Message from the Dean

This year marks a major milestone for the Volgenau School.

Less than two years ago we broke ground for a new building. On October 2, 2009, we will officially open the doors to our new Engineering Building and new home. We want you there to help us celebrate this state-of-the-art facility, which will become an icon for Mason. It’s exciting to think about the impact it will have both on and off campus.

As we open the doors to our new building, one thing remains certain. The demand for engineers in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is higher than ever. With our leading edge research and academic programs, the Volgenau School provides stimulus for economic growth at both the regional and national levels. Collaboration and innovation are at the heart of our School’s efforts and serve to encourage the study of science and technology in today’s youth.

Through the Volgenau School’s outreach programs, and strong collaboration with local industry, we are encouraging young people to pursue careers in information technology and engineering. Many corporations, alumni, and friends have invested in scholarship support to help us attract top students into our programs. Thanks to the significant relationships we have established with the business community throughout the years, our students are fortunate to have access to premier employers in the region for research and employment opportunities.

We continue to expand our research partnerships with local industry. The Engineering Building features 17,000 square feet of corporate lease space, which will create a research park environment on campus that fosters increased opportunities for research and development collaboration between area businesses and our faculty and students. Our corporate tenants will be moving into the new building this coming summer.

The Engineering Building will be a world-class facility for teaching and research that will broadly and profoundly affect the quality of the school’s programs. It will also be a significant step in establishing Mason’s position as a nationally recognized research university with exceptional programs that attract excellent students and faculty. With 180,000 square feet of classroom, lab, and office space, the building will be the largest academic building on the Fairfax Campus. It will also mark the first LEED-certified green building on campus.

The integration with our corporate community is stronger than ever. The dynamic combination of our new building, a strong student body, and innovative academic and research programs guarantee success. Many of you have played an important role in our development and achievements and we thank you for your continued support.

Best regards,