Awards

Chancellor and Provost Medallion - 2018

IUPUI Chancellor's Medallion

About R. Bruce Renda

R. Bruce Renda, founding dean of the School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI, joined the school in 1974, and held the position until his retirement in 1992. During his tenure at IUPUI, Renda led the school through a period of rapid expansion and technological growth.

Renda oversaw the expansion of the school’s computer capabilities, initiated programs and classes to integrate new technologies into the school curriculum, and chaired the campus network committee, which developed the plan that helped stablish IUPUI as a center of IT innovation. Renda also strongly supported the School of Engineering & Technology’s effort to encourage underrepresented minorities and women to pursue careers in STEM, including projects such as the Minority Engineering Advancement Program (MEAP), which continues to provide exposure of engineering to middle school and high school students. Under his leadership, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc., (ABET) accredited the school’s engineering programs in 1978, and by 1989, the school was approved for its first master’s degree programs.

Renda set a precedent of excellence, innovation, and scholarship that distinguished the school throughout its history and will always serve as an inspiration as the school continues to evolve. He was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash Award from Governor Evan Bayh in 1991. In recognition of his firm commitment to enhance IUPUI’s rigorous academic programs, his continuous support and mentoring for students, and his breakthrough contributions in Engineering, Renda was presented an IUPUI Chancellor and Provost Medallion by Chancellor Nasser H. Paydar in 2018.