In commemorating the magazine’s 100th anniversary this year, the winter issue’s theme was “Past,” the spring issue’s theme, “Present,” and this, the final issue of 2017, focuses on “Future.” In focusing on the future, we found water rose quickly as a sub-theme as we learned of UT work ensuring water is an ample and safe resource for generations ahead. As one of the professors quoted in this issue says, “One unifying theme of life is (we’re) all tied to water.”

And, as water goes, so goes our future. Faculty researchers across the UT system are working to make sure that future goes well. You’ll read about their work in these pages. UT experts also prepare students to find solutions to problems they find in the world. You’ll read the story of one such alumnus in these pages. We also have stories about how a UT agency, through simulation technology, is helping law-enforcement officers better prepare for the streets and how one Memphis doctor is helping the next generation, one book at a time.

Also in these pages, you’ll find the third and last installment of our Centennial Alumni profiles. We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know some of your exceptional fellow alumni a little better. We also reveal all of the almost 500 Centennial Alumni nominees online.

We value and benefit from your feedback, so continue to let us know your thoughts about this issue and the others. Please join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, where we share news and stories in between our printed issues.