Airline passengers are experiencing better overall performance for the fourth consecutive year, according to the 22nd annual national Airline Quality Rating (AQR).

It was the best overall score in the 22 years that researchers at Purdue University and Wichita State University have tracked airline performance. AirTran, Hawaiian and JetBlue retain their 2010 positions as the three best performing airlines, and 10 of 15 airlines improved compared to 2010.

Brent Bowen, head of the Department of Aviation Technology in Purdue's College of Technology, is one of the two lead researchers for the AQR.

• Read the full release from the Purdue newsroom.
• Read the Chicago Tribune article, featuring an extensive interview with Bowen.

A new student organization at Purdue will facilitate aviation research opportunities between graduate students and airlines around the world.

The Purdue student chapter of Flight Safety Foundation (FSF) was formally recognized at an announcement Thursday, March 29, in the Niswonger Aviation Technology Building in conjunction with the Aviation Technology Career Fair.

Purdue's chapter is the first student chapter for the organization.

Read more.

Kimie Bates and Patrick Caldwell, sophomores majoring in organizational leadership and supervision (OLS), attended the Hatton W. Sumners Student Leadership Conference in February.

Hosted by the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, the conference is the destination for four Purdue students every year. Two are OLS majors and two are communications majors. The OLS students are selected by faculty members.

Read more.

Michiana college students are making valuable contributions to the local economy that go far beyond sales tax collections. Local industry partners have taken notice of this resource and actively seek students in specific disciplines to assist with projects.

AE Techron in Elkhart and Syscon International in South Bend, for example, have worked with the Purdue University College of Technology at South Bend this spring to identify projects for electrical engineering technology students to tackle.

Read the full story in the South Bend Tribune.

The TED phenomenon came to the Purdue campus March 22 as TEDx PurdueU brought together a wide array of speakers focused on innovation. It is a testament to the TED brand that all seats for two sessions were spoken for before the speaker roster was even released. And those attendees were treated with great ideas, inspiring stories, and good advice to take with them.

Read more.

Students and faculty provide insights into the College of Technology and its majors in a new video posted to the college’s YouTube channel this month.

Created primarily with prospective students in mind, the video provides an overview of the college’s academic programs, the types of careers students can expect after graduation, and personal insights from those who experience Technology every day. The video will be used by recruitment personnel as an introduction to the college and its programs.

Read more.

During February 2012, the College of Technology received external funding that totaled $207,154.

Read more.

During a speech in Richmond, Ind., March 23, Dean Gary Bertoline made the case for the College of Technology’s role in changing the world, starting with the degrees the college offers in 10 Indiana communities.

Read more.

Life has a way of testing us when we least expect it.

CoT students Alisha Garcia and Crissy Travis share their stories of determination that brought them to Purdue and the College of Technology in April's "5 Students Who are Opportunity Makers."

Read more.

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Do you know a student who is breaking new ground? Someone who will not give up until they have created history? Maybe you know a student competing at the Olympics or someone who is “the first” to do something – an artist, scientist or entrepreneur.

The June 2012 “5 Students Who . . .” will feature their stories.
Please nominate your “Record Maker” candidate.  Providing detailed information on the student will increase their chance to be selected.

Deadline for nominations: Wednesday, April 11, 2012.

All Technology faculty and staff are invited to the College of Technology Senior Picnic, Monday, April 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The hot picnic lunch provides an opportunity visit with graduating seniors and colleagues during Tech Week 2012.

If there is inclement weather, the picnic will be moved to the Purdue Armory, and an email announcement will be sent the day of the event.

RSVP by April 11, 2012.

Tom Carney, professor of aviation technology, will be honored April 13 as one of eight 2012 Distinguished Science Alumni by Purdue's College of Science.

Joe Fuehne has been appointed director of the Purdue's College of Technology at Columbus/Greensburg. He is also an associate professor of mechanical engineering technology in Columbus.

Barb Alder has been appointed director of Purdue University’s Office of Engagement in Indianapolis. A search is already in process to fill her position as director of the College of Technology at Richmond, and a search to fill the Anderson director position will begin soon. Susan Kotterman and Andy Schaffer will share the duties  of interim location director for Anderson and Richmond until other arrangements can be made.

Jason Mucher, director of communications, has accepted a position as director of communications and compliance in the athletics department at Houghton College in Houghton, N.Y. His last day in the College of Technology will be May 25. A search for his replacement will begin soon.

April 2 was the first day that you must use your swipe card (your Purdue ID card) to access Knoy Hall after hours. If you do not have swipe card access to Knoy Hall, contact Bill Cochran, building deputy.

Knoy Hall is open at these times:

• Monday -Thursday: 7:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
• Friday: 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 7:00 a.m.-noon
• Sunday: 1:30 p.m.-midnight

We like to keep track of potential news stories about our faculty, staff and students. We can share this news with your colleagues, the University's news service and alumni.