President's Message

Value and Purpose

The richness of the WPI experience has always emanated from the purposeful nurturing of students by faculty well informed in the potential applications of knowledge, fruitful interactions among students, and faculty research focused on the important, not just the interesting. From Robert Goddard’s introduction of liquid-fueled rocketry, to Richard Whitcomb’s designs for modern jet aircraft, to Dean Kamen’s miraculous prosthetic devices, the overarching goal and achievement of the people of WPI have been to create value across a wide spectrum of human need.

A national doctoral university with a heritage of educational innovation, WPI delivered its first graduate program in 1893. To this day, our graduate programs foster collaboration within and across the academic disciplines, and encourage partnerships with industry, government laboratories, and other universities. WPI’s highly accomplished faculty is committed to the personal and intellectual development of our students. It is no wonder that our students graduate with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in their careers – from renewable energy and regenerative medicine to information security and fire protection engineering.

To quote one of our 2010 graduates, Roseann Gammal, “WPI has provided me with the knowledge to succeed, the confidence to lead, and the courage to make a difference.” On that note, I invite you to take full advantage of WPI’s exceptional graduate and research programs. I am confident that you will find they offer you the knowledge, the skills and the experience you need for advanced study, for career development, and, ultimately, for making a difference in the world.

Sincerely,
Dennis D. Berkey