The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Delaware will launch a year-long celebration of its 125th anniversary during Welcome Weekend, Aug. 27 and 28, with a reception in the Design Studio for all incoming ME freshmen.

Events throughout the year will include a homecoming tailgate, a senior design celebration, an industry day, an ME “build-a-thon” during Engineers Week, and a special celebration for ME graduates at Commencement. The year will culminate during Alumni Weekend 2017, with events aimed at reconnecting with alumni.

“We’ve worked hard to plan events for everyone — from incoming students and industrial partners to alumni and the broader community,” says Jill Higginson, associate professor and ME125 chair. “It’s been interesting to see how the department has evolved over the years while retaining its roots with common elements in the curriculum.”

Led by Higginson, the ME125 committee, which includes faculty, staff, alumni and graduate and undergraduate students, also worked with the College of Engineering Communications Team to create a “Look Book” that provides a view into ME’s past and present through photographs and anecdotes.

“The materials that we accessed to create the book provided us with profound insights into where we started in 1891 and how far we’ve come in terms of technology, diversity, facilities, and hands-on learning opportunities for our students,” says Suresh Advani, department chair and George W. Laird Professor.

“We’re proud that we’ve been ‘building engineers for 125 years,’ and we look forward to engaging our alumni and the greater community as we develop new strategies for educating the engineers of the 21st century.”

For more information about the anniversary events, visit the website and follow the celebration on Facebook.