White House Honors for Lawrence

Stevens professor and senior research scientist Victor Lawrence was honored by the White House earlier this year with the prestigious National Medal of Technology and Innovation.  

The medal — which recognizes individuals and organizations for lasting contributions to America’s competitiveness, quality of life and a strengthened technological workforce — was conferred by then-White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Arati Prabhakar during a January 3 ceremony in Washington, D.C.  

An electrical and computer engineer for more than three decades with Bell Labs, Lawrence’s work contributed to the foundations upon which the modern-day internet and mobile technologies were built. His research helped enable the global transition from analog communication technologies to faster, more accurate digital communications techniques. Lawrence joined Stevens in 2005 and holds more than 50 patents. 

Puppy Love

After sifting through a slew of creative name suggestions on Instagram in February, Stevens introduced a new four-legged friend: Tillie Stella Stevens, a mini goldendoodle who is already elevating school spirit. 

Because Tillie is still in training, she won’t be a permanent fixture at Stevens until late August as a member of the incoming Class of 2029. Once she’s settled into her new college routine, the pup will be based in the Office of Student Affairs inside the University Center Complex, where she’ll be accompanied by her handler, Dean of Students Ken Nilsen. Tillie will be accessible through special appointments and by request for events and have her own email and social media channel. Catch her at Stevens events or enjoying playtime (and treats) around campus. 

Parziale Receives Early Career Award

Stevens Professor Nicholaus Parziale was selected for the prestigious Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) for his contributions to the study of high-speed boundary-layer physics. 

In January, then-President Biden recognized nearly 400 scientists and engineers with the PECASE, the highest honor from the U.S. government bestowed to outstanding scientists and engineers early in their careers. Parziale’s award includes a $1 million grant, distributed over five years, to advance the understanding of high-speed fluid mechanics — the flow of gases and liquids — crucial to increasing the speed of airplane flights.  

Next Stop: Hoboken!

Inside Hoboken’s historic Lackawanna Terminal — near Track 6 — a new, permanent sign now hangs, greeting commuters to this busy transportation hub and to Hoboken, the home of Stevens Institute of Technology. The sign represents a partnership between New Jersey Transit — which operates commuter trains and buses through the station — and Stevens. Thousands of commuters — spread across commuter and light rail trains, PATH trains and bus transit passengers — pass through Lackawanna Terminal each day. 

Stevens Wins Grant to Expand Stem Education

Last fall, Stevens received a grant from the American Talent Initiative (ATI) to launch its Stevens Transfer Student Success Initiative. The grant, provided in partnership with the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and Ithaka S+R, and funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, will support Stevens’ efforts to expand access to STEM education for talented low-income students.   

Stevens is one of 16 institutions selected for the ATI Fund, which will award $5 million in grants to support and expand promising practices that help more students from low-income backgrounds earn a four-year degree. While many talented students start at community colleges, only 16% earn a bachelor’s degree within six years.