I am writing this article during National Engineers Week and it is an appropriate time to discuss the role of engineers in society.In the United States, engineers are highly respected; almost everyone is aware of the academic rigor required to obtain a degree in engineering. They are also aware of the achievements of engineers that affect every part of their daily lives. Indeed, the profession of engineering is the foundation for our economic development and prosperity. The professional integrity of engineers has a solid foundation of ethics and commitment to society. Because of the carefully planned educational program for engineers, they are taught to look at the practicality as well as the aesthetics of problem solving and design. You, as graduates of URI, have acquired the knowledge, skill, and intellectual discipline to solve problems that are among the most complex that life holds.
Try to imagine, just for a moment, the many contributions of engineers to society. What would life be in Rhode Island without the Newport Bridge, and other water and coastal systems throughout the state? What would our lives be like without CDs, MP3’s, DVDs, cell phones, computers, fax machines, space telescopes, satellites, automobiles, airplanes, pipelines, plastics, sensors, and assistive medical devices? For the engineer, creative imagination and logic are tools whose products must withstand the most rigorous test, the test of daily life.
By becoming an engineer, you have taken upon yourself the responsibility of society, because you have acquired the power to influence it as surely as the greatest philosopher, the most inspired painter or poet, the best trained social scientists or natural scientists, and even the most skilled statesman. Engineers are the artists who turn dreams into reality, and create instruments and devices that improve the quality of our lives.
Engineering education, research, and development is the catalyst for economic development in Rhode Island. For more than a century, URI engineering has contributed to the economic development of the state. More than 50% of the 10,000+ alumni of the College of Engineering at URI reside in Rhode Island. Many have formed new businesses. Others lead companies and contribute to the economic well being of Rhode Island.
Clearly, increasing Rhode Island’s investment in higher education will have a direct return back to the state in economic development. URI in particular is uniquely positioned in engineering to revitalize our state’s economy.
In response to Governer Carcieri’s request, we are working within our University as well as with our colleagues in universities and businesses throughout Rhode Island, and with the state’s economic development team, to design a five-year strategic plan focusing our efforts in engineering education, research, development, and outreach to support Rhode Island’s economic growth. There is no question that our faculty, staff, and students have the energy, talent, and motivation to contribute to a great future for us all.