The University Relations Report
In her weekly blog, Indiana University President Pamela Whitten celebrated Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day by spotlighting IU’s commitment to ensuring more opportunities for women scholars and researchers.
As Whitten noted, nationally, among individuals ages 18 to 74, women make up only a third of those employed in STEM occupations. While this presents a challenge to Indiana and the nation, it is also an “immense area of opportunity” to build a more diverse and talented STEM workforce needed to drive innovation and economic competitiveness.
Among the ways IU has responded to this challenge is through the EDGE Consortium, which Whitten co-chairs and which includes IU’s first female dean of the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering, Joanna Millunchick. The consortium has set an ambitious goal to double the number of industry-ready women and people of color entering semiconductor-related careers.
“At IU, our commitment to excellence and empowerment is pervasive,” Whitten wrote. “Together, we envision a future where women have more opportunities than ever before to develop their talents, strengthen our campuses and communities and lead the industries of tomorrow.”
Read more about IU’s leadership of the EDGE Consortium
Statehouse Update
The ninth week of session marked the third reading deadlines for Senate bills in the House and for House bills in the Senate. We are now seeing a flurry of activity as both chambers work to finalize language in remaining bills through the conference committee process. If all goes to plan, the legislative session plans to adjourn “sine die” later today. By statute, the short session must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on March 14th.
Federal Update
IU Southeast Chancellor Debbie Ford visits Indiana delegation...
Read more about Ford’s formal installation as chancellor
Economic Engagement Update
Annual summit to connect global network of IU-affiliated founders and funders
Indiana University-affiliated entrepreneurs, innovators and investors interested in starting, nurturing or growing venture-capital backed businesses will gather on the IU Bloomington campus this spring for an annual summit hosted by IU Ventures, the university’s early-stage venture and angel investment arm. The IU Founders & Funders Network Venture Summit, which will take place May 16-17 at IU Bloomington’s Indiana Memorial Union, will provide members of IU’s startup ecosystem the chance to connect with industry leaders and potential partners, build relationships to support their endeavors, and learn about innovative startups and investment opportunities.
“Events such as these strengthen the bonds between IU student, faculty, and alumni founders and the venture community, fueling creativity, innovation and economic opportunity at IU, in Indiana and globally,” said IU Ventures President and CEO Tony Armstrong
Watch a special invitation from IU President Pamela Whitten
IU Southeast continues to support advancement of Novaparke innovation hub
The IU Southeