Technology Symposium and Science Building Groundbreaking Reinforce CSUCI's Pledge to Science and Technology

Cal State Channel Islands affirmed its commitment to science and technology on May 1 with the Technology Workforce of Tomorrow Symposium. Hosted by the CSUCI Business and Technology Partnership, the event featured a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate construction of the University's Science building, presentation of the University's first Science Fair awards, results of the Partnership's survey of local technology businesses, and a keynote address by Lou Tomasetta, co-founder and chief executive officer of Vitesse Semiconductor in Camarillo.

To an audience of about 150 business and University representatives, President Rush asserted CSUCI's commitment to the education and training of science and technology workers to meet the industry's need for a skilled workforce, as well as partnering with companies to provide facilities for research and development.

One of the goals of the Business and Technology Partnership, Rush said, is to create quality programs that are directly relevant to the region, yet can garner national awareness.

With that in mind, the Partnership conducted a survey earlier this year of approximately 500 technology and science companies from Santa Barbara to Calabasas. The purpose of the survey was to help the University to determine how it can better meet the educational needs of the technology and science community, as well as to identify organizations willing to assist in developing a mutually beneficial relationship with the University. It covered topics of curriculum, internship programs, hiring plans, skills, research, and continuing education for employees.

Results of the survey, which had a 20% response rate, indicate a strong interest from the technology community. Of note, three-quarters of the respondents said that their companies would be willing to offer internships for students and to collaborate on research projects. Nearly all respondents said that they would support continuing education programs for their employees.

In presenting the Science Fair Awards, President Rush said that he hoped the awards would not only encourage the winners' sense of wonder in science, but would also further the pursuit of that wonder. Winners of the $1,000 scholarship to attend CSUCI were Lauren Baize from La Reina High School and Shavonne Thompson of Ventura High School. Other winners were Kaleigh Aucoin, Colina Middle School; Nika Melero, Tierra Vista School; Dane McFadden, St. Paul's Parish Day School; and Morgan Nagatani, Anacapa Middle School.

Keynote speaker Tomasetta spoke about the University's capacity to bring together the region's science and technology firms to collectively create a technology corridor that will attract qualified workers, investors, and government support. The elements are in place to make it happen, he said, with the University being the catalyst for innovation.

After a question and answer session, Symposium attendees joined President Rush for the Science building groundbreaking ceremony. Designed by the architectural firm Bobrow/Thomas and Associates, the two-story, 32,000 square foot structure will house eight laboratories, a 100-seat auditorium, and 16 faculty offices. Next to the Science building will be a 340,000 square foot research and development facility, which will have lease space available for science and technology companies.
The groundbreaking ceremony and Technology Symposium served to symbolize not only the vitality and birth of the University, but also to demonstrate its pledge to science and technology.