Dear Alumni,

It is a privilege to write to you today in my new role as the Charles H. Phipps Dean of the Case School of Engineering.

I was drawn to CWRU by its reputation. Long before I arrived on campus, I knew this to be a place of national distinction, with a legacy of academic strength, a faculty whose research shapes the frontiers of engineering, and a student body of remarkable talent and ambition. I was drawn, too, by the promise of where this school is going: a place poised to lead the next generation of discovery, innovation, and technological progress.

Not long after my arrival, I had the chance to engage in a discussion with Forbes regarding the enduring value of an engineering education.

Though I hadn’t been here long, answering the reporter’s questions came easily. At the Case School of Engineering, we are teaching students the foundational skills–both the fundamentals and hands-on experiences– to solve tomorrow’s most complex challenges. The success of our most recent graduates is a testament to this philosophy. Case Western Reserve engineers graduate as versatile, well-rounded leaders, ready to make an impact in their chosen fields.

What has made that conversation, and every day since, so rewarding is witnessing firsthand the momentum this school carries. In just a few short weeks, I have had the joy of celebrating milestones that speak to the caliber of this institution. Our faculty are earning recognition at the highest levels, including coveted NSF CAREER Awards and distinguished national honors such as the Beckman Young Investigator Award. These acknowledgments affirm what you already know: our faculty are among the best in the nation. This summer, we also announced that Case Western Reserve will lead NEO-SMART, an NSF-funded regional economic development engine and coalition of more than 70 partners working together to propel manufacturing, technology and jobs in Northeast Ohio.

As you read through this issue, I hope you feel the same pride I do in the remarkable trajectory of our school—and in the legacy of excellence you helped build. Please reach out to connect with me on LinkedIn, and I look forward to opportunities to meet you in the future!