A Year of Big Ideas
In 2009, our faculty and staff strove to advance research, education and service in a time of limited resources. But despite the challenges, it was most certainly a productive year on campus, where our community of more than 31,000 students and nearly 8,000 faculty and staff continued to fulfill the promise of this institution through groundbreaking discoveries, lifesaving research and pioneering innovations. As we move forward to 2010, join us in reliving some of NC State’s best ideas and advances from 2009.

The Science of Santa
Santa skeptics have long considered St. Nick’s ability to deliver toys to the world’s good girls and boys in the course of one night a scientific impossibility. But new research shows that Santa is able to make his appointed rounds through the pioneering use of cutting-edge science and technology, explains NC State professor Dr. Larry Silverberg.

Turning the Tassel
On Saturday, NC State sent its next group of talented, high-aceiving graduates into the world - students who have created lifelong memories and bonds on our campus while gaining the toolsand education they need to further pursue service, dreams and ambitions. Senior Emma Norton, who addressed her fellow graduates at commencement, spoke to us about what the time she's spent at NC State has meant to her as she prepares to take the next step in life.

Leaving Their Mark
Whether it’s those who provided the chairs we sit in, the classrooms we learn in, or the scholarships that have helped make our education possible, we’re truly fortunate to have the support of people who care about NC State, says senior class president Jay Dawkins.