Despite the drizzle, hundreds of middle school and high school students from throughout northern New Jersey roamed the NJIT campus Jan. 12 in pursuit of scientific victory. As participants in the 2018 New Jersey Regional Science Olympiad, coordinated by the university’s Center for Pre-College Programs, they were visiting NJIT to engage in a variety of hands-on, competitive activities designed to teach them about and nurture their interest in STEM.

From ribbon-cuttings and rankings to appointments and awards and more, this past year saw many milestones and achievements at NJIT — with promise for a fruitful 2018. Here are just some of the university community's noteworthy accomplishments and happenings in 2017.