As 2011 comes to a close, I am struck with gratitude and awe at the great accomplishments of our Gator Engineering students, faculty, staff and alumni. The College has seen tremendous growth in not only research expenditures and student enrollment, but also in the development of programs that will shape Gator Engineering for many generations to come. Our newly founded Innovation and Leadership Institutes have both gotten off to great starts. Their work is critical to nurturing the climate and culture necessary for success in the 21st century: creative and entrepreneurial with a strong emphasis on ethics, communication and leadership. Such a culture, we believe, is necessary to maintain the preeminence of American engineering in a globally competitive profession. The many accomplishments of our alumni are responsible for the stellar reputation enjoyed by Gator Engineering around the world. Our goal is to expand upon this outstanding foundation by focusing on further expanding our expertise in innovation and leadership.
As you reflect on UF and the College of Engineering this season, I hope you take great pride in Gator Engineering and in the many students and faculty helping to shape your world in ways you experience every day and in ways we cannot even yet imagine. Thank you for everything you and the many friends of our College have provided in time, talent and resources, over the past year. In the coming year, we look forward to sharing with you the many successes still to come.