Bisbocci noted that receiving the award is especially meaningful because he had known and admired Austin Furbee, the award's namesake. As a matter of fact, Furbee's wife, Gladys, was Bisbocci's seventh-grade teacher.

The Austin Furbee award was first given in 1981 after Gladys Furbee established an endowed fund in memory of her husband to establish the prize. A Belmont County commissioner, Furbee helped to acquire the Eastern campus property and later was a member of the campus' regional coordinating council.

"This award means a great deal to me since I am receiving it mainly because of my teaching record," Bisbocci said. "First of all, I love to teach, and I love teaching as much after 50 years as I did when I started. Many of the reasons are the same, but the satisfaction has increased class by class and term by term."

Bisbocci began his career in education as a chemistry teacher at Martins Ferry High School. When Ohio University began offering courses there in 1957, he began teaching college chemistry courses as well. He became a full time instructor when the campus was established in St. Clairsville and taught full-time until 199, then part-time until 1997. After his retirement from Ohio University, Bisbocci taught high school until 2006. This school year, Bisbocci returned to teach chemistry courses at Eastern winter quarter while another professor was on sabbatical.

A dinner in Bisbocci's honor is planned for 7 p.m. Thursday, May 8, at Belmont Hills Country Club. Alumni and friends are invited. The dinner is $30 per person, and reservations may be made until Thursday, April 24, by calling 740-699-2494.