VT College of Science Magazine Annual 2012 | Página 2

& F e at u r e s Lay Nam Chang Dean, College of Science Remarkable progress In July 2003, our college was created in a restructuring that separated what had been the university’s College of Arts and Sciences into a College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, focused more on the humanities, and a College of Science, containing the departments of biological sciences, chemistry, economics, geosciences, mathematics, physics, psychology, and statistics. Obviously, it was a memorable month. 2 Integrated Science Curriculum 10 The faces of the ISC Other stories 1 Message from the dean and campaign chair 14 16 National Academy of Sciences Celebrating excellence 16 15 Professor inducted into Science news Alumni update On the cover: The Integrated Science Curriculum icon, created by Emily Hall. Cover illustration by Sarah Vernon. www.science.vt.edu But the fact that we became a new college that month is not the only reason it was so memorable. July 1, 2003, was also the beginning of The Campaign for Virginia Tech: Invent the Future, a university-wide fundraising initiative that lasted eight years and has benefitted all areas of our institution – including the College of Science. 12 Origami art and science College of Science Virginia Tech Mail Code 0405 Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-5422 [email protected] Mary Nolen Blackwood (psychology ’73) Chair of the College of Science committee within The Campaign for Virginia Tech: Invent the Future Contributing Writers Tim Long, Albert Raboteau, Jill Sible, Catherine Doss Copy Editor Richard Lovegrove We are delighted to thank all of our generous College of Science alumni and friends for their contributions to Virginia Tech during our campaign, which raised $1.11 billion overall. The College of Science surpassed its ambitious campaign goal by raising $64.7 million. As a college that was newly established just as the campaign was getting started, we are particularly grateful to dedicated alumni for their continued support. During the campaign, more than 6,400 contributors committed to support the College of Science and more than 40 new endowed funds were established for the college. A majority of these funds provide scholarships that will help our students to realize their ambitions. Other funds are helping us Photographers Josh Armstrong, Christina O’Connor, Rick Griffiths, Chase Martinez, John McCormick, Tatsu Takeuchi, Jim Stroup, Kelsey Kradel, Logan Wallace, Anne Wernikoff Graphic Designer Tiffany Pruden Graphic Design Intern Sarah Vernon ’13 to maintain a world-class faculty and to run innovative programs. Because they are endowed, these funds will continue to make an impact year after year, with no end in sight. The completion of a billion-dollar campaign certainly is an occasion to look back on with pride. But it is also a time to look forward with excitement at the new accomplishments that will be possible not only because of the gifts made during the campaign, but because of the many additional gifts that will continue to be made in the future. One characteristic of campaigns is that they build momentum. They allow institutions to grow and to launch new initiatives. Institutions also develop numerous philanthropic partnerships during campaigns, and these relationships often continue even after campaigns end. Because of the ongoing generosity of alumni and friends, the College of Science now has a springboard for the development of innovative initiatives. Maintaining the fundraising momentum that started during the campaign is a major priority for our college because it will allow us to continue our remarkable progress. One example of that progress is our new Integrated Science Curriculum, which is the subject of this issue’s cover story. Like many exciting developments within our college, this program has received philanthropic support. We hope you will continue to follow the progress of our college with interest and to support our efforts to advance scientific education and research. Best regards, Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, gender, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equity and Access. Lay Nam Chang Printed by University Printing Services ! Mary Nolen Blackwood Science Science Contents Message from the Dean and Campaign Chair 1 www.science.vt.edu