News

Gift will be matched with additional $7 million from Rensselaer

Initiative Features New Buildings for Biotechnology and Electronic Arts Troy, N.Y. — A plan for new construction that totals $255 million has been approved by the Board of Trustees of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The plan calls for building a center for biotechnology and interdisciplinary studies, a center for electronic media and performing arts, a parking garage, a boiler plant, a chiller plant, and for related improvements to campus landscaping and infrastructure.

Troy, N.Y. — David Spooner, acting chair and professor of computer science, has been named associate dean for information technology at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. Spooner’s research in database systems put him in the forefront of information technology even before it was recognized as a separate discipline.

Troy, N.Y. — Frances Bronet, associate professor of architecture at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and long-time Troy resident, has been chosen as the 2001 Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching New York Professor of the Year. The award, part of the U.S. Professor of the Year Program, is being announced today in Washington, D.C., by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Troy, N.Y. — Gordon Winston, an expert on college and university business practices, will speak at a public lecture at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Friday, Nov. 16, at 3:45 p.m. in room 337 of the Darrin Communications Center. Winston’s lecture, “The Awkward Economics of Higher Education,” will explore the reasons why running a university is different from running a business or a charity.

Troy, N.Y. — Kenneth Connor has been named chair of the department of electrical, computer, and systems engineering (ECSE) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He has recently been serving as acting department chair.

Effort is part of university’s Neighborhood Renewal Initiative to help improve surrounding community Troy, N.Y. — Fourth- and fifth-year architecture students at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will work alongside professional planners, architects, and engineers to explore quality of life issues in the neighborhoods north of campus. The workshop will be held Saturday, Oct. 20, 9 a.m. -1:30 p.m., at the Heffner Alumni House on Peoples Avenue.

Students will have a chance to learn more about career opportunities in the field Troy, N.Y. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is sponsoring a two-day, free Media Arts Career Festival on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 26-27, for students to learn more about career opportunities in digital media, communications, and entertainment. The event will take place at the Heffner Alumni House on Peoples Avenue.

Troy, N.Y. — The public is invited to participate in the 2001 Candidate Debates for the Rensselaer County executive and district attorney seats. The debates, sponsored by the League of Women Voters, will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 7 p.m., at the Heffner Alumni House on Peoples Avenue. For the Rensselaer County executive position, the debates will be between Republican Kathy Jimino and Democrat Lynn Ganance. Kenneth Bruno and Timothy Nugent will debate for the Rensselaer County district attorney seat.

Hartford, CT — Andrew Z. Lemnios, Ph.D., Interim Vice President of Rensselaer at Hartford, has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2002. Dr. Lemnios has been serving as Interim Vice President since November 1999. The Honorable Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, has initiated a nationwide search for a Vice President and Dean of Rensselaer at Hartford.