August 14, 2023
By Ashley Ritchie

Denn Agustin, a staff member in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, was recognized with the Soaring Jacket Award at the College of Engineering’s Staff Appreciation Day, held on August 10 at Tech Rec in the John Lewis Student Center.

The Soaring Jacket Award recognizes staff members who are self-motivated, critical thinkers that hold themselves accountable for the quality of their work and their interactions with others. Those who receive the award display true exceptionalism through the following traits and behaviors:

• Goes above and beyond in the execution of responsibilities 
• A go-getter with a consistently positive attitude
• Exhibits a high level of professionalism
• Team player that inspires others
• Displays genuine concern and care for colleagues
• Consistently produces an exceptional quality of work
• Effective problem-solver

Agustin joined Georgia Tech in 2021 as an Instrument Maker II in the Montgomery Machining Mall. In his nomination letter, Machine Shop Manager Scott Elliott stated, “Denn consistently goes above and beyond in his responsibilities, displays a high level of professionalism, and contributes to the success of our faculty, students, staff, and research endeavors. His commitment to excellence and unwavering support for the mission of the School, College, and Institute make him an ideal candidate for the Soaring Jacket Award.”

Agustin regularly mentors members of the Woodruff School community with his broad computer-aided manufacturing skills, motivating students, faculty, and staff to further advance their manufacturing knowledge. He also contributes beyond his core responsibilities. For example, during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Student Competition Center (SCC) teams encountered an issue with training. Agustin took it upon himself to develop and implement a new program to educate senior students using Fusion 360 Computer Aided Manufacturing.

“Denn is diligent in his work ethic and in sharing his extensive knowledge of machining with students,” Elliott said.