1:29 p.m., Feb. 5, 2010----The University of Delaware is steadily rising to prominence and it is now poised to become of the key drivers in the regional economy, UD President Patrick Harker said Feb. 3 during a speech to more than 100 UD alumni gathered at the Wilmington Trust bank's head office in Wilmington, Del.

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"The most obvious illustration of this strategy is our November purchase of the former Chrysler Assembly Plant, adjacent to our South Campus," Harker said. "The entire property is 272 acres. That is a 22 percent increase in the physical size of the University of Delaware."

Harker explained that redevelopment of the property into a dynamic science and technology campus will provide an opportunity to strengthen UD and also stimulate invention, innovation and entrepreneurship, and expand strategic partnerships and foster collaboration, all of which will drive state and regional economic development.

Harker said UD's development plans for the property spell more than just acreage and square footage. "It's a long term investment in people and innovation. It's an investment in the problem-solving potential of people working together. It's an investment in our creative capital -- by far, our most important asset going forward."

That creative capital, Harker said, extends to the Delaware Health Sciences Alliance - UD, Thomas Jefferson University, Nemours and Christiana Care -- which is working to advance biomedical research, more quickly translate research into clinical practice, and increase the number of healthcare personnel serving Delawareans, especially in the state's rural areas.

Harker said yet another important partnership was formed through the signing last month of a research and development agreement between UD and the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.

"This interdisciplinary and inter-laboratory collaboration will generate high-tech startups and spinoffs," Harker said. "Without doubt, the incubation and proliferation of businesses based on the campus's intellectual assets is a big part of our vision."

The president highlighted other projects in the works, including the installation of a wind turbine on the Lewes, Del., campus, the proposed construction of a 200,000-square-foot Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering laboratory and exploring the potential development of a satellite campus in South Korea.

Harker gave a snapshot of the growing demand for admission to UD, evident in a 7 percent increase in applications, higher SATs, GPAs and class ranks, and a 9-point increase in the average SAT score.

"There are many reasons the academic credentials of our students keep climbing. But I think primary among them is the fact that UD's profile is rising, and our impact is growing," Harker said. "The Delaware secret has gotten out. The University is rising to prominence."

Harker, who also answered questions from the audience, invited alumni with college-bound children to take advantage of the Commitment to Delawareans, through which UD will admit all qualified in-state applicants, cover their full financial need -- up to the total cost of tuition, room and board, books, and fees -- and caps their debt upon graduation.

The president encouraged alumni to enroll in academic programs such as the part-time MBA, Executive MBA and other graduate and professional programs designed for working adults.

Harker also reminded alumni about the 2010 Forum and Reunion Weekend from June 4-6, which is expected to draw about 3,400 at its peak. "It will be a great time," he said.

Article by Martin A Mbugua
Photo by Ambre Alexander