Dear Friends:
 
A month ago, we began work from our homes to protect our students, colleagues, and families from the COVID-19 pandemic. Now we are preparing for the end of the 2019-2020 school year and examining what we can take from this time to be a stronger, smarter School on the other side.
 
What Are We Learning?
 
Hands-on rapid innovation, rapid prototyping, and rapid manufacturing are lessons that UConn Engineering faculty and students are teaching us in the immediacy of this pandemic-triggered scrum. Ventilators and face shields are being manufactured at the UConn Tech Park, and faculty are contributing solutions that will help eradicate COVID-19.  You can read about these inspiring innovations and initiatives on our Engineering news website.
 
I have been absolutely inspired by the drive of our students, alumni and faculty who immediately used their skills to help healthcare workers and first responders combat this epidemic, and have been touched by the virtual study groups and discussion sections with teaching assistants that are providing connections, support and camaraderie when we need it most.
 
Moving Forward
 
In the weeks ahead, I will periodically update you on the stories of these amazing people, as well as how the School of Engineering will hold—and you can participate in—a virtual Senior Design Day and Commencement, and an in-person commencement celebration (for friends and family of graduates) in the fall.
 
We are also shifting our focus on how and when we would come out of this crisis, how are we going to be different, and what are the challenges and opportunities we would face then.  
 
It is my hope that we will build on the challenges of the last few weeks to become an even more cohesive family moving forward. Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or inspiring stories you’ve encountered, and, most importantly, stay healthy and safe.
 
 
Regards,

Kazem Kazerounian
Dean, UConn School of Engineering