The Bridge - June/July 2008

Campus News

President Berkey Witnesses Signing of Landmark Life Sciences Legislation

President and CEO Dennis D. Berkey was a guest at Gov. Deval Patrick’s June 16, 2008, ceremonial signing of the $1 billion Massachusetts life sciences bill. (President Berkey is shown shaking hands with Gov. Patrick prior to the bill being signed into law.)

The landmark legislation is a 10-year measure that includes $500 million in capital funding, $250 million for research grants, and $250 million in tax incentives for certified life sciences projects in Massachusetts. Read more...

WPI’s Life Sciences Programs Featured at BIO 2008

WPI’s academic and research programs in the life sciences and bioengineering, along with the growth opportunities at Gateway Park, were featured at BIO 2008 in San Diego.

Held June 17-20, BIO 2008 was the largest global gathering for the biotechnology industry. More than 20,000 people from 70 countries, representing all facets of the industry, academia, and related trade organizations, are expected to attend.

A team of faculty members and senior administrators from WPI traveled to San Diego to showcase the university’s life sciences programs and interact with academic and commercial entities who may find synergies with the growing Central Massachusetts life sciences cluster. Read more...

WPI researchers contribute to book on bioengineering of cells and tissues.

To review the current state-of-the-art in substitute skin development, George D. Pins, associate professor of biomedical engineering, and Katie A. Bush, a graduate student in the joint WPI-University of Massachusetts Medical School doctoral program in biomedical engineering and medical physics, have co-authored a chapter in the new book Micro- and Nanoengineering of the Cell Microenvironment: Technologies and Applications (Artech House). “This is a very fast-moving and exciting field of research,” Pins said. “There is a tremendous clinical need here, and investigators are now working at the nano-scale using technology to develop biomaterials that can not only treat the wound, but also promote tissue regeneration.”

Each year, millions of people in the United States suffer burn injuries and serious skin wounds from pressure sores or diabetic ulcers and often require skin grafts to prevent infection and to promote healing. But skin grafting is not a complete solution. Read more...

Tang Wins Kalenian Award

Dalin Tang, professor of mathematical sciences and biomedical engineering, has won the 2008 Kalenian Award. As part of the award, he will receive $25,000 to help develop his invention – a medical software diagnostic tool for analysis and indexing of cardiovascular disease. The Kalenian Award is given on a competitive basis and supports innovative ideas or the development of commercial products. It was presented at the May 13 WPI Venture Forum meeting.

The award was established in 2006 by Alba Kalenian in memory of her late husband, inventor Aram Kalenian ’33. Its purpose is to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship among WPI students, faculty, and alumni by providing seed funds to advance their ideas. Alba Kalenian says her husband believed “the highest and best use of a WPI education is to invent, and patent, then create an invention-based business and employ.” Read more...

Alumni Association News

Reunion 2008: A Student’s Perspective

Julie Hitchcock ’10

When I volunteered for Reunion 2008, I had no idea what to expect. By the end of the weekend, I knew I would be back for Reunion 2009!

It was amazing to see alumni from so many classes gathered back on campus. As a member of the Student Alumni Society, the traditions and history of WPI hold a special place in my heart. And here were those traditions and that history, smiling and laughing right in front of me. It’s one thing to read about WPI’s past, but it’s thrilling to meet the people who’ve experienced and shaped it. I met Peter Koliss ’38, the alumnus who designed the switchboard in Atwater Kent. Right outside the Hagglund Room in the Campus Center, I spoke with Ray Hagglund ’56, the namesake of the room. I also met Ralph Smith ’43 who was a sophomore at “Worcester Tech” when the beech tree was planted in 1940.

Judging the Class Hospitality Suites allowed me to experience the character of each class. Though all of the suites were great, there were two that really left an impression on me. The Class of ’53 greeted me with enthusiasm and spirit. They even sang a nostalgic rendition of “My Favorite Things” from the movie The Sound of Music, laced with WPI memories. I felt at home in the Hospitality Suite of ’63, entitled, “From the Way We Were, to the Way Wii Are.” On display were pictures and objects of technological and historical importance during the lifetime of a ’63 grad. I was excited to hold one of the paddles used during old-style Paddle Rush.

