John Fraas came to AU in 1966 to play basketball. It was here that he was invested in by Dr. Lucille Ford and, ultimately, decided to pursue a career in economics as a result of his relationship with her. John was also heavily invested in by Alan Poorman, who taught him what it meant to be a source of encouragement and gentleness to his students. It’s a result of these values that John was able to pass on his love of education to his students and he was awarded the Taylor Teaching Award twice during his career. John is retired now, but there is no doubt that he had an impact on his students. John’s faith and perseverance with his students made a difference in so many lives, and those effects are still being felt today.
