My journey with the class of 2023

At our commencement ceremonies last month, more than 500 students joined the ranks of Case School of Engineering alumni.

What these students didn’t know when they decided to attend Case Western Reserve University was that they’d be faced with a challenge no one saw coming — a global pandemic. This group experienced a number of changes, adapted to different environments as needed, and continued to put their best foot forward despite the circumstances. With tenacity and commitment, they reached one of life’s biggest milestones. I have no doubt that they will emerge into the world as leaders prepared to make positive changes to the world around them.

In some ways, I am experiencing a similar milestone — this summer marks my five years as Charles H. Phipps Dean of the Case School of Engineering. When I arrived on campus in 2018, I knew I was joining an excellent school. What I didn’t know, what none of us knew, was that my first years would present those same challenges our students experienced. Through the strength and determination of the Case community, we persevered and were even able to accomplish some remarkable things.

Since 2019, we’ve opened the Roger E. Susi First Year Experience Lab, launched our Department of Computer and Data Sciences, conducted renovations for student-facing spaces and teaching labs, and saw groundbreaking research endeavors thrive. The Case School of Engineering has also welcomed a significant amount of talented and diverse new faculty who, along with their colleagues, have been recognized with numerous career awards, honors, and achievements.

In the coming, years I imagine similar success for the Case School of Engineering with the hiring of innovative and dedicated faculty members, growth of our undergraduate and graduate classes, and support of groundbreaking research across disciplines. The Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building (ISEB) will provide a space capable of elevating our already outstanding research initiatives and attracting top talent to Cleveland. Through President Eric Kaler’s visionary leadership, this building will function as a place where people from all corners of engineering and science work together to solve the world’s most pressing problems.

For now, my sincerest thanks go to you, our alumni and friends, who continue to support us, guide us, and cheer us on. Thank you for being part of this community.