Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia's land-grant university, was founded in 1872. Just 36 years later, in 1908, mechanics became an identifiable entity in the College of Engineering. During its 100 year history, the department housing mechanics, like the University, underwent several name changes. Today it is known as the Deparment of Engineering Science and Mechanics.

As part of the activities to celebrate its centennial, the department is hosting a two-day conference on May 29 & 30, 2008 at The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center. All interested mechanicians are invited to submit one-page sbstracts related to any aspect of fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, materials, dynamics and control, and biomenchanics, as well as emerging areas in mechanics.

In addition to the parallel sessions of the conference, there will be a banquet in the evening of the 29th. The University's golf course adjoins the conference center.