School of Engineering and Applied Science

Dear Friends of Gonzaga Engineering,

By now, most of you are probably aware that I am now beginning my 15^th and final year in the position of Gonzaga’s Dean of the School of Engineering & Applied Science.  My plans are to be here full-time in the fall semester, and then to spend my final semester on what our Academic Vice President terms a “semi-sabbatical,” during which the day-to-day operations will be handed over to an Acting Dean as the search for my replacement is conducted.  Therefore, this may be the last message I will write for our Annual Report.

As you might imagine, I have somewhat mixed feelings about this profound change in my life.  Excitement about new possibilities and new experiences, a bit of sadness over the many activities (yes, even budget deadlines) and people I will miss at Gonzaga and in this School.  But what amazes me the most as I wrap up my time here is how quickly these years have passed by for me.

Academic year 2010-2011 has been another year with numerous achievements by our students and faculty, as noted in this Report.  With our growing involvement in the KEEN program, we have an expanded commitment to exposing all of our students to an entrepreneurial mindset, greatly aided by new grants from the Kern Family Foundation totaling more than $300,000.  We also have a new state-of-the-art antenna test chamber in which faculty research into “smart antennas” will be conducted.  This facility, rivaled by very few anywhere in the country, and the research it supports are both funded by the National Science Foundation with grants now in excess of $1.5 million.

You can be assured that as I move on to another chapter in my life, I will eagerly follow the continued achievements of our faculty and students.  The process has already begun to select my successor, and I am certain by the time this Report is written next year, there will be a sense of anticipation that a new dean, with new ideas and visions for our future, has been identified to provide leadership as we move ahead.

I want to thank all of you for making my experience here so rewarding and satisfying.  My only request as I leave Gonzaga for the new world of retirement is that you give our new dean the same enthusiastic support and assistance as you have always so generously provided to me.  Without your help, Gonzaga and this School would not have achieved the successes that have continued to elevate our academic excellence and reputation. 

God bless all of you,

Dennis R. Horn

Dean of Engineering & Applied Science