CREOL e-Highlights Vol 1 Iss 6

Vol. 1,
Issue #6
September 2005

Greetings Friends of CREOL:

Welcome to e-Highlights, published monthly by The College of Optics and Photonics: CREOL & FPCE. In this issue we feature; an update on the building expansion, a highlight of UCF's best-ever ranking in U.S. News and World Reports, a welcome to new students, and student news.

If you have any suggestions, comments, or other feedback on information and news from COP that would be most valuable to you, please click here to e-mail us. And please feel free to forward this newsletter to others in your company, or other colleagues who would like to be kept up to date on the exciting things happening at The College of Optics and Photonics.

Best regards,

Jim Pearson

Director, Research & Administration

The College of Optics & Photonics: CREOL & FPCE

COLLEGE OF OPTICS AND PHOTONICS EXPANDING FACILITIES

A much-needed expansion of the CREOL building is underway. The design process started in April with construction scheduled to begin in October.

Although we raised sufficient funds to initiate this expansion project, without additional funds we will only be able to build a bare bones facility (three-story structure, with only one or two levels built-out with working labs and offices). We need to raise funds for build-out of the full phase one addition, plus develop a fund for a phase two addition for use as we continue to expand our programs.

We request assistance from all of our friends, graduates, and professional colleagues to assure we continue to excel in our mission of "Creating the Future of Optics and Photonics." Information about the expansion, as well as donor information and forms, is on our website at http://www.creol.ucf.edu/about/NewBuilding.htm .

Please consider a tax-deductible gift to The College of Optics and Photonics to help us meet our near and long-term goals. We appreciate every gift; any amount is welcome. All gifts directed to our Facilities Enhancement Fund are eligible for a 1:1 match from the State of Florida - an outstanding leverage for your gift. We continue mapping the future, and our goal is in sight - and you can help us reach those goals!

UCF ACHIEVES BEST-EVER RANKING FROM U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

The University of Central Florida achieved its highest placement ever in U.S. News & World Report's annual ranking of national universities.

UCF ranks in the third tier of national universities, which includes schools ranked 125th through 180th. Last year UCF ranked in the fourth tier. U.S. News & World Report published the Americas Best Colleges guide in its Aug. 29 edition.

"We are honored that U.S. News & World Report recognizes the quality of our students and faculty by ranking UCF among its Best Colleges," President John Hitt said. "The ranking is a validation of the hard work and dedication of all those who make this a great university."

COLLEGE OF OPTICS AND PHOTONICS WELCOMES FIRST YEAR STUDENTS

The August 17 th and 18 th college orientation welcomed the incoming class of Optics majors and new fellows.

The College received 243 pre-applications for fall term 2005 and 139 of those students were recommended by the College to apply for admission to the University. The incoming class of 24 new fellows has an average GPA of 3.6 and a cumulative GRE score of 1260.

Welcome new students; we look forward to providing you with a rewarding and valuable graduate education experience.

RIVERO WINS AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY KREIDL AWARD

The American Ceramic Society Norbert J. Kreidl Award for Young Scholars, recognizing excellence in research, selected Clara Rivero, a fifth-year doctoral student, as this year's winner.

This is the highest award that the American Ceramic Society gives to students. Presentation of the award takes place at the 6th Pacific Rim Conference (PAC RIM 6) in Maui, Hawaii (September 11-16).

Clara works with Drs. Kathleen Richardson and George Stegeman, who co-advise her dissertation research. Additionally, Clara receives a doctorate degree in materials science as part of a "tutoring" agreement with the University of Bordeaux ICMCB/CNRS Lab.

Congratulations to Clara, and thank you for bringing honor and recognition to the college!

FAREWELL TO SUSAN HILL

On Thursday, August 25, 2005, the Faculty, Students and Staff bid a fond farewell to Susan Hill, Program Assistant to the Office of Academic Programs, as she embarks on new challenges as the assistant to Clint Bowers, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.