Former physics professor Dr. Jose D’Arruda has been presented with the Homer L. Dodge Citation for Distinguished Service to the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT).

D’Arruda received the award during the AAPT 2018 summer meeting in Washington, D.C. on July 25. The award is presented to members in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the association at the national, sectional, or local level.

D’Arruda taught physics and astronomy at UNCP for 44 years. He served for 22 years as department chair. He established a degree program in applied physics and founded the Region IV Science Fair. He retired earlier this year.