Student engagement center named in memory of Liviu Librescu

The Engineering Science and Mechanics Student Engagement Center, one of the six new rooms created when Virginia Tech renovated and re-opened the second floor of the west (short) wing of Norris Hall, has been renamed in memory of Liviu Librescu, one of the 32 faculty and students who lost their lives on April 16, 2007.

The naming of the Dr. Liviu Librescu Student Engagement Center — located in 203 Norris Hall – was proposed by faculty from the Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics in the College of Engineering. It was formally approved by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors at its quarterly meeting held Nov. 9.

Librescu, who came to Virginia Tech in 1985, became one of Virginia Tech’s most respected educators and researchers in the field of aeronautical engineering.

“Naming the student engagement center, which gives students working on collaborative or team projects a comfortable and inviting space to meet, will serve as a fitting tribute for all that Dr. Librescu meant to his students,” said Engineering Science and Mechanics Professor and Department Head Ishwar Puri. “He made an incredible impact on his students and faculty colleagues during his 21 years of service in the College of Engineering.”

More on Librescu’s life, teaching, and research can be found at the We Remember website.

Engineering science and mechanics alumnus Pat Artis, who is a member of Class of 1972; and his wife, Nancy, provided a gift to furnish the center.

See related Virginia Tech News stories:

• “Virginia Tech names biomechanics laboratory in memory of Kevin P. Granata”
• “University's civil and environmental engineering department uses art and renovated space to honor victims of April 16, 2007”
• “Norris Hall second floor to re-open April 10”
• “New Jersey college to name Holocaust Resource Center room in honor of Virginia Tech Professor Liviu Librescu”