Latest news with #RensselaerPolytechnicInstitute
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
A new Boston-area college president is named amid financial strain and a resignation
Olin College of Engineering, a small four-year private institution in Needham, named its third president following the resignation of its former president, according to an announcement from the college. R. May Lee, the college's new president, comes from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where she was the president and chief strategy officer for institutional impact. She worked to shape and execute the institute's long-term strategic plan. 'I am incredibly honored to be chosen to lead Olin College as its next president,' May Lee said in a statement. 'I am an engineer at heart, if not by training. My career has been defined by building — whether it's organizations, strategies, products or teams. Along the way, I've immersed myself in new industries, carrying forward insights from one sector to the next and using them as fuel for innovation in each new context. I am inspired by Olin's mission and its people, and its resolute dedication to constant innovation.' She will begin on August 18. Gilda Barabino announced her resignation as the president of the top-ranked engineering college in November 2024. She had been at the institution since July 2020. An internationally recognized leader in science and engineering with a particular focus on race, ethnicity and gender, she became the first Black and female president to run the college, according to the college's website. Read more: Boston-area college president resigns amid financial turmoil Beyond working at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Lee has also worked at The Seelig Group, an investment firm focused on media and technology, and was the founding dean of the School of Entrepreneurship and Management at Shanghai Tech University. During her dean position, she created the first interdisciplinary curriculum for science and engineering students, bringing in social sciences, entrepreneurship and critical thinking. She was also the vice chancellor at New York University, spearheading the development of NYU Shanghai. Lee is 'precisely the kind of strategic, community-minded leader Olin needs right now,' according to Jeannie Diefenderfer, chair of the Olin Board of Trustees. She is also described as an 'accessible and transparent leader who values shared governance and co-creation,' according to Emily Tow, professor of mechanical engineering and a member of the search committee. 'She is both a down-to-earth person whom I look forward to chatting with in the dining hall and a bold thinker who will enable our small school to achieve global impact,' Tow said. The college, founded in 1997, was funded in part by a $460 million gift from the Olin Foundation to reform engineering education, according to the college's website. It was once known for offering free tuition but that program ended in the 2010 academic year, dropping to 50%, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education. Since then, the college has been facing financial difficulties. In July 2024, the college announced it would decrease its merit scholarship from 50% of Olin's annual tuition to $10,000 per year beginning in fall 2026, according to a letter sent to the community. This was to 'safeguard Olin's long-term financial sustainability,' according to the July letter. The college's net operating losses amount to around $4 million annually, the college told MassLive in January. Read more: College presidents are leaving jobs sooner. 8 Mass. presidents say why An accreditor of the college, ABET, also signaled issues with the college's academic programs. The college described this as a resolvable matter in January. Olin's difficulties aren't necessarily unique, as smaller colleges in Massachusetts are struggling financially, as many face challenges with enrollment. More than two dozen colleges and universities in the Commonwealth closed or merged over the past decade, according to the state Department of Higher Education. Bard College at Simon's Rock in Great Barrington announced in November it would close due to declining enrollment and a competitive free public early college market. Eastern Nazarene College, a private liberal arts college in Quincy, announced in June 2024 it would close due to financial issues. There had been a series of presidential resignations in colleges and universities in 2024. Many of those were due in part to controversies about how to respond to the war in Gaza. Among them were Brandeis University's Ronald Liebowitz, Harvard University's President Claudine Gay, Liz Magill from the University of Pennsylvania and Minouche Shafik from Columbia University. Trump admin appeals federal judge's decision rejecting ban of foreign Harvard students Harvard subpoenaed in Ivy League tuition price-fixing investigation Should Harvard enter into a deal with the Trump administration? Lawsuit: MIT professor harassed Israeli researcher, Jewish student as president stood by Harvard Kennedy's backup plan for foreign students: Study online, or in Canada Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
Westfield High School Valedictorian: Justin Romanelli
WESTFIELD — Westfield High School Valedictorian Justin Romanelli was putting the finishing touches on his speech the day before graduation, and practicing to get it ready. Asked what he wrote about, he said, 'Primarily, the idea of what is permanent versus what is temporary, how it's important to recognize which one is which, and how they impact [our lives].' Romanelli said he was looking forward to giving the speech. 'I wouldn't say I'm comfortable, but I'm looking forward to it. It's a great opportunity for me to do it publicly — it's not something I've been exposed to in the past,' he said, adding that he was also very nervous. Romanelli will be studying computer science and technology at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, in the fall. He said he plans to study coding but isn't sure exactly where it will lead, although his best guess is software development. The race for valedictorian was very tight this year, with Brandon Guyott, the school's salutatorian, a close second. Romanelli and Guyott are co-founders of the Coding Club at WHS and in the Robotics Club together. The duo also collaborated for the second year on their science fair project, 'Optimizing an After-Market Prototype That Operates a Window Remotely,' which earned second place at regionals, and an honorable mention in the state science fair. Guyott, who Romanelli calls 'his best friend,' is also heading to Rensselaer in the fall. Romanelli said during his four years at WHS, besides the Robotics and Coding Clubs, he was on the Student Council and in the Key Club, which he credits with making him who he is today. Romanelli's awards include Excellence in Computer Science, Excellence in Mathematics, and Excellence in Spanish. He also recently earned the MA State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction for Spanish, for which he was recognized in a ceremony at WHS in May. Romanelli said WHS has helped him to expand his interests. 'Westfield High School, at least for me, has been a great school. I've been able to approach different classes and different clubs without many barriers, [which has] helped me to branch out more and find new things,' he said. Read the original article on MassLive.
