Dean’s Message

The academic year follows a rhythm counter to that of the natural world. Just as the earth begins to reawaken each spring, the school begins to slow down and we prepare to say goodbye. Thus, spring is always somewhat bittersweet in my mind – joy at new beginnings tempered with a bit of wistfulness as another academic year goes by.

This wistfulness is tinged with sorrow this year, marked as it is by the passing of one of the pillars of the Case School of Engineering and a dear friend to many of us here, Dr. Thomas Kicher. Tom was deeply kind, honorable, curious, and funny, a remarkable engineer, and a leader of exceptional dedication. You will read about Tom’s life and his extraordinary contributions to this institution later in the magazine. He changed this school and many of us in it for the better, and I am very grateful to have known him.

Though we are saddened by his loss, I suspect Tom would be the first to celebrate all that is joyful in this season. This May, we honor the Class of 2022 – a class that met a monumentally challenging moment with resiliency and determination, and who, in their time at CWRU, have reached incredible heights. I am in awe of these newest Case grads, and offer them sincerest congratulations on all they have accomplished and my very best wishes for everything that lies ahead.

My thanks go to all who continue to support the faculty, staff, students, and alumni of the Case School of Engineering and Case Western Reserve University. May joy find each of you this spring.

Best regards, Venkataramanan “Ragu” Balakrishnan Charles H. Phipps Dean, Case School of Engineering