Dean Alexopoulos to Lead Cal-(IT)2 Corporate Activities

Dean Alexopoulos to Lead Cal-(IT)² Corporate Activities

To help further its ties with high-tech industry partners and the community, Nicolaos G. Alexopoulos, dean of The Henry Samueli School of Engineering , has assumed a leadership role in corporate and external relations for the Irvine division of the California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology [Cal -(IT)²].

In his new role, Alexopoulos will direct these activities along with Irvine-division Cal-(IT)² Director William Parker and Vice Chancellor of Advancement Tom Mitchell. This new commitment adds another role to Alexopoulos' participation with the institute. He already serves as co-chair of the Cal-(IT)² Governing Board.

"The institute will greatly benefit from Dean Alexopoulos' expanded corporate role," Parker said. "He is the best qualified person on the campus to lead this effort."

During the first two years of operation, the faculty associated with Cal-(IT)2 have received more than $30 million of federal government grants and contracts to support research that advances the mission of the institute. Expanded corporation relations will result in more corporate research support to compliment and expand this federal support.

Meanwhile, progress continues on the highly anticipated Cal-(IT)2 research center located adjacent to the engineering complex. Old pavement has been torn up, and construction of the state-of-the-art, high-tech building will begin by spring.

To mark this occasion, the Cal-(IT)2 family from UCI and UC Sa n Diego held an outdoor gathering Jan. 9 at the building site, where Parker, Cal-(IT)2 Director Larry Smarr and UCI Chancellor Ralph Cicerone spoke briefly, noting the remarkable progress made and the excitement generated by the institute's activities.

A formal groundbreaking ceremony is being planned for the future to give more expl icit recognition to the wider range of people and organizations that have played major roles in turning Cal-(IT)2 and this building into reality. The building is scheduled for occupation in late 2004.

To see a live Webcast of the construction site, go to www.calit2.net.