By the time you browse through this latest issue of our magazine, we will have graduated Western New England University’s Class of 2024. These students chose to attend WNE during one of the most disruptive periods in global history due to the coronavirus pandemic. Unlike the experience of our alumni before them, the path to graduation was filled with unprecedented levels of loneliness, stress, anxiety, and struggle.

I am proud to report the kids are more than alright...and are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

The work of WNE’s engineering students in silicon photonics has the potential to drive innovation across multiple industries, leading to more efficient technologies, new applications, and improved quality of life. This technology can revolutionize industries such as data centers, artificial intelligence, telecommunications, sensing and imaging, and biomedical applications.

Closer to home, WNE’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (CAMS) and Robotic Welding Technologies Project is poised to deliver new, highly skilled workers to the region’s employers. The Healey-Driscoll administration is currently supporting the program with a $1.1 million investment over three years to establish a research and training cluster in advanced robotic welding technologies at WNE.

“With college comes a lot of changes,” says first-year student Roman Lee. In this edition, Lee shares his perspective on coming to WNE, the influence of his family, and how he plans to use the skills developed through the 3+3 Business and Law program to achieve his future goals and contribute to the community.

There are so many exciting and interesting things happening on campus – especially around Commencement time. The 875 Golden Bears that graduated this year have left a profound impact on all of us, and we have prepared them with the skillset and mindset to go out into the world and make a difference.

I hope you enjoy reading about the incredible students, faculty, staff, and amazing alumni whose lives and work continue to inspire all of us at WNE.

With gratitude,

Robert E. Johnson, PhD