Engineering Dean Tom Peterson (left) and engineering alum Alan Boeckmann ('73), recipient of the 2001 Technology and Management Distinguished Service Award

When announcing the Brown Family Foundation gift to the joint meeting of the Eller College's National Board of Advisors and the College of Engineering and Mines' Industry Advisory Council, Tom Brown's widow, Sandra, and daughters, Sarah Brown Smallhouse and Mary B. Brown, lauded the Colleges for forging strong bonds of collaboration. The Colleges have worked together on a variety of projects to benefit The University of Arizona and Arizona over the past several years.

Deans Mark Zupan and Tom Peterson established the Technology and Management Awards Luncheon four years ago to honor leaders who contribute to the economic development of the State of Arizona and the nation. The event also celebrates the ongoing partnership initiatives between the two Colleges.

Academic initiatives bring business and engineering students together in the classroom to explore issues relevant to both–an Engineering Management Program for undergraduate students and a Management of Technology course at the graduate level. The latter, underwritten by former Magma Copper executive Burgess Winter and his wife Patricia, is co-taught by former IBM Tucson site general manager, Rick Myers, and retired Motorola Senior VP, Jim Haleem.

Celebrating the Brown gift and the collaborative efforts between the Eller College and the College of Engineering and Mines are (seated) Brown Family members Sarah Smallhouse, Sandy Brown, and Mary B. Brown with (standing) Engineering Dean Tom Peterson, Shannon Peterson, Carol Shuherk, Eller College Dean Mark Zupan, and Brown family friend Robin Yoshimura.

Each year the SRP Program for Technology and Economic Policy Research examines the impact of public policies and new technologies on historically regulated industries. Opportunities for engineering students and faculty to benefit from the Eller College's Berger Entrepreneurship Program also make possible the development of prospective business plans and technology transfer aspirations.

The generous gift from the Brown Family Foundation enhances these efforts and ensures the continued success of the long-term partnership between the two Colleges.

Click here for more photos from the joint Boards dinner on 10/25/02