Last September, James Earl Jones, the iconic screen and voice actor, passed away. His distinctive voice introduced us to CNN, made Star Wars’ Darth Vader even more menacing and gave The Lion King’s Mufasa gravitas. While he had memorable roles in the Hunt for Red October and Coming to America, he was also known for his part in one of my favorite baseball movies, Field of Dreams.
Jones played the reclusive author, Terrence Mann, seeking to leave his “60s” past behind him. He gets pulled into Ray Kinsella’s (Kevin Costner) quest to uncover the meaning of the mysterious cornfield whisper quotes. Ask the line that everyone remembers from that movie and you’ll hear “Build it and they will come.”
The line that resonated with me, however, came from Dr. Moonlight Graham, Burt Lancaster’s character. When asked about his one-game career in the major leagues — one which unfortunately didn’t include an at-bat — Moonlight wistfully remarks that “You know we just don’t recognize the most significant moments of our lives while they’re happening…”
If you’re reading this, you care enough to keep up with the latest from the College of Engineering, and clearly something “significant” happened during your time in Raleigh. It may have been an inspirational professor who shaped your interest and career journey. Perhaps a classmate who became a lifelong friend, business partner or spouse. It may simply be the priceless benefit and recognition that an engineering degree from NC State represents. Whatever the hook, your desire to stay connected years, and even decades, later is borne of your pride in being a Wolfpacker and in the significance of your time in the College of Engineering.
On behalf of Dean Pfaendtner and the Engineering Foundation, I invite you to become even more connected. Come back for a tour of Centennial Campus, attend one of the dean’s events in a town or business near you and/or consider a contribution to the College of Engineering. The momentum enjoyed by NC State Engineering today with the rapid expansion of the college, the dean’s signature focus on Applied AI and the breadth of research associated with the award-winning faculty is truly unprecedented. Our students are having the most significant times of their lives whether they recognize it or not!
Come see for yourself.
Scott Stabler
BSME ‘82
President, NC State Engineering Foundation Board of Directors
From the Board
The NC State Engineering Foundation (NCSEF) was established in 1944 to aid and promote, by financial assistance and otherwise, engineering education and research at NC State. A board of directors made up of alumni and friends of the College of Engineering works with the college advancement staff and dean of engineering to set the Foundation’s agenda. The board is led by President Scott Stabler and Vice-President Helene Lollis.
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