The Volgenau School of Engineering's Department of Applied Information Technology (AIT) recognized and celebrated Dr. Donald Gantz's 10 years of service as department chair and his 40 years as a member of the Mason community at the Johnson Center Bistro on Wednesday, May 14, 2014.
Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Irene Bruno emceed the event and speakers included Dean Emeritus Dr. Lloyd Griffiths, and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Sharon Caraballo. The speakers thanked Dr. Gantz and acknowledged his many contributions to the university, the school, and the department. Dr. Griffiths presented an AIT recognition award to Dr. Gantz.
Dr. Gantz was hired by Mason in 1974 as an assistant professor in the Mathematics Department. When the engineering school was founded, and as it developed, Dr. Gantz continued to serve as faculty and assumed a variety of administrative duties. He was Interim Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Assistant Dean for IT Programs, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management, Assistant Dean for IT Programs, and then AIT Chair. During his tenure as chair, some of Dr. Gantz's major accomplishments included promoting recognition at the school level for outstanding faculty and students and assembling an efficient and collegial departmental staff.
Towards the end of the dinner, faculty members Mr. Peter Farrell, Dr. Aditya Johri, Mr. Mike Lyons, and Mr. Ken Santucci gave a farewell toast. Mr. Farrell said, "While I will miss Don Gantz as Chair of the Applied IT Department, I will miss Don Gantz much more as my friend."
The event culminated with a farewell speech by Dr. Gantz where he thanked and acknowledged the faculty and staff for their contributions during his years of service. The dinner ended with closing remarks by Dr. Bruno.