2003 Balsells Recognition Luncheon

As it has become a custom every Fall, the Henry Samueli School of Engineering hosted its annual Balsells recognition luncheon to recognize Mr. Pete Balsells as the founder of the Balsells programs at UC Irvine. This year was also marked by another important event, the Ph.D. graduations of the first four doctoral students from the Balsells program. Because of the significance of this event and to recognize the important contributions by the Catalan government to these programs, we also hosted Mr. Joaquim Casal, Director General for Research of the Generalitat de Catalunya, who spoke of the significance of these programs in the technological development of Catalonia. The event started with Professor Roger Rangel, Director of the California Catalonia programs at UC Irvine, highlighting the achievements of the program in its eight years of existence. Also speaking at the event was Professor Nick Alexopoulos, Dean of the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and host of the event, who also gave a plaque to Mr. Balsells, recognizing his exemplary actions as a financial supporter of the fellowship. The event also included a poster session, where the Balsells Fellowship students presented their research activities and concluded with a recognition presented by Professor Rangel to the new Ph.D. graduates. Please see photos on our Flickr page.