A write-up prepared for the event reads: 

Since arriving at Purdue in 1989, George Wodicka has nurtured the university’s biomedical engineering program from its infancy as the Hillenbrand Biomedical Engineering Center to its stature today as the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering (BME), one of the premier such research programs in the nation.

One of Wodicka’s favorite directives is to “Make it happen!” He is credited with having created a supportive and stimulating academic culture that is an inclusive and empowering family. These qualities have greatly benefitted the school by making Purdue’s BME program a sought-after destination for some of the world’s brightest researchers and students.

Wodicka’s impact extends well beyond BME. He was integral in the formation of several of the Purdue Discovery Park Centers, including Bindley Bioscience and Regenstrief Healthcare Engineering. He continues to supervise the Biomedship program formed in conjunction with the Krannert School of Management to support biomedical entrepreneurship and innovation. And he has partnered with the Indiana University School of Medicine to create the Medical Scientist Training Program for the advancement of engineering and medicine. 

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Wodicka on this honor.