Marketing & Communications
Division of University Relations and Development
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CONTACT: Aaron Hoskins FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE L3 Memorial Park Honors SDSU Engineering Professors SAN DIEGO, Monday, Aug. 25, 2003 - San Diego State University and its College of Engineering today dedicated the L3 Memorial Park, which honors engineering professors Chen Liang, Preston Lowrey III and Constantinos Lyrintzis, who were tragically killed in 1996. More than 200 people attended the ceremony at the
park located between the Engineering and Life Sciences North buildings.
"These three men were dedicated teachers,
researchers and friends," said professor emeritus and former
Engineering dean George Craig. "This memorial celebrates their
contributions as academicians and ensures their legacy will be remembered
forever." The memorial includes three trees and a set of
three tables and benches. Each table has a circular plaque in its
center that memorializes on of the professors. The plaques include
the professor's name, his date of birth and an engineering equation
fundamental to his research. Across the top of each plaque reads,
"You will be remembered through your work." Members of the Engineering department helped SDSU's
Physical Plant and Facilities Planning design the memorial space.
SDSU Physical Plant donated labor and materials to create the park
and unique plaques. Scott Burns, director of Physical Plant and an
alumnus of the SDSU College of Engineering, said he was honored
to contribute to the development of the memorial. "Through this memorial, these three men will
be celebrated for their academic achievements while also being remembered
as friends and mentors," Burns said. "I can envision faculty
and students sitting at the tables, reading the plaques and sharing
their memories. I can't think of a more fitting tribute." The professors were shot and killed on Aug. 15,
1996 by graduate student Frederick Davidson, who was meeting with
the professors that day to defend his thesis. Davidson is serving
a life sentence in prison. San Diego State University is the oldest and largest
higher education institution in the San Diego region. Founded in
1897, SDSU has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 79 areas, master's
degrees in 67 areas and doctorates in 14. SDSU's more than 34,000
students participate in academic curricula distinguished by direct
contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that
prepares them for a global future. For more information log on to
www.sdsu.edu. ### Editor's Note: For more information about Chen
Liang, Preston Lowrey III and Constantinos Lyrintzis and their academic
accomplishments, please visit: http://www.engineering.sdsu.edu/memorial.html. |