I enjoyed hearing stories of what WPI was like years ago, and what alums have done since they have left. I was able to update alumni about the current experience here at WPI during an Alumni College panel discussion called “A Day in the Life of a WPI Student.” Interacting with alumni makes me realize how proud I am to be part of the WPI family.

Reunion Weekend makes me truly appreciate the time I’ve spent at WPI so far, treasure the time I have left as an undergraduate, and anticipate the day when I’ll be the alumna telling the stories.

Reunion Weekend: A Newcomer’s Perspective

Sara Fish, Associate Director of Alumni Relations

I am delighted to report that my first WPI Reunion experience was great! Even though I felt a bit unsure, jumping in less than a month after joining the Alumni Relations staff, I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to WPI and the alumni community. The experience immediately deepened my appreciation for the WPI experience and the commitment of the alumni. The events, ranging from the Alumni Golf Tournament, to Alumni College sessions, to Class Banquets, were very well received. The Class Hospitality Suites were a highlight of the weekend, providing an opportunity to meet so many fascinating alumni, hear great stories, and look over some remarkable memorabilia! Congratulations again to the Class of ’63 for winning top prize as the best Hospitality Suite of the weekend; you all most definitely deserved it! Having two Segways and a Wii in the Suite was a great draw for our student volunteers throughout the weekend, as well as for your classmates!

I am truly looking forward to working on Reunion 2009, and the many other alumni events to come. Please feel free to contact me in the Alumni Office any time at sfish@wpi.edu or 508-831-5697.

Reunion Weekend: Reunion Gifts Update

Elizabeth Parker, Director of Annual Giving

In addition to the opportunity to rekindle old friendships and experience the exciting changes on campus, an important component of the excitement of Reunion Weekend is the presentation of the class gifts to WPI. This year, three dedicated volunteers presented ceremonial checks to President Dennis Berkey at the Reunion Luncheon awards presentation on Saturday, highlighting the generosity of alumni who stretched their giving in celebration of their Reunion.

George Gamache ’68 of the 40th Anniversary Gift Committee presented a gift of $1,264,879. Michael Gutman ’58, 50th Anniversary Gift Committee chair, presented a gift of $785,267. Those totals represent gifts and pledges generated by the 40th and 50th anniversary campaigns over the past three years. Stu Kazin ’61, chair of the Annual Fund Board and vice president of the Alumni Association, then presented a check to Dr. Berkey in the amount of $613,897, which represented one year of giving from the remaining classes celebrating their Reunion this year.

Just as the accomplishments of WPI alumni were honored during this lunch, so, too, were the donors who contributed generously. WPI extends its thanks to those who contributed to their Reunion and Anniversary campaigns in 2008 and congratulates them on this milestone year in their ongoing relationship with their alma mater.

Stay in touch with AlumniConnect

Find your classmates, find out what’s new. It’s simple, it’s free, and it’s a great way to stay in touch with the entire WPI community!

Haven’t signed in yet? Lost your information? Contact alumni-office@wpi.edu to request your Constituent ID. Create your account today to take advantage of online event registration and enhanced networking opportunities.

Here’s how:

  1. Request your Constituent ID by sending an email to alumni-office@wpi.edu.
  2. Once the ID is emailed back to you, log onto to AlumniConnect and click on "First Time Login."
  3. Enter your last name and select "Find."
  4. Select your name from the list shown.
  5. Enter your 8-digit Constituent ID, provided to you by the Alumni Office.

Career Development

The WPI Career Development Center provides a comprehensive full-service environment for students and alumni seeking jobs, and employers seeking to hire candidates from the WPI community. To register for our free Job Finder Web-based system, complete the Alumni Registration Form (PDF) and return it to the CDC by mail, by fax (508-831-5827), or by email to cdc@wpi.edu. You can also post positions as an Alumni Employer.

More information about specific Alumni Services...

