Dear IIHR Alumni and Friends,

As Dean Scranton announced last week, I will begin a new position as Executive Associate Dean for the College of Engineering on August 15, 2017, and will at that time also step down as Director of IIHR—Hydroscience & Engineering. I have had a chance to visit with many of our alumni over the years and I look forward to our future meetings. Although I will be stepping down from the IIHR directorship, I remain firmly committed to IIHR’s continued success through my new leadership position and my regular IIHR faculty affiliation.

Over the past 13 years, working with IIHR faculty, staff, and students, we have advanced the research, teaching, and service programs of the institute. It has truly been our collective efforts that have led IIHR through this period of unprecedented growth, while maintaining our culture and enhancing the spirit of community and family within IIHR. I firmly believe that IIHR continues to set the standard for academic research centers across our campus and peer institutions. I have been humbled and honored to serve as the IIHR Director, and will forever be thankful for collegiality and friendship of all of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external partners.

In this transition, Professor Gabriele Villarini has accepted an appointment as Interim Director of IIHR—Hydroscience & Engineering. In this role, Gabriele will be responsible for managing all aspects of IIHR’s operation, including research development, external relations, financial, personnel, and administrative functions. As most of you know, Gabriele is a highly accomplished scholar, with endless energy and a strong aptitude for academic administration. I am fully confident that under Gabriele’s leadership, IIHR will continue to advance its standing as international leader in hydroscience and engineering research, teaching, and service.

Over the next several weeks, I will be meeting with key faculty and staff to discuss the process for the appointment of the next IIHR Director. For now, please join me in helping to ensure a smooth and successful transition to Gabriele as Interim Director and wish him success in his new role.

Best wishes, and once again, thanks to each of you for your commitment to the long-term success of IIHR. I hope to see you here on campus in August 2020 when we celebrate the first 100 years of IIHR excellence.

Best wishes,