Engineering Shortages Could Restrict U.S. Economic Growth

Marquette Seeks to Increase Enrollment through Innovative Fundraising Drive : Dean Will Wear Blue and Gold Shoes
Until $1 Million is Raised

Released: 6/21/04

Marquette University College of Engineering is undertaking efforts to increase enrollment and stem the tide of future engineering shortages in the United
States. A recent report from the National Science Foundation (NSF) indicates that there is a “ troubling decline in the number of U.S. citizens who are training to become scientists and engineers, whereas the number of jobs requiring science and engineering training continues to grow.”

The report, prepared by the National Science Board for the NSF, also concludes that if trends continue the United States will lose its ability to fill the growing demand for science and engineering jobs, yielding our global standing to nations such as China and India who are training thousands more engineers and scientists than is the U.S.

Dr. Stanley Jaskolski, Dean of the Marquette University College of Engineering and former board member of the NSF, agrees with industry and academic assessments that if we lose our ability to provide these technically skilled workers to the world, we will be diminished in our capacity to lead in the global economy.

"The drivers of our economic growth are clearly going to come from the science and technology sectors. If the American workforce cannot compete for these jobs, our national economic growth will be put in great peril. We've simply got to start earlier, train more students in math and science, and get them into engineering programs like ours here at Marquette."

"It is our responsibility to do everything we can to attract quality students. Many times the barrier is financial – a scholarship can make all the difference. That's why we're putting increased emphasis on raising the funds we need to increase financial aid opportunities and reverse the trend of decreasing enrollments."

The NSB report shows that more engineers, particularly at the doctoral level, are retiring at a greater rate than young engineers in the education pipeline will be able to replace. At the same time, other nations are increasing their investments in teaching, recruiting and retaining a highly skilled scientific workforce.

Dean Jaskolski is putting his best foot forward in an innovative approach to raise scholarship funds for Marquette engineering students. He'll wear blue and gold Allen Edmonds shoes until $1 million is raised to match a gift from an anonymous donor. The donor has offered a $1 million challenge for the College of Engineering scholarship endowment if Marquette can match that amount within two years.

Dean Jaskolski thinks we can do it faster, and his wife agreed, offering to make the first donation to the effort. However, there was a catch. She said she would only give the money if Stan wore special blue and gold Allen Edmonds shoes every single day until the $1 million goal is reached.

Dean Jaskolski remarked, “I've been getting some interesting looks from people who aren't used to seeing an engineer in such colorful footwear. I just hope they remind us each and every day to keep our eye on the goal – a total of $2 million to help get the engineers of tomorrow through the doors here at Marquette.”

The National Science Foundation Report can be found at: http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/srs/nsb0407/start.htm

Photos of Dean Jaskolski in the blue and gold shoes are available. Contact Brigid O'Brien at 414-288-7445 for more information.