As we approach the midpoint of our yearlong Bicentennial celebration, I want to thank you for your continued support. Meanwhile, let me remind you of some of our recent accomplishments, as well as the semester-long party we’re planning.

Our community continues to be recognized for their leadership and research, with eight alumni and a trustee elected to the National Academy of Engineering. Current faculty have made advancements in Alzheimer’s treatment, printing hair follicles, improving circadian rhythms, and understanding  the origins of the galaxy, among many other breakthroughs. And six graduate students have received NSF research fellowships.

Bicentennial Commencement week was a great success. Commander Reid Wiseman ’97 inspired our graduates and their families with stories of obstacles he’s overcome, like getting a 16 on a materials engineering exam. Our first-ever posthumous honorary degree recipient, Emily Warren Roebling, was portrayed by Gilded Age actor Liz Wisan using remarks prepared with generative AI. The pair also took part in a fascinating discussion moderated by Provost Rebecca Doerge, Ph.D., at our Bicentennial Colloquy. You can read more about the festivities and find links to videos of the individual events here.

Back in April, RPI and IBM unveiled the IBM Quantum System One, the first quantum computing system to be installed on a university campus. The Rensselaer community had the pleasure of welcoming leaders from the worlds of industry, research, academia, and government to launch our mission of making Quantum Valley in New York. It was such a groundbreaking experience (and not just because of the 4.8 magnitude earthquake that struck during the ceremony)!

Our generous community raised $485,284 in support of RPI students during this year’s Rπ Giving Day on March 14, doubling what we raised in the last 24-hour challenge. It featured matches, challenges, and through a partnership with Athletics, some fierce team competitions. My goal is that we beat my former employer, MIT, with our next 24-hour challenge in November in honor of our Bicentennial. I hope you all will help us get there!

Speaking of our Bicentennial, this fall will be one to remember for the next century! The semester will kick off with a two-day carnival for both the RPI community and the city of Troy that will feature food trucks, entertainment, and, of course, a Ferris wheel. 

Bicentennial festivities continue with the RPI Bicentennial Drone Show on campus and a museum-quality art exhibit in downtown Troy during Reunion & Homecoming Weekend, which will include beloved annual festivities. That will be followed by RPI Space, Science, and Technology Day on Monday, September 30. Check our Bicentennial page for details and updates.

I look forward to seeing many of you in the new academic year, on campus and throughout the world.