Dean's Corner
To use the old cliché, it seems like only yesterday when the College began gearing up to celebrate its first 50 years of excellence, nearly ten months ago. Back in August, the Engineering Systems Research and Academics Building was in its formative stage with its groundbreaking still to come. Our senior class was feverishly attempting to slug off the heavy weight of senioritis in the midst of crucial internships, final rounds of textbook buying, first-time interviews and thoughts of commencement. Dialogues and Perry Library archive visits were regularly being conducted in preparation for the writing of a commemorative publication set to chronicle the College in this milestone. A calendar chock full of celebratory events throughout the academic year were being planned to be orchestrated in highlighting such a special time. At this moment, in reflecting on the year of celebrations coming to a close, I cannot help but take a look back over what a wonderful anniversary year it has been.
Then, a campus parking lot made way for the area where the new engineering building would be erected. Fences lined the perimeter of the space and, inside, construction vehicles stood at the ready. At semester's open, it may have simply been a barren lot. Now, there stands a brick-faced building, tall in the space.
Semester's end typically signals a brief respite for our students from the academic trials that characterize the months that precede it. Research papers, presentations and final exams give way to time that can be otherwise devoted. Spring semester's end marks, for our graduating seniors, an instance of transition. As I watched the class of 2013 cross the stage during Commencement, I felt the hope that comes with a new beginning and the sadness that comes from those advancing members of the ODU Engineering family. I look forward to hearing the outstanding updates from our newly established alumni.
While a publication begins as merely a collection - a collection of interviews, photos, old newspaper articles, biographies and milestones - it eventually is molded into a comprehensive tale alluding to the journey bringing the institution to its current state. Our publication, Built from the Ground Up, ultimately made its debut in May and will be available for purchase in the University bookstore soon. We hope you will check our web site in the coming weeks for more information about this wonderful commemorative piece and how you may bring a copy home.
As faculty, staff, friends, donors and alumni feted the College's 50th anniversary at the Westin Town Center on May 17, we unofficially culminated a year's worth of events that honored the distinguished legacy of ODU Engineering. This event served as the pinnacle to a year's worth of revelries that included special first-time events such as our Professionals' Open House that took place during National Engineers' Week, events heralding and showcasing Women in Engineering, in addition to several special engagement events.
As you can see, ODU Engineering has certainly been full of activity. And, while we are saddened to bring this celebration to a close, we are eager to start the next chapter in our history.