Dr. Larry Johnson Conference Facility
An Asset to the Entire Campus

The dedication ceremony took place on December 6, 2007.  Dean Hsiao-Ping Moore presided and gave some heartfelt words of appreciation about the contributions of Dr. Johnson.  She then asked Dr. James Rodgers and Dr. Harold Hotelling to offer their comments about their esteemed colleague.  The members of the audience were touched by the presence of many family members and friends of Dr. Johnson.

The late Dr. Larry Johnson was a warmly-regarded, highly effective academic executive who was an important part of the Humanities Department at LTU.  He himself represented the essence of collegiality.  He energetically not only supervised his own academic area but, with equal energy, contacted other offices across campus (including the Engineering Advising Center) to initiate cooperative, mutually-beneficial programs to elevate the level of service provided to students.

His premature death was accompanied by great sorrow not only in the Humanities Department and the College of Arts and Sciences but throughout the entire campus. As all six LTU Presidents would have elegantly described it:  “We took a hit.”  It was indeed a damaging loss, both personally and institutionally.
 
It was no surprise to Dr. James Rodgers, then Dean of Arts and Sciences and Dr. Betty Stover, Chair of the Humanities Department that Larry, thinking of the welfare of others as always, had bequeathed a considerable sum of money to assist the Humanities Department in its mission by establishing a conference facility.

The design of this elegant space was most carefully considered.  The practicalities of construction benefited from the ongoing attention of Associate Dean Glen Bauer and Administrative Assistant Tracy Thomas of the College of Arts and Sciences.  From the outset, it was understood that all students, faculty and staff at LTU would have the opportunity to schedule meetings in this marvel of functionality and elegance.  Generous donors (for whom we are all grateful) supplemented Dr. Johnson’s magnificent bequest.

Meetings must be held on University campuses so that collegial agreement can be reached on important issues.  The concept of reasonable people, equally well-informed, reaching agreement through intelligent discussion on these same important issues is what Dr. Larry Johnson was all about!  There can be no doubt that the Dr. Larry Johnson Conference Facility was not an expense but an investment.  The Department of Humanities has once again demonstrated the essential role that “literary intellectuals” play in the College of Arts and Sciences and on the LTU campus.

Collaborative Initiatives between the
Colleges of Arts & Sciences and Engineering

As we celebrate the dedication of the Dr. Larry Johnson Conference Facility, we take this opportunity to reflect on the collaboration between the College of Arts and Sciences and the Engineering College.  Dr. Johnson’s work at Lawrence Technological University was a great example of a person who valued teamwork and saw interdisciplinary opportunities.  While he was officially a member of the Arts and Sciences College, he frequently participated in meetings in the Engineering College as joint projects were being developed.  This brief memorandum is presented to show how we are building upon his legacy to launch additional new initiatives in four areas.

Mechatronics

Mechatronics is a relatively new word that represents a combination of mechanics and electronics.  Computer technology and computer science are two key disciplines that are the foundation for mechatronics systems.  The educational programs and associated research in this field are supported by our two Colleges.  Departments that are working in this area include Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering.  We have student projects, funded external research, and a new Mechatronics degree program.  The kinds of products that result from advances in the mechatronics field include but are not limited to robotic machines, military equipment, manufacturing equipment, and numerous consumer products that contain embedded microprocessor computers.

Life Sciences

There is tremendous interest in the life sciences today.  This is due in large part to the public’s interest in health advances spurred by the coverage the news media gives to our better understanding of life sciences.  People are better informed and willing to spend more of their time and capital to focus on living longer and staying well in the face of natural events and man-made threats.  The two Colleges have recognized the burgeoning interest of high school students in life sciences programs.  These programs present opportunities for a career that is positively rewarding and in great demand.  We are now collaborating in offering new degree programs in molecular and cell biology, chemical biology, and biomedical engineering.  The faculty of the two Colleges work together to offer these programs that are meeting the needs and interests of growing numbers of college applicants.

Communication Skills

The College of Engineering recognizes the great importance of communication skills, both written and oral.  The engineering faculty relies heavily on the Arts and Sciences faculty to develop these skills in our students.  These communication skills are vitally important both in college and beyond.  The Arts and Sciences College has developed unique modules in its communication courses that are making a huge difference in the communication abilities of our students.  This enterprise does excellent work in building these skills, adapting to the diverse levels of abilities that students have upon entering college.  The Engineering College faculty appreciate the improvements in students’ communication skills, as this prepares them to more easily learn and use engineering skills.

Materials Research

The Engineering College has a new facility on campus, the Center for Innovative Materials Research.  In this building, students are involved in research and educational programs using advanced new materials such as carbon fibers and nanotech particles.  With the help of the Arts and Sciences College faculty, we will be expanding the list of the kinds of materials we research.  The skills and experience of the Arts and Sciences College faculty in chemistry and physics will contribute to very beneficial collaborative projects. The goal is to soon develop a degree program in Materials Engineering.  The cooperation between the two Colleges will make this a successful venture.

Dec. 4, 2007
L. E. Johnston