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The Department of Biological Sciences in the College of Science has launched a corporate partners program to foster collaboration among faculty, students, and bio-science corporations in the mid-Atlantic region. The program, Biological Sciences Partners in Research and Education (BioSPIRE), is designed to engage companies that have the capacity to impact education in the biological sciences. "With the marketplace continuing to invest in biotechnology and other biologically related products and services, it is essential for companies and education institutions to work together to develop tomorrow's leaders and maintain a strong economy in the region," said Robert Jones, head of the university's Department of Biological Sciences.

The program will include scholarships to enhance diversity in the undergraduate student population and to support undergraduate research projects and other types of hands-on learning and training experiences. In addition, corporate partners will provide feedback on university curricula to better match teaching and learning with the demands college graduates currently face. "The ultimate goal is to build a strong pipeline of well-trained and diverse individuals who will be the creative critical thinkers and leaders in bioscience industries," Jones said.

Tech Foundation to build clubhouse at Pete Dye River Course

The Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech, an emerging premiere destination golf course in the southeastern United States, will break ground on a new $5.5 million clubhouse in March 2008. With a projected completion date of summer 2009, the new clubhouse will feature a pro shop, a large dining facility suitable for catered special events of more than 100 guests, a lounge/grille area, conference rooms, and outdoor patios. Designed by Joe Harris, Glenn Reynolds, and George Godwin, all graduates of the Virginia Tech College of Architecture and Urban Studies, the clubhouse will feature a Hokie Stone fireplace in the dining room and elevated patios with dramatic views of the New River. The clubhouse will be named in honor and memory of Harry S. Williams and Patsy B. Williams, recognizing their support of Virginia Tech and their interest in the game of golf.

"The construction of a new clubhouse will enhance the quality of the Pete Dye River Course experience and provide an exceptional venue for university and regional events," said Charles Pryor of Lynchburg, Va., chairman of the Virginia Tech Foundation. "Our investment in the course will further improve what has already become a tremendous resource to Virginia Tech and the region." For more about the course and the clubhouse project, go to www.rivercoursegolf.vt.edu.

New manufacturing plant will impact Virginia Tech

As a result of plans by British-based Rolls-Royce to build a new jet engine manufacturing plant in Prince George County, Va., Virginia Tech's College of Engineering will receive three endowed chairs, $2 million in support from the state of Virginia for laboratory renovations, graduate fellowships, and resources for specific international program efforts. According to Gov. Timothy Kaine's office, Rolls-Royce will be investing $100 million in Virginia to establish an assembly and test facility for its civil aerospace operations. Over time, the company has options to invest up to $500 million to support future advanced manufacturing as opportunities arise for its defense and civil aerospace businesses. Additionally, the projects will create 500 new jobs.

"It is no small matter when one of the world's most successful and innovative companies brings a major engineering facility to the commonwealth," Benson said. "I speak for many Hokies in expressing our excitement at the opportunity to collaborate with Rolls-Royce and the University of Virginia at the forefront of research and education in aerospace propulsion systems and advanced manufacturing. This partnership will have a substantial impact on engineering education in Virginia, and I believe the high quality of our academic programs will be of great benefit to this worldwide enterprise."