Celebrating 65 years of Hazeltine

Reflecting on and celebrating a teaching career that has impacted generations 

Faculty, students, staff, and alumni recently came together in—where else?—Hazeltine Commons to mark Hazeltine’s 65th year of teaching and present him with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the engineering department. 

Thano Chaltas '87 P'24, professor of the practice at the School of Engineering, and once a student and teaching assistant of Hazeltine himself, gave remarks, touching on the professor’s enduring legacy.

“I believe from the bottom of my heart that there is not a single person, faculty member or otherwise, who has had a bigger impact on the lives of Brown students than Barrett Hazeltine,” said Chaltas. “He has made generations of students feel capable of accomplishing something great. I’ve heard from hundreds of alumni, ‘He believed in me before I believed in myself.’” 

Jon Cohen '87, adjunct lecturer in engineering, also once studied under Hazeltine and now sees first-hand how he continues to inspire and support students today. 

“His insights are timeless,” said Cohen. “To have someone who is as wise as he is, and as kind as he is, offer tangible support at a very available level—that may be the thing that gets you started. That's his gift.”

Current students in attendance lined up to sign a giant card for the professor, writing notes of thanks for his teaching and mentorship. 

“Professor Hazeltine is a legend in our community,” said Julia Stepanenko ’26, a student who helped organize the event. “He dedicated two-thirds of his life to Brown. He created the most iconic course. He’s inspired many generations of students and people.”

Brown alumni from around the world have chimed in on social media in recent months, recounting memories from ENGN 9 and expressing gratitude for Hazeltine’s kindness and approachability. And alumni had a chance to reconnect with the renowned professor during Reunion Weekend 2025.

Jerome Vascellaro '74, P'07, former vice chancellor of the Corporation of Brown University, sent in remarks to be read during the May celebration. “Thank you for all you have done for me and generations of Brown students,” he wrote to Hazeltine. “Sixty-five years—extraordinary. You’re a singular treasure.”