MEDIA ADVISORY
Grace J. Wang, PhD, an accomplished materials scientist and esteemed leader in higher education, government, and industry, will be formally installed as the 17th president of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) on March 22, 2024, from 2:00-4:00 pm at the university’s Sports and Recreation Center. President Wang officially joined WPI on April 3, 2023.
The inauguration ceremony’s theme is “Impact Driven: Honoring Tradition, Innovating the Future.” The event will pay homage to the university’s 158-year history by incorporating traditions, symbols, and pageantry. It will feature a procession that includes WPI community members, delegates, and special guests; an inaugural address by Wang; and the presentation of WPI’s seal and original charter to the new president.
The event will also include a keynote address by Terrence Sejnowski, a pioneering and award-winning computational neuroscientist. Dr. Sejnowski will also be a panelist at the 2024 University Lecture,“AI and the Future of Work,” which takes place at 4:30 pm on the afternoon of March 21 in WPI’s Rubin Campus Center Odeum. Wang will moderate the discussion, which also features other leaders in the field of artificial intelligence.
Diran Apelian, ScD, provost emeritus and founding director of the Metal Processing Institute at WPI, will receive the Presidential Medal for his innovative research and entrepreneurship in materials science and engineering. The medal was established in 2001 to recognize individuals who exemplify the “technological humanist,” an ideal at the core of WPI’s educational approach.
Judith Nitsch’75, PE, LEED AP BD+C, founder of Nitsch Engineering, Inc. and the first alumna elected to WPI’s Board of Trustees, also will receive the Presidential Medal for her impactful career and significant role in WPI’s sustainable infrastructure.
For the full schedule of events, including a campus community reception, tours, and a showcase of student projects and faculty research, visit The Inauguration of President Grace J. Wang, PhD.
Members of the media wishing to cover any or all of these events in person must have WPI-issued credentials. To obtain credentials and parking pass, contact:
Colleen Bamford Wamback
WPI Director of Public Relations
508-688-4858
cbwamback@wpi.edu
Jon Cain
WPI Senior Public Relations Manager
774-437-2157
jcain@wpi.edu
