To celebrate the event, an annual banquet will honor UConn's Institute of Materials Science (IMS) and Harold Brody, dean of the School of Engineering.

Gov. John G. Rowland issued a proclamation designating the week in honor of one of Connecticut's oldest and most vital industries.

The topic of this year's observation is the future of the metals and materials industry in Connecticut."

Harris Marcus, director of IMS, will be the featured speaker. He will give his views on the future of the industry. Brody will receive the Connecticut Metallurgist of the Year Award.

The banquet will be held at Zenny's restaurant April 17, with a social hour beginning at 6 p.m. Reservations for the $25 buffet dinner must be made by April 14. For more information, call 486-4620.