UIUC Rail Transportation and Engineering Center Celebrates 25 Years
Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, Ill. –– On 28-29 September 2023 the Rail Transportation and Engineering Center (RailTEC) celebrated the 25th anniversary of the resurgence of the University of Illinois Railroad Engineering Program with current students, faculty, alumni and friends.
The event started with an informal welcome dinner reception the night of the 28th followed by a day of student and alumni mini-symposiums, a William W. Hay Railroad Engineering Seminar, and a tour of the Research and Innovation Lab (RAIL). The event ended with a formal banquet where Professor Christopher P.L. Barkan, George Krambles Director of RailTEC, was recognized for his dedication and profound impact on the resurgence of the rail program at Illinois.
Rail engineering consultant David B. Clarke, Director Emeritus of the University of Tennessee Transportation Center, said “In my opinion, UIUC has the pre-eminent rail engineering program in the U.S., and the vision and leadership of Dr. Chris Barkan is a key reason for this. Chris displays an incredible knowledge of all aspects of railroading in his teaching and research. His highly regarded students are found throughout academic departments and the railroad industry. UIUC was certainly prudent to have hired him.”
Check the following link for an informative 25th Anniversary Booklet about the program’s history and current profile.
