Donors support Watson College
In April, the campus community celebrated the generosity of John J. and Cheryl L. Mirabito who, with their support and additional donor gifts, helped launch the Watson College Scholars Program in fall 2021.
In recognition of the couple’s contribution, made in honor of Watson’s dean, a boardroom in the Systems Science and Industrial Engineering wing of the Engineering Building was named the Krishnaswami “Hari” Srihari Executive Boardroom. Srihari has said he plans to step down as dean at the end of the 2024 academic year, a position he’s held since 2009.
“We wanted to recognize (Dean) Hari for his leadership and vision. We know this program is dear to his heart and important to him,” John Mirabito said. “Hopefully, it’ll create more opportunities for students.”
The Watson College Scholars Program provides high-impact practices and academic support to serve as a pipeline to graduate study or a professional career in engineering or computer science. The program is focused on four main pillars: academic achievement, professionalism, networking and community service. Participants must qualify as economically disadvantaged (Pell-eligible). Priority is given to applicants from historically underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds.