The desire to make the College of Engineering its best seemed to echo throughout Marston Hall during Wednesday’s fall convocation, given by Jim Melsa, dean of the College of Engineering.

From the invention of the first digitized computer to innovations that helped in discovering laser surgery, Iowa State has been a consummate leader in engineering, Melsa said.

“The history of innovation is strong in the College of Engineering,” he said.

Melsa said the College of Engineering will play a major role in the university’s yearlong celebration of science and technology, and he hopes the college will continue to be a leader in education and expand its partnership with companies, communities and schools in the coming year.

“Our goal is to do all these things in a very effective way,” he said.

Melsa reiterated the College of Engineering’s commitment to research, education and outreach programs.

“Excellence doesn’t lie in doing one thing well but doing everything superbly,” he said.

Melsa also said he is delighted with the recent 10 percent increase in freshmen enrollment in engineering, and he hopes for continued success in the college’s goal of reaching 900 graduates in 2003.

Melsa announced there are 23 new faculty members, making up 10 percent of the total faculty.

“I am really impressed with the number and quality of new faculty members we have this year,” he said.

The entire college is anticipating the dedication of Howe Hall on Oct. 23, which will be the new home of the College of Engineering, he said.

“The dedication and moving into Howe Hall will clearly be one of the most exciting points for us in the coming year,” said David Holger, associate dean of engineering.

During the convocation, Melsa also announced the 1999 Dean’s Leadership Award recipients: Melanie Anderson, senior in industrial engineering, Bryan Burkhardt, senior in computer engineering, and John Meacham, senior in mechanical engineering.

They each received a $2,000 honorarium and a plaque recognizing their efforts.