We live in a time of revolutionary change. Not only is the world relying increasingly on technology for economic growth and job development, but the nation is making the difficult transition of refocusing a significant amount of its technology investment from national security to international economic competitiveness. At the same time we view technology as important in helping to solve many difficult societal problems. Within this technological context, engineers play an ever more significant role. They develop new manufacturing processes & products, create and manage energy, transportation and communication systems, prevent new and redress new environmental problems. The nation with the best engineering talent is in possession of the core ingredient of comparative economic and industrial advantage. Engineering is an ideal education for living and working in the technologically--dependent society of the twenty first century.