From the Dean

Since September 2003, we have been celebrating the sesquicentennial anniversary of engineering at the University of Michigan. In this commemorative issue of Michigan Engineer, we provide a capsule summary of our century and a half of education, research and alumni achievement.

The outstanding reputation our College enjoys today is a direct result of the confidence with which previous generations of faculty, students and staff approached the issues of their day. We have remained strong because of our enthusiastic response to the challenges each new decade has presented. As a result, the College has an established history as a place for groundbreaking research as well as effective and broad educational programs.

In order for us to maintain our leadership, and reach the next level of excellence, we must undertake major new and innovative initiatives that address the changing educational environment and the significant issues society will face in the future. Issues such as: How to sustain the natural environment, yet satisfy the world's increasing need for energy? How to use technology to help relieve spiraling healthcare costs? How to ensure security without diminishing privacy? How to develop leaders who are able to address technology-based policy issues? How to help students improve their interpersonal skills and interact well with culturally diverse groups? And how to help students learn how to learn?

These initiatives include a rededication to our educational programs. We must ensure they remain relevant in our increasingly technology-oriented world. We also must continue to recruit the best students and faculty and provide much needed scholarship assistance. We must maintain our commitment to carry out research programs that address the important issues our society faces. Towards this end we are developing major research thrusts in four key areas within which we have unique opportunities to make a difference: nanotechnology and integrated microsystems, information technology, cellular and molecular biotechnology, and environmental and energy technologies. And, of course, we need to maintain our world-class educational and research efforts in areas in which we already excel -- automotive engineering and manufacturing, to name but two.

To help us secure the support we will need to ensure our future in these areas, the College launched the Progress & Promise: 150th Anniversary Campaign. To date, this $300 million effort, which commenced officially on May 14, has reached 45 percent of its goal, and ground has been broken for new biomedical engineering and computer science and engineering buildings. You will be hearing more about this ambitious and exciting campaign in upcoming issues of Michigan Engineer.

I hope you enjoy this commemorative issue of Michigan Engineer, for it shows that the College has made a significant difference in the world for 150 years. You, our readers, have influenced this progress and can continue to help Michigan Engineering fulfill its promise.

Sincerely,

Stephen W. Director
Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering