In Review

Engineering School Named in Honor of Ed Hajim ’58 A dedication ceremony is planned for Meliora Weekend.

A familiar part of the University is sporting a new name.

The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences became the Edmund A. Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences on July 1. The change in name recognizes the decades of service of Ed Hajim ’58 and his contributions to the University.

The chairman of the Board of Trustees for the past year and a board member since 1988, Hajim announced a $30 million gift commitment to the school last fall. It’s the largest single gift commitment in University history.

“I can think of no better time for the University to announce the naming of our engineering school than its golden anniversary year, especially as we work to expand current programs and launch new ones so our students are prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century,” says Rob Clark, dean of the school. “Ed’s contributions will make all of this possible, as well as provide increased financial support for students with need. This is a truly historic occasion for engineering at Rochester.”

“I have been proud to be associated with the University of Rochester for more than 50 years,” says Hajim. “And I now consider myself lucky to be able to make a long-term contribution to its growth and the training of its students. This University will remain a leader in addressing the many challenges facing society, and I am honored to play a role in and be associated with that important legacy.”

During Meliora Weekend, Oct. 8-11, the University plans to celebrate the naming with several events, including a formal dedication ceremony and an engineering symposium. The events are scheduled to feature guest speakers Charles Vest, president of the National Academy of Engineering and president emeritus of MIT, and Henry Petroski, a professor of civil engineering and history at Duke University, and author of more than a dozen books on engineering and design.

—Kathleen McGarvey