Inside Iowa State
April 30, 1999
Technology theme selected for next all-ISU celebration
by Skip Derra
Iowa State will celebrate the role and impact of science and technology in the 1999-2000 school year. "Advancing Technology: To Become the Best" is the university's theme for the coming year, President Martin Jischke announced last week.
Several events are planned around the theme, including guest speakers discussing the impact and role of science and technology today and in the future, a lecture by astronaut Mae Jemison, a celebration of National Engineering Week, the dedication of Howe Hall (phase I of the Engineering Teaching and Research Complex) and recognition of the 100th anniversary of the groundbreaking for the College of Engineering's Marston Hall.
The celebration also will highlight some of the technologies that have advanced society and fueled the economy.
"As we enter the millennium, I can't think of a better time to celebrate what technology has brought us and to recognize how technology will continue to shape our lives in the future," Jischke said. "Technology is a cornerstone of today's society and our economy continually is driven by advances made in this area.
"We use technology in almost every facet of our lives, from growing the food we eat, to how we do our jobs, to what we do in our leisure time. It is fitting to recognize this and celebrate it."
Jischke noted that Iowa State has made its share of significant advances in the 20th century. Development of the first electronic digital computer, the Atanasoff-Berry Computer; development and use of hybrid seed corn; development of an encoding process that helped make fax machines a staple in modern offices; and the purification of uranium for the Manhattan Project all took place at Iowa State.
"We are very fortunate to live in a country that values science and technology," Jischke said. "We have found that an investment in science and technology is a sound investment in our future."
Vice president for external affairs Murray Blackwelder and 1999-2000 GSB president Matt Craft are co-chairs of the university committee coordinating the celebration.
The year of technology follows a celebration this year of the life and accomplishments of George Washington Carver.
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