The day will also feature a major symposium, "The New Liberal Education for the Age of Technology," at 2 p.m. in Alden Memorial. In addition to Parrish and Gaudiani, the panelists include Eleanor Baum, dean of the School of Engineering at Cooper Union; Douglas Cowman, director of electronics and information technology at Lockheed Martin; Frederick Hutchinson, president of the University of Maine; David Kettler, executive director of science and technology at BellSouth Telecommunications; and George Peterson, executive director of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Joseph Hinchey, chairman of the Union College Board of Trustees, will serve as moderator.
About 1,000 employees, students, alumni and college and corporate administrators and executives are expected to attend the investiture and symposium, which have been planned to coincide with Homecoming Weekend and the annual President's Advisory Committee reception and dinner.
"The inauguration of President Parrish marks another milestone in WPI's distinguished history," says Mechanical Engineering Professor and Department Head emeritus Donald N. Zwiep, who chairs the Planning Committee for the event. "The last WPI inauguration was held on Charter Day, May 10, 1986, when Jon C. Strauss became president."
"The symposium will address the future direction of technological education as we move into the 21st century, with special emphasis placed on discussion of how best to prepare our graduates for careers in a rapidly changing workplace. We believe it will generate some lively and thought-provoking discussions - both during and after the program," says Zwiep.