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We’re excited to share the latest news, including updates on our faculty and students' achievements from the recently concluded year.

In this edition, you’ll meet one of our Construction Management faculty members, hear from an alumna of our Engineering program, and learn about three of our current undergraduate students.  We’re also continuing to celebrate the 2020 opening of the Bready Applied Learning Laboratory by spotlighting the Senior Design space in our Engineering program.  Additionally, I am sure you will enjoy reading about the important activities of our new student club focused on Computer Science and Scripting.  There are, of course, a couple of human interest stories as well.

I hope you all received and read with interest our fall 2024 newsletter, in which my message focused on the strength and importance of collaboration and friendship among our students.  This included a personal anecdote about my college roommate, Eric (sidebar: My wife and I met Eric and his wife for dinner in New Haven in January – so it was only 8 months between our visits, as opposed to ~15 years!).

I also observe on a daily basis the quality of the mentoring that students receive from their instructors and advisors in SECCM.  As far back as high school, I have benefited tremendously from the guidance and inspiration of amazing mentors who have shaped my career. Ms. Lois Farmer (high school social studies) taught me to be a life-long learner while she pursued her law degree while working full-time.  Professor Martin Sussman (undergraduate thermodynamics) showed me the importance of having a sense of humor, however oddball, when addressing students.  My doctoral advisor, Dr. John Seinfeld, inspired me with his love of scientific research.  My friend and research collaborator, Dr. Donald Dabdub, impressed upon me that the best thing to do when frustrated is to take a break to have a good cup of hot, fresh coffee, a nice glass of wine, or some high-quality food.  What feeds the body feeds the mind, and I now know that taking a break ultimately makes me more productive.  The take-home message is that no one, especially me, accomplishes anything alone and without some input, insight, and guidance from those who have walked the path previously.  This does not even include the love and support that I have received from my wife and kids!  I see this type of interaction and care on a daily basis in the halls of SECCM and on the Â鶹ɫÇéƬ campus.  It inspires me to be a better Dean, instructor, and human being.  I encourage you to reach out to your past mentors to let them know the positive influence that they have had on you.

I also wish to inform our alumni community that this will be the last newsletter that will include a message of welcome from me.  After four years at Â鶹ɫÇéƬ, I have made the difficult personal decision to move on from SECCM and Â鶹ɫÇéƬ and take an administrative position at a different institution.  What an amazing four years!  They have been filled with hard work, collaboration, and dedication to our students. Thank you to the entire community for your efforts and support.  I know that SECCM’s trajectory continues to be incredibly strong.

As always, please let us know if you have any questions or comments.  Feel free to email SECCMDeans@rwu.edu.

May you and yours stay safe and well.  I hope you have had a healthy and productive 2025 so far and that you have an opportunity to relax, rest, and refresh during the summer.

With warmest regards,

Rob

June 2025