Over a year ago, everything changed. COVID-19 had spread through the United States, virtually shutting down life as we know it.
But it could not stop the Auburn spirit.
Now, we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. COVID cases are on the decline in the Auburn area, vaccinations are increasing daily, and our students, faculty and staff are almost completely back in person on campus. Our hope is for the fall to look, and feel, as normal as possible.
This feat has only been made possible through the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff, the resiliency and determination of our students, and the support and commitment of our alumni, donors and friends.
As we make our way back toward normal, we’re excited to share some of the transformative and groundbreaking news from the college, while also celebrating the many accomplishments of our distinguished alumni.
In this issue, you will read some of the stories we compiled in February as part of our Black History Month celebration, with some of our students and alumni shedding light on how other underrepresented engineers who came before them have inspired and motivated them to press on. These alumni have paved the way for the current generation, and today’s students are carrying that torch and blazing their own path.
You’ll also read about our newly formed Auburn University Transportation Research Institute, which is providing a unified presence and strategic direction for promoting the renowned transportation-related research conducted within the academic departments and research centers in the college. National leader Larry Rilett has joined us to lead this effort, and we are thrilled to have someone of his caliber and expertise.
We’ll also catch you up on all the happenings from the college during the past six months and celebrate the accomplishments of our faculty, while also telling some fun stories about our creative alumni along the way.
Indeed, it is a great time to be an Auburn engineer and we look forward to seeing many of you back on campus in the fall.
War Eagle!
Christopher B. Roberts
Dean of Engineering
