Dean's update

March 27 , 2009

On March 18 I had the opportunity to attend the annual scholarship and awards event at which we recognize all our students who have received scholarships and awards and give them the opportunity to personally thank those donors who were able to attend. It is a real testament to our donors and students that we have nearly outgrown the Rome Ballroom with more than 500 in attendance. This year we asked one of our donors, Becky Person, to speak on behalf of all donors and one of our students, Tsa Shelton, to speak on behalf of all students. Both individuals did an outstanding job. I believe everyone left impressed with the generosity of the donors to our College that allows us to support so many deserving students.

This week I joined other members of the campus administration in recognizing those students who qualified as either New England or Babbage Scholars. Sixty-five students in our College were recognized based on their academic achievements. My personal congratulations to each and every one of them! I also was very impressed with the number of participants in our annual Graduate Student Forum, held March 27. This forum provides a great opportunity for our graduate students to practice their presentation skills, which will serve them well in their future careers, but it also gives the members of the College the opportunity to learn about the excellent graduate research that is being conducted throughout the college.

In these weeks leading up to graduation, these events truly celebrate what is best about higher education.

Gregory J. Weidemann

Dean and Director