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<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dear Anonymous Donor,<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 Thank you \u2013 whoever you are \u2013 for kicking off our Centennial like this! We received your $1 million bank check and anonymous letter. We will make sure that it is used exactly as you requested.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 It is extraordinarily rare that the University receives a truly anonymous gift of this size \u2013 and it will make all the difference. Donors often want their names kept private, but getting an anonymous $1 million bank check in a FedEx with instructions for its use has never happened at the UConn School of Engineering. And this public thank-you is our only hope of reaching you.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 We are enormously grateful\u00a0to you \u2013 and everyone who is helping to transform the School of Engineering.<\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 People often say how much the School of Engineering has changed; and usually they are talking about buildings. But the School has changed in huge ways that all of you should be proud of. We have become a major engine driving the Connecticut\u2019s economy. We graduate almost half of all the engineers in Connecticut and they are directly involved in industries generating 37% of the state\u2019s GDP \u2013 that was $93 billion last year. Yes, we\u2019ve increased our student body almost 100% in the last 10 years (from 1,566 to 3,066) \u2013 but the change is more than numbers. It\u2019s about quality.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Previously, professors addressing first-day freshman engineering classes would tell the students to look to their left and right and know that only one of them would graduate. Today our graduation rate is almost 70%. Why? Because we attract top students \u2013 some with scholarships \u2013 and help everyone with mentors and coaches and academic advisors.<\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 In the past, professors were measured by the accumulated knowledge each brought to the School. Today, professors leverage the Internet, local industry as well as their own research \u2013 helping students fully grasp and apply information from the best sources and experiences imaginable. We are building up endowed professorships and chairs so that we can attract and retain the best academic talent.<\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Engineering is still challenging. Courses are demanding and require work and sacrifice. Tuition, room and board is over $26k in-state.<\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 But donors \u2013 every donor \u2013 makes a difference. This is what it takes to raise up the UConn School of Engineering. One scholarship gift paid over a 5-year period opens the doors to smart high school students who might be the first in their family to go to college. One professorship at a time makes it possible to attract the best talent to UConn to devote their career to teaching and encouraging Engineering students.<\/p>\n Dear Friend \u2013 Thank you for sending that check to the School of Engineering.<\/p>\n -Kazem Kazerounian \u2013 Dean, UConn School of Engineering<\/p>\n |
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