May 24, 2005
To The Campus Community
Dear Colleagues:
In March 2004, I informed our campus community of the formation of a search advisory committee for the dean of the Donald Bren School of Environmental Science and Management. I am pleased to report that the search has been making good progress, and we anticipate being able to announce the selection of a new dean in the near future.
As mentioned in my previous letter, Dennis Aigner graciously agreed to continue serving as dean until June 30, 2005. This letter is to announce that Dean Aigner has decided not to continue after that date, in order to transition back to his teaching and research. We will appoint an acting dean very shortly, to serve during the interim period before the next dean is appointed and takes office.
I am writing to thank Dean Aigner for the five wonderful years he has served the Bren School: one year as interim dean and four years as dean.
During this past five years, Dennis has provided extraordinary leadership and service, with numerous noteworthy contributions. Let me point out just a few:
He oversaw the successful completion of the Bren building and its attainment of LEED platinum status, making it the greenest laboratory building in America.
He successfully recruited five distinguished new junior and senior faculty members.
He led the effort to build a strong Corporate Environmental Management program, which has attracted national and international attention.
He established the Dean’s Council and corporate-sponsored programs to strengthen our town-and-gown relations and our fund-raising program nationwide.
With his leadership, our Bren School has been gaining outstanding recognition for academic excellence, nationally and internationally.
Please join me in congratulating Dennis on his highly successful tenure as dean, and in wishing him well in his future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Henry T. Yang
Chancellor