Congratulations Mark and Krupa!

Please extend a big Patch congratulations to these two students from Clinton who were among 1,337 of their classmates at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) to be named to the university's Dean's List for academic excellence for the fall 2012 semester.

Mark Foster of Clinton, is a sophomore majoring in interactive media and game development.

Krupa Patel of Clinton, is a sophomore majoring in biomedical engineering.

The criteria for the WPI Dean's List differs from most other universities as WPI does not compute a grade point average (GPA). Instead, WPI defines the Dean's List by the amount of work completed at the A level in courses and projects.

"WPI's academic programs are remarkably rigorous, so being named to the Dean's List is a testament to hard work, a sharp mind, and a commitment to excellence," said Provost Eric Overström. "Some of this nation's best and brightest students come to WPI to learn subjects ranging from engineering to science to business and the humanities, and through our innovative project-based curriculum they conduct professional-level research and solve important problems all over the world. Those named to the Dean's List have excelled at facing such demanding challenges, and we are exceptionally proud of these outstanding students."

Founded in 1865 in Worcester, Mass., WPI is one of the nation's first engineering and technology universities. Its 14 academic departments offer more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.  Students also have the opportunity to make a difference to communities and organizations around the world through the university's innovative Global Perspective Program. There are more than 30 WPI project centers throughout North America and Central America, Africa, Australia, Asia, and Europe.