Innovation Center Ribbon Cutting
Oct. 13, 2006
Robert A. Kennedy, President, University of Maine
• Good morning and welcome.
Today represents an important milestone as we officially open this
beautiful and inspiring facility.
•
This facility and related programs will allow us to capitalize on the
initiative and creative thinking that are characteristic of UMaine's
students, staff and faculty.
•
As you know, UMaine's track record and history are strong in this
area—we are recognized statewide for our entrepreneurism-related
activities and that is only going to get better with this new building.
- Because of UMaine's
success, Maine has been listed in the Top 10 of all states for its
spin-off businesses.
- UMaine is responsible for
more "intellectual property" (patents, licenses, spin-off businesses,
invention disclosures, etc) than all other research institutions in the
state combined!
•
I was talking recently with some National Science Foundation officials,
describing the innovation center to them. It's encouraging that people
with such broad perspectives on higher education and R&D think that
we're on to something.
•
This is a wonderful facility, which says a lot about what UMaine has
become, as a contemporary and thriving land-grant university. And while
its beautiful windows are intended to illuminate the creativity that
drives innovation, they also provide a way for all of us to look in and
glimpse an important element of the future of this university, and of
our state. The Student Innovation Center will provide opportunity for
many people, and that's something that should make all of us very proud.
Back to Speeches
