Throughout all these years, teaching has been enjoyable

Jens Arnljótsson recently taught his final class after a long and successful career at the Department of Applied Engineering at Reykjavík University. Jens began teaching at the Icelandic Technical College around 1990, part-time, and later became head of the industrial engineering technology programme. In 2002, the Icelandic Technical College became the Technical University of Iceland, where Jens worked until transferring to Reykjavík University in 2005, where he has taught applied engineering students ever since.

Throughout all these years, teaching has been enjoyable, and it has been especially rewarding to follow students who manage to work their way up and flourish in their studies. I stay in good contact with former students and hear news about them. Many of them work at engineering firms, and I could probably drink quite a few cups of coffee if I went around visiting them.

Says Jens, who was unexpectedly celebrated by former and current students and staff at the end of his last lesson. Loud cheers broke out when Jens walked out of the classroom, and a video of the event posted on Reykjavík University’s social media has gone viral. Jens was, as expected, very pleased with the surprise, while also remaining modest about the attention.

This unexpected event is a sign of respect toward me, but it doesn’t necessarily mean I am a better teacher than others. I think I’ve generally been well-liked, but of course, I’m human and could sometimes be a bit irritable and at other times kind. I do make demands of my students, but I try to be fair as well.

Says Jens, who had originally planned to become a marine engineer but soon realised that applied engineering suited him well.

We at Reykjavík University thank Jens for all his contributions and wish him happiness and success in the future.