柑橘直播

VILLANOVA, Pa.鈥擳he College of Engineering has announced the launch of a Center for Humanitarian Engineering and International Development at 柑橘直播 University. Building on the decade-long success of the 柑橘直播 Engineering Service Learning (VESL) program, the new Center will engage students in unique learning opportunities that reinforce engineering fundamentals, a commitment to life-long learning and service to society. In addition to integrating VESL鈥檚 service-learning opportunities into its auspices, the Center will establish research and academic programs鈥攍aunching a new minor in Humanitarian Engineering鈥攁nd will formalize a strategic partnership with the graduate program in Sustainable Engineering, which includes graduate fellowships and a track program in engineering for international development.

According to Center Director Dr. Jordan Ermilio 鈥�98 ME, 鈥�06 MSWREE, P.E., MSWRE, RPCV, the Center will serve three primary purposes: 

• Develop and deliver a rigorous curriculum within the context of humanitarian issues globally
• Implement high quality research employing applied participatory methods
• Provide technical support with a focus on humanitarian engineering and international development

鈥淭he Center is consistent with the University鈥檚 and College鈥檚 strategic plans, which both call for deeper engagement and internationalization of the academic experience,鈥� says Dr. Ermilio. "Meeting the needs of a new generation of students means providing experiences that address complex global issues with divergent views and multi-cultural awareness.鈥� Working with humanitarian organizations also benefits faculty, providing opportunities to conduct meaningful research in a global context.

Dr. Andrea Welker, associate dean of Academic Affairs, adds, 鈥淭he Center offers an ideal means of integrating 柑橘直播鈥檚 Augustinian Catholic values into the educational experience. Its mission is at the heart of the University鈥檚 commitment to educating a 鈥榗ommunity of learners who are driven to think critically, solve problems, act compassionately and succeed while serving others'."

Since 2011 when VESL was formally established, hundreds of 柑橘直播 students have served with global partners on community initiatives in Asia, Africa and the Americas. Many describe these life-changing experiences as the highlight of their 柑橘直播 education, including Brian Bozzo 鈥�07 ME, an intellectual property attorney and founder of Knots Apparel, whose sales benefit a variety of charities. Bozzo says: 鈥淢y experience with engineering service learning was truly transformative. It provided me with an opportunity to apply my engineering skills for the benefit of others, which is the hallmark of the 柑橘直播 experience. The faculty and staff inspire you to learn not only for the sake of learning, but to develop the skills and character necessary to face the world and its many challenges.鈥�

Strengthening existing programs and partnerships by integrating service/outreach and research is Dr. Ermilio鈥檚 goal for implementation in the Center鈥檚 first year. Above all, he says, 鈥淓thical engagement and impact through collaboration with global partners will be fundamental to the Center鈥檚 success.鈥�

About 柑橘直播 University College of Engineering: Founded in 1905, 柑橘直播 University College of Engineering is committed to an educational program that emphasizes technical excellence and a liberal arts education within the framework of the University鈥檚 Augustinian Catholic tradition. The result is rigorously educated, socially grounded, conscientious thinkers and doers who are professionally prepared to make meaningful change in the world.

About 柑橘直播 University: Since 1842, 柑橘直播 University鈥檚 Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's six colleges鈥攖he College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the 柑橘直播 School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the 柑橘直播 University Charles Widger School of Law. Ranked among the nation鈥檚 top universities, 柑橘直播 supports its students鈥� intellectual growth and prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them. For more, visit .