Purdue News

September 5, 2003

Purdue Office of Engagement to release annual report

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Purdue University Office of Engagement on Tuesday (9/9) will sponsor a forum to discuss its achievements, which will be presented in an annual report.

The engagement forum will take place from 3-4 p.m. in Stewart Center, Room 202. Several milestones are identified in the report. Highlights include:

• Purdue sustained a 2 percent growth rate for graduates securing high-tech jobs in Indiana.

• The number of Technical Assistance Projects in central Indiana increased from 68 in 2001 to 82 in 2002. The projected number of projects in 2003 is 110.

• Purdue has created a partnership with the Indiana communities of Merrillville and Anderson to create technology centers. The potential for the development of technology centers in Shelbyville and Kokomo is being explored.

• More than 2,400 students are enrolled in 49 courses on the West Lafayette campus that feature service-learning components.

• The second annual National Youth Sports Camp at Purdue served 200 disadvantaged youths during a five-week summer program.

• The Science Bound Program serves 150 underrepresented middle school and high school students in Indianapolis Public Schools who are interested in pursuing a degree in science, engineering, technology, agriculture and math/science education. It has attracted more than $1.1 million in grants.

Goals for 2004 also will be discussed at the forum, which is open to the public and Purdue faculty and staff.

Don K. Gentry, vice provost for engagement, said he looks forward to building upon Purdue's success in reaching out to the community and state.

"As a land-grant university, Purdue has a mission of building the state economy and making a direct, positive difference in the lives of Hoosiers," Gentry said. "We look forward to expanding our partnerships and enjoying greater achievements in 2004."

Engagement, through the exchange of knowledge, is one of three pillars of Purdue's strategic plan. The university's goal is to create technical and social opportunities to advance the welfare of the state of Indiana and beyond.

Writer: Marydell Forbes, (765) 496-7704, mforbes@purdue.edu

Source: Don K. Gentry, (765) 494-9095, dkgentry@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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