When GW’s School of Engineering and Applied Science needed a turbine engine for cutting-edge research, Pat Marolda, MA ’86, answered the call.

Marolda was well positioned to help. As President – Rolls-Royce Naval Marine, Marolda identified the appropriate engine to provide real jet-turbine geometry for research activities at the National Crash Analysis Center. At SEAS, faculty and students will use the turbine engine to conduct FAA-sponsored research on fan blade containment in jet engines, as well as to reverse-engineer it and digitize data to create a generic engine model.

Marolda went the extra mile and arranged for Rolls Royce Naval Marine to pay for shipment of the engine from the U.K., and to have it cleaned and made ready for display on the Virginia Campus.

While Marolda’s 18-month effort to find and procure the appropriate engine may seem singularly generous, it is not out of character for this alumnus who has worked very closely with SEAS to provide opportunities for students, faculty, and alumni.

A member of the SEAS National Advisory Council, Marolda recently participated in a panel discussion entitled “A Day in the Life of an Engineer” to help students learn more about their chosen field. He also has arranged internships for SEAS students at Rolls Royce Naval Marine and recently hired an SEAS student to work at its Annapolis location.