The Volgenau School of Engineering's Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department organized a luncheon on Tuesday, May 13th, 2014 to recognize and celebrate Dr. Andre Manitius' 16 years of service as department chair. During his tenure as chair some of Dr. Manitius' major accomplishments included establishing new degree programs, revitalizing and productively engaging the advisory board, promoting recognition at the school level for outstanding faculty and students, and assembling an efficient and collegial departmental staff.
More than one hundred people from departments within the school, as well as from a number of units within the university attended the event to honor Dr. Manitius. Speakers included Dean Ken Ball, Dean Emeritus Lloyd Griffiths, Executive Director of Finance and Administration Melinda Barnhart, Earl C. Williams Professor Gerald Cook, Founding Chairman of ECE Murray Black, Advisory Board Chairman Hank Orejuela, and Director of MS in Telecommunications, Peter Paris. The speakers thanked Dr. Manitius and acknowledged his many contributions to the school and the department.
Towards the end of the luncheon, Dr. Manitius received a plaque from the department expressing appreciation for his efforts on their behalf. Danielle Sova, ECE Alumna and former president of the IEEE Student Chapter at Mason, also presented a plaque on behalf of the IEEE student organization. Dr. Manitius and his wife Basi, received a gift certificate from the department faculty and staff to for a weekend retreat and dinner at Keswick Hall, a historic mansion located in Charlottesville, Va.
The event culminated with remarks by Dr. Manitius where he thanked and acknowledged the ECE faculty and staff for their contributions during his service as chair. He credited them for the many successes of the department and expressed his personal appreciation by presenting awards in the form of plaques. Seven outstanding faculty members were recognized through these awards for their contributions.
The luncheon concluded with a number of speakers spontaneously sharing their recollections of experiences with Dr. Manitius--they frequently alluded to his personal warmth and congenial personality. Guests also signed a commemorative picture frame for Dr. Manitius him to hang in his future ECE department office.
