Applied Engineering and Technology Building dedication showcases new labs
(March 11, 2010)--The new $82.5 million Applied Engineering and Technology Building was center stage Wednesday, March 10 during a dedication ceremony on the UTSA Main Campus attended by elected officials and more than 200 students, faculty and friends of the university.
UTSA President Ricardo Romo, serving as emcee, thanked guests for their continued support over the past 10 years as UTSA grew from a mid-sized commuter campus to an emerging research university.
"As one of the fastest growing universities in Texas and the nation, UTSA continues to strive toward Tier One research university status and the addition of this laboratory and teaching facility is a big step in the right direction," said Romo.
Romo introduced University of Texas System Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa as the keynote speaker, acknowledging his achievements and for being the first Hispanic in America selected to lead a public university system.
Cigarroa commended Romo for his leadership and for building an emerging research university "for our beloved South Texas." He also recognized Mauli Agrawal, dean of the College of Engineering for his outstanding work in building a college where students receive a world-class education.
"This is a remarkable day for both UTSA and for UT System and this new facility immeasurably adds to the innovative research this university has produced over the past decade," said Cigarroa. "University students and their parents deserve and expect a second-to-none education and this engineering and science facility is one more step in ensuring that that environment exists here at UTSA."
Cigarroa's remarks resonated with Olivia Arroyos, an undergraduate engineering student serving as a UTSA Ambassador at the event. Arroyos said the classrooms are large with power for individual laptops that hook up to a group computer wired to the classroom's main projection screen.
"Engineering students tend to internalize and the large open classrooms in here force you to open up socially and prepare you for giving PowerPoint and public presentations -- something an engineer will have to do when we graduate and enter the workforce," said Arroyos.
In a program cut short because of light rainfall, Cigarroa, state Sen. Judith Zaffirini, state Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon, state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, and state Sen. Jeff Wentworth joined Romo and longtime UTSA supporter Bartell Zachry for the ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Before the 10 a.m. dedication, Mauli Agrawal, College of Engineering dean, and George Perry, College of Sciences dean, along with John Frederick, provost, and Bob Gracy, vice president for research, led building tours. Visitors got a look at two large classrooms and eight of the 36 new laboratories that span research from biomaterials and regenerative orthopedics to laser spectroscopy.
Events
The UTSA Office of Undergraduate is proud to celebrate National Undergraduate Research with an annual event sponsored by the (OUR) featuring students will showcase undergraduate student research and creative endeavors from all disciplines across campus.
Various LocationsDía en la Sombrilla, formerly Fiesta UTSA, is a festival hosted each spring as a part of Fiesta® San Antonio events. Sponsored by Roadrunner Productions, the event features music, food, confetti, games, event t-shirts, and more.
Sombrilla Plaza and Central Plaza, Main CampusFiesta Arts Fair features contemporary art from more than 100 artists from across the U.S., Fiesta favorite foods, drinks, live music by local and regional performers, and a Young Artists Garden providing opportunities for budding artists to learn, explore and express their creativity.
UTSA Southwest CampusJoin the PEACE Center and Wellbeing Services for Denim Day, a day of learning about the importance of consent and why we wear denim on the last Wednesday of the month each April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Stop by our Denim Day display to take a photo in front of our Denim Wall, spin the "Is It Consent?" Wheel, and get a Concha or goodie.
Student Union Window Lounge, Main CampusLearn to use Zotero®, a citation manager that can help you store and organize citations you find during your research. Zotero can generate bibliographies in various styles, insert in-text citations and allow you to share sources with collaborators.
Virtual EventThis event is to achnowlege the graduating seniors and induct the new cohart of scholars to our program.
North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140,) Main CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome