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For printable image click here. UD President Patrick T. Harker shares his vison for the Unversity’s Path to Prominence at the closing keynote speech in the Bob Carpenter Center. UD photo by Stuart Watson

University of Delaware President Patrick Harker previewed his blueprint for the future of the University during the closing keynote speech of the first-ever University of Delaware Forum, "Charting Our Path to Prominence," held Saturday, May 10, in Newark.

His remarks capped a day that began with an address by Zhou Wenzhong, ambassador to the United States from the People's Republic of China, and included panel discussions on a number of important topics from energy and climate change to public education, health care and arts and the humanities. More than 1,250 persons attended the Forum.

In his address at the Bob Carpenter Center, Harker described the University's new strategic plan--its "Path to Prominence"--and outlined a series of guiding principles and initiatives, including a commitment to Delaware and students from the First State and the creation of a University of Delaware Law Institute, as well as institutes for energy and the environment.

"I was attracted to the University of Delaware because I saw that it is already a gem of an institution. Now I am pleased to describe today our plan to make this gem shine even brighter," said Harker, who will describe the plan in greater detail during a meeting of the University's Board of Trustees on Monday, May 19.

Noting that an undergraduate degree is no longer enough for advancement in many professions, Harker said that UD is committed to expanding existing professional programs and creating new ones, including a University of Delaware Law Institute.

“With more than half of all U.S. publicly traded companies and 60 percent of Fortune 500 companies based in the state, Delaware is the center of corporate law,” Harker said. “Delaware also holds unique environmental significance, with the entire state designated a vital coastal community. We have deep expertise in corporate, intellectual property and environmental law. In establishing this institute, we will also continue to explore the broader step of creating a full law school at the University.”

Harker also announced the establishment of a UD Institute for Global Studies to expand upon the current work of UD's Center for International Studies.

Noting UD's tradition of commitment and services to the arts, humanities and social sciences, Harker said that UD will become a university that values engagement and seeks to meet challenges at the local, regional and global level.

For more information, visit [www.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2008/may/closing051108.html].

Media contact: Martin Mbugua, (302) 831-8749, [mbugua@udel.edu]
May 13, 2008