patterns, and Control Systems from Dr. Fawcett. 
While in the program, my interactions with Dr. Fawcett were momentous, because I always saw him extremely busy, 
diligent, but patient with the students at the same time. 

Silently, he left such a big impression on my academic career and work ethic that 
"... it was him, who opened my eyes in this profession." And best of all, I noticed, he does so with many, many students. 
Parents give life; teachers make them meaningful.
Later, Dr. Fawcett came to play vital role to resolve some convoluted immigration problems to maintain my legal status. 
It needs a big heart to understand those problems, and a far bigger one, to offer a helping hand. 
In August 1998, I joined the Language and Compiler groups in Digital 
(which later became a part of Compaq, to become part of HP in 2003). 
Under the supervision of some fine engineers in compiler technology, 
I moved ahead to become a "code-writer with least problems" for two math run time libraries 
and two user interfaces, major contributor to six projects, and project leader and technical leader for three projects.
I got married in 2000 to a wonderful lady. Dr. Fawcett was present to bless us. In 2002, I became naturalized. 
Today, at work, at home, and at far home, people count on me, and at the core of all, I owe to Dr. Fawcett.