Message From Dean Silverman

Recently I was explaining the broad scope of engineering, and the many careers that might follow after obtaining a college degree, to a group of interested students and parents and I asked the following question, "How many know who 'A-Rod' is?"  Practically every hand went up enthusiastically. Then, I asked the question, "How many people recognize the names Jack Kilby or John Bardeen?" - silence from the audience. (The former shared the Nobel Physics Prize in 2000 for invention of the integrated circuit, and the latter shared the prize for invention of the transistor in 1956. Both were trained as engineers - electrical engineers I might add proudly because of my own training.) The point I was trying to emphasize is that engineers are capable of the greatest accomplishments. And Manhattan College can take pride in many of its graduates. Just visit the Scala Room in the Leo Engineering Building. Fifteen bronze plaques honor graduates who have achieved recognition in the National Academy of Engineering. (NAE can be thought of as the Baseball Hall of Fame and it is equally difficult to be elected to that august body.) NAE recognizes those individuals who have made significant contributions to engineering leadership and to the nation.

A few of those eminent professionals who received degrees from Manhattan include: Lillian Borrone (Civil/Transportation); James Cooley (Math/EE); Dominic DiToro (EE/Civil); Charles Thornton (Civil); Eugene McGrath (ME); Donald O'Connor (Envl); Jerome J. Cuomo (Chem). (Within the parentheses I have noted the disciplines for which they are noted. I will be happy to give you a tour so that you can see the full complement of those who have been so honored.) It should be pointed out that fifteen members elected to the NAE from an institution the size of Manhattan might entitle us to the institution with the highest per capita count in the nation.

While winning Nobel prizes or election to the NAE can make engineers proud, the record of successful engineering participation in public, "policy-making" bodies and in the halls of Congress, in particular, is not as encouraging. The Congressional Research Service of The Library of Congress publishes the CRS Report for Congress  - specifically for Members and Committees of Congress - is a great resource for discovering facts about our legislators. Included in the comprehensive statistical record is a professional profile of its members. I note the following summary: "The overwhelming majority of Members have a college education. The dominant professions of Members are public service/politics, business and law." Among the Members one finds: 23 with some medically related training (e.g. doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists), some 49 with prior experience in government, 271 state legislators or governors, 16 with a record in law enforcement, 6 with science training or experience, 6 from the media (broadcast) community, 5 accountants, a pilot and an astronaut. And, oh yes, ONE BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER. Two of us (engineers) made it to the White House - one could even argue for an additional "half" because George Washington was a Land Surveyor for part of his life. I sometimes challenge engineers with the question about engineering Presidents (and you can come visit me to find out the answer).

What you learn at Manhattan is fundamental to the art of engineering - solving problems. Lawyers who make up the great majority of legislators don't solve problems readily; some argue that they may even exacerbate problems. A cadre of engineers in Congress might approach problems as we have been trained to do at Manhattan: clearly identify the problems that need to be solved; propose concise solutions (using diagrams and the occasional Power Point presentation); build a consensus without the qualitative arguments we find in the current legislature; find the data; discuss the numbers; and find a process to reach solutions. In short, it might be a great breath of fresh air. Engineers would provide wonderful resources for addressing the challenging issues that confront us in the 21st century: education; our place in the global economy and its problems (climate changes); welfare; the budget; social security; national security. The list is virtually inexhaustible.

What should you be striving for as engineers and graduates of Manhattan? I invite you to expand your horizons, thinking, and ambition as personified in the title of my essay and as noted by the quotation written by Robert Browning. Live up to the core beliefs embodied in Manhattan's Mission: maintain high standards; bring to bear your faiths, values and ethics in your daily activities; continue to grow through lifelong learning. Live by the motto "sic itur ad astra" - loosely translated as "reach for the stars" and first uttered by the Roman poet Virgil. Become engaged in family and the community, work to improve our lives and you may become a Congressman, Senator, President (?).