IIT Armour College of Engineering Professor Emeritus John Dygdon (IE ′50) passed away late last week at the age of 86.

He began his teaching career at IIT in 1952, only two years after his graduation.

Dygdon moved up the ranks starting as an instructor and reaching the position of professor of engineering graphics and director of the Division of Academic Services and Office of Educational Services. In 1995 Dygdon retired from these positions and became a professor emeritus of engineering graphics.

A passionate educator, Dygdon co-authored several highly regarded textbooks, including Basic Technical Drawing and Technical Drawing with Engineering Graphics. He also ran the IIT High School Drawing and Design Competition for more than 20 years. The competition would attract thousands of participants to IIT’s campus from all over the Chicago area.

Dygdon was the beloved husband of the late Jeanette Dygdon; father of Susan Dygdon, John M. Dygdon, Jeff (Cecelia) Dygdon, and Sharon (Stan) Partyka; grandfather of Ryan Partyka; brother of the late Bruno (Josephine) Dygdon, Edwina Dygdon, and the late Walter (the late Florence) Dygdon; and uncle of Judith (Tony Conger) Dygdon and Janice Dygdon.