Two sad goodbyes

The recent announcements by School of Engineering, Dean Ioannis Miaoulis and Dean of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy Irwin Rosenberg that they will be leaving Tufts create two holes not just in the administration, but in the Tufts community itself. Both Miaoulis and Rosenberg take with them a long list of accomplishments, and they have done much to increase the prestige of the Tufts name.

Miaoulis has announced he is leaving to take the reins of the Museum of Science in Boston. His accomplishments at the University helped diversify the engineering staff and student body and increase engineering applications to a record high.

A three-time Tufts graduate, Miaoulis actively recruited female faculty to a current level of four times the national average. Faculty and students awards also increased significantly under his tenure.

But Miaoulis's most considerable work may be felt by those yet to attend college. He has been instrumental in developing a program for the integration of engineering curriculum for grades pre-K to 12, and has succeeded in implementing his efforts in Massachusetts public schools.

Though Miaoulis's shoes will undoubtedly be difficult to fill, the University should try to find a candidate with a similar desire to create and implement a long-term vision for the School of Engineering and its place at Tufts.

Rosenberg has already retired as director of the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, a post he held for 15 years.

Rosenberg, one of only three people to ever receive the prestigious University Professor title at Tufts, has worked extensively on investigating folate metabolism, an area that has received international attention for its role in maintaining health and disease prevention.

Both Rosenberg and Miaoulis have served Tufts well during their time here with their hard work and exemplary character. We wish them well in future endeavors, and hope they will return often to share their experiences and expertise.