Corporate and Professional Education

WPI Programs Delivered at YOUR Corporate Site

WPI Corporate and Professional Education offers flexible delivery options in providing educational solutions to you and your organization while ensuring the quality standard that you have experienced on campus.

Program options...

Courses delivered...

Customized solutions...

You may focus on a single topic, expand to encompass an entire discipline, or integrate complementary disciplines (select courses from 18 academic departments).

For more information, contact WPI Corporate and Professional Education at 508-831-5517, cpe@wpi.edu.

Athletics Update

McNee Inks Temporary Contract with Falmouth of Cape Cod League

WPI junior outfielder Scott McNee has signed a temporary contract with the Falmouth Commodores of the Cape Code Baseball League. McNee was one of 75 players to try out in Wareham on May 31st for the historic summer league, which showcases some of the best collegiate and amateur baseball talent in the country.

McNee, who hails from Falmouth, MA, becomes the first Engineer under third-year head coach Mike Callahan to earn a roster spot for the Cape Cod League. Last month, McNee was named to the second team of this year's All-New England Division III team. McNee was also the first Boynton Hiller to be selected as the NEWMAC Player of the Year in the 10-year history of the conference. Read more...

Jillson Selected to the ESPN The Magazine/Co-SIDA All-American Third Team

Junior distance runner Kevin Jillson (East Sandwich, MA) has been named an ESPN The Magazine/College Sports Information Directors of America (Co-SIDA) Academic All-American for track & field and cross county. Jillson received third team college division honors after earning first team All-District I accolades earlier this month.

Jillson, has complied an impressive 3.97 grade point average while majoring in Biochemistry. He has been named a Charles O'Toole Scholar, a Pfizer Fellowship recipient and has earned the Herb Beall General Chemistry Award. Jillson is a member of WPI's Pre-Med Society and is also a Big Brothers/Big Sister and UMass Medical Volunteer. Read more...

Arredondo Selected to the ESPN The Magazine/Co-SIDA All-District I First Team

WPI sophomore thrower Jarrett Arredondo (Somerville, MA) has been named to the ESPN The Magazine/College Sports Information Directors of America (Co-SIDA) Academic All-District I Track & Field and Cross County College Division first team. Arredondo now moves onto the national ballot for consideration for All-American honors.

Arredondo sports an impressive 3.95 grade point average in Chemical Engineering. Arredondo was also named to the 2008 All-NEWMAC Academic team this past season. Read more...

Ruksznis Selected to the ESPN The Magazine/Co-SIDA All-District I First Team

WPI senior rower Amanda Ruksznis (Sidney, ME) has been named to the ESPN The Magazine/College Sports Information Directors of America (Co-SIDA) Academic All-District I At-Large College Division first team. Ruksznis now moves onto the national ballot for consideration for All-American honors.

A three-time All-NEWMAC Academic selection, Ruksznis carries a 3.91 grade point average while majoring in Civil Engineering. In her independent studies for her IQP, she developed a method to count fishermen for the United States Coast Guard. For her senior MQP project, she helped design the new dormitory which is currently being constructed at WPI. Ruksznis has been a recipient of the DeFalco Civil Engineering Award. Read more...

Maglione Named to the ESPN The Magazine/Co-SIDA All-District I Second Team

WPI junior Nicole Maglione has been selected to the ESPN The Magazine/College Sports Information Directors of America (Co-SIDA) Academic All-District I At-Large College Division second team.

A native of Charlton, MA, Maglione has posted a total cumulative GPA of 3.82 while majoring in Civil Engineering. Maglione competes as a forward on the field hockey team and as a centerfielder on the softball team. Read more...

Upcoming Events

Afternoon at Tanglewood

Sunday, August 3

BSO concert at 2:30 p.m. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy prior to the performance. Price includes reserved seating in the Koussevitzky Music Shed. Contact alumni-office@wpi for reservations.

Homecoming 2008

Save the Date: Homecoming Weekend is October 3-4, 2008!
Homecoming 2007 Photo Gallery

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Last modified: August 07, 2008 11:23:27