Associated Press
03-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Chromalloy Announces Appointment of Paul Browning to Board of Directors
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / June 3, 2025 / Chromalloy is a global leader for turbine engine aftermarket solutions, that include providing engineering, part manufacturing, component repairs, and full powerplant restoration to serve the aviation, defense, and energy markets. Chromalloy has announced the appointment of Paul Browning to its Board of Directors. Paul has spent 35 years as an executive leader and entrepreneur, with a focus on driving innovation and growth for multi-national businesses in the power generation market. 'We are pleased to welcome Paul Browning to the Chromalloy Board,' said Chris Celtruda, Chief Executive Officer for Chromalloy. 'Paul has deep knowledge and long-term relationships in the global power generation market and a mindset for driving strategic growth. His leadership and experience will be instrumental as we continue to expand the Chromalloy solution set for the rapidly growing distributed power market.' On joining the Chromalloy board, Browning commented, 'I worked with Chromalloy extensively during my career and have always respected their legacy of disruptive technology development for turbine engine overhaul. I'm proud to join the Board at this pivotal time in the company's history and am committed to helping position Chromalloy as both a high-value alternative and a trusted partner within OEM-aligned solutions for land-based turbines.' Paul has served in senior leadership and CEO roles at numerous multinational corporations, including Caterpillar Solar Turbines, GE Power, Irving Oil, and Mitsubishi Power. More recently he has been engaged in advisory roles for traditional power and transitional energy businesses. Mr. Browning is a lifelong learner, with a strong commitment to technological development, innovation, and maintaining industry relationships that are critical to establishing a growth roadmap. He holds a B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science from Carnegie Mellon University and an M.S. in Materials Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In May of 2025, Paul completed a 27-year journey, interrupted by a growing family and an executive career, that culminated in the completion of a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. About Chromalloy Chromalloy is a leading provider of engineering, manufacturing, and service for the aerospace, military, aero-derivative, and energy/industrial gas turbine aftermarket. For over 70 years, Chromalloy has been a trusted partner of airlines, aero-engine asset owners, and engine repair facilities. Chromalloy is a leader in FAA-certified, third-party PMA and DER solutions to enable customer value during engine restoration and maintenance. The combination of alternative PMA new parts, DER part repairs, and inventory of used serviceable material (USM) enables each engine overhaul to achieve expected performance and achieve best value. Operating from over 20 locations worldwide, Chromalloy remains committed to having the right global team, available inventory, and a bias for addressing service needs for legacy and midlife engines. Our investments in design engineering, testing, and component manufacturing ensure that all regulatory and performance criteria are met or exceeded. As of May 2025, Chromalloy has developed and received FAA approval on over 50 gas path PMA parts, which have safely flown in excess of 6 BILLION flight hours with ZERO airworthiness directives. Chromalloy's PMA parts are certified by the FAA to be equivalent to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part and meet all requirements. For additional information, please visit Contact Information Chromalloy Marketing [email protected] 561.935.3571 SOURCE: Chromalloy press release
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AMD CEO Lisa Su tells Gen Z grads ‘don't walk, run' towards the hardest challenges at their workplace for a fast track to promotions
AMD CEO Lisa Su admits to Gen Z college graduates that success isn't as easy as it looks—it's full of hidden setbacks, but those who tackle challenges head on will become the best leaders. 'No one has a monopoly on good ideas,' she told students. This month thousands of college students will walk across the stage and turn their tassels, becoming the newest members of the workforce. But just as soon as the pomp and circumstance ends, the realities of today's tough job market may begin to sink in. However, for Gen Zers worried about whether success is even possible, there may be no need to fret, if they heed the wisdom just revealed by Lisa Su, CEO of semiconductor company Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). 'Run towards the hardest problems—not walk, run—and that's where you find the biggest opportunities, where you learn the most, where you set yourself apart, and most importantly, where you grow,' Su recalled what she called the best career advice she ever received to graduates of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute this past weekend. 'When you choose the hardest challenges, you choose the fastest path to growth and the greatest chance to make a difference,' she added. For members of Gen Z who have already struggled to make a good impression with their bosses—in part due to a lack of motivation or initiative—Su's advice may seem easier said than done. However, living by that mantra helped fast-track the career success of the now 55-year-old leading a $180 billion company. After obtaining her PhD from MIT in 1994, Su started out as an engineer at IBM before eventually heading up the company's semiconductor research and development. Just two decades later in 2014, she was named CEO of AMD. Fortune reached out to Su for comment. Su admitted that when she first became leader at AMD, the company had a 'mixed track record.' The company had just laid off 25% of its staff and sold its Austin headquarters, according to Time. However, she embraced the seemingly impossible task of turning around a sinking ship. 