Last modified: Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Graduate students take to the Statehouse for first Graduate Education Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 27, 2008
INDIANAPOLIS -- Graduate students from the state of Indiana will be out of their labs and classrooms and at the Indiana Statehouse on March 5 for the first Graduate Education Day at the Statehouse.
Graduate Education Day is a collaborative effort between Purdue University, Indiana University and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis to showcase why graduate education is important for higher education, society and the state of Indiana.
"We want citizens throughout the state to recognize that the major research universities are fueled in part by graduate students who are doing research and creative activity that affect the lives of all Hoosiers," said James C. Wimbush, dean of the Indiana University Graduate School. "The contributions of these highly talented students help to fuel the economic engine of the state and create opportunity and a high quality of life for all of Indiana's citizens."
From noon to 3 p.m. in the North Atrium of the Statehouse, legislators will be able to ask questions -- and to see and hear -- about graduate education in Indiana through an exhibit featuring graduate students. The students will be representing research themes important to the economy, health and the cultural well-being of Indiana and its citizens.
Cindy Nakatsu
At 2 p.m., key university administrators will be introduced and available for discussion with legislators. Purdue Interim Provost Victor Lechtenberg, IU Provost Karen Hanson, IU University Graduate School Dean Wimbush and Purdue University Graduate School Interim Dean Cindy H. Nakatsu will give their greetings.
Purdue alumnus Christopher P. Leamon, vice president of research at Endocyte Inc., will then speak briefly on the economic value of graduate education for Indiana. Endocyte is a biotech company in Purdue's Research Park started by Department of Chemistry faculty member Phil Low. Leamon received his Ph.D. from Purdue working on the technology being marketed by Endocyte. The company produces the next generation of receptor-targeted therapeutics to treat cancer and autoimmune inflammatory diseases.
"Graduate students have a zeal for knowledge and for becoming equipped with the skills to specialize in a particular field of study," said Nakatsu, the interim dean of the Purdue University Graduate School. "They have the capacity to think creatively in pursuit of solutions to questions regarding practice and research."
"The state is fortunate to have highy ranked research institutions of the caliber of Purdue and Indiana to draw some of the most talented graduate students to our state," she said. "Their contributions benefit all of us."
Purdue University and Indiana University enroll more than 27,000 graduate students in the state of Indiana.