'I saw the potential, the people, the vision and the opportunity to help lead a company that mattered, and I knew I wanted to be part of that,' she said. 'It was actually my dream job, and looking back, some of the hardest moments we faced turned out to be the most rewarding.' The toughest setbacks, she admitted, are ones the public doesn't even know about—but enabled the most learning. 'I can tell you, I didn't enjoy (the setbacks) much at the time, and I'm sure you won't either,' she said to graduates of the upstate New York college. 'But every setback holds a lesson if you're willing to look for it.' Hard work also means that, on occasion, working late nights or the weekends is part of the job. AMD previously confirmed that the CEO holds weekend meetings with her senior team. The best leaders, according to Su, are not born, but rather trained. 'Great leaders stay curious, they ask questions, they stay open, and they learn from everything, especially failure,' she said last weekend. By and large, her strategy has worked for the company. In the last five years, AMD's stock has risen over 100%. One of Su's biggest tech rivals is her own relative, Jensen Huang—the CEO of fellow $3 trillion chipmaker NVIDIA. However, the secret to staying competitive is not sabotaging any family dinner; it's simply having the right team behind you. 'No one has a monopoly on good ideas,' she told graduates. 'The challenges we face today are too complex to be solved by any one person, anyone with discipline or perspective.' 'They really demand teamwork and collaboration, because meaningful progress happens when people with different perspectives, skills and experiences, work together to solve real problems.' This story was originally featured on
Cision Canada
01-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Ajit Prabhu, CEO and Co-Founder of Quest Global Announces $10M Gift to RPI to Tackle the World's Toughest Engineering Challenges
SCHENECTADY, N.Y., May 1, 2025 /CNW/ -- Quest Global is honored to announce a $10 million endowment to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), aimed at advancing engineering innovation and entrepreneurship. This gift establishes the Ajit Prabhu Catalyst Endowment and the Ajit Prabhu Catalyst Fund donated by the Prabhu family, supporting the Office of Strategic Alliances and Translation (OSAT) to equip RPI students and faculty to solve some of the hardest engineering problems for today and tomorrow. The Catalyst Fund will support accelerating groundbreaking ideas into proof-of-concept prototypes or market-ready ventures. The Fund will help bridge the gap between lab research and real-world application, allowing RPI's brightest minds to focus not only on solving today's challenges but also on anticipating tomorrow's opportunities. This endowment will help translate research into application to benefit society. "Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and in particular my mentor Dr. John Brunski in the Biomedical Engineering department shaped my career and expanded my worldview, allowing me to dream of infinite possibilities," said Ajit Prabhu, CEO & Co-founder, Quest Global. "This gift from our family reflects our commitment to empowering students and faculty to pursue ambitious ideas and develop innovative solutions. My dream is that this gift will inspire students to tackle the toughest engineering problems and deliver unparalleled value to humanity." Dr. Jonathan Dordick, Vice President of OSAT, highlighted the significance of the contribution: "The Ajit Prabhu Catalyst Fund represents a powerful opportunity for RPI's entrepreneurial community. This fund will enable students and faculty to innovate freely, knowing they have the resources to turn new discoveries into viable products and thriving businesses." Ajit Prabhu's leadership at Quest Global, one of the world's fastest-growing engineering services firms with over 21,000 engineers worldwide, underscores his dedication to solving the hardest engineering problems across industries including Aerospace, Energy, High Tech, and Automotive. His core belief—that culture and aspiration are as critical as strategy—aligns perfectly with RPI's mission to inspire the next generation of forward-thinking problem-solvers. About Quest Global At Quest Global, it's not just what we do but how and why we do it that makes us different. We are in the business of engineering, but what we are really creating is a brighter future. For over 25 years, we've been solving the world's most complex engineering problems. Operating in 18 countries, with over 84 global delivery centers, our 21,000+ curious minds embrace the power of doing things differently to make the impossible possible. Using a multi-dimensional approach, combining technology, industry expertise, and diverse talents, we tackle critical challenges faster and more effectively. And we do it across the Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Energy, Hi-Tech, MedTech & Healthcare, Rail and Semiconductor industries. For world-class end-to-end engineering solutions, we are your trusted partner. Founded in 1824 for the application of science to the common purposes of life, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is the first technological research university in the United States. Today, it is recognized as a premier university, noted for its robust and holistic learning community that connects creativity with science and technology. RPI is dedicated to inventing for the future, from shaping the scientists, engineers, technologists, architects, and entrepreneurs who will define what's next for humanity, to research that bridges disciplines to solve the world's toughest problems. Learn more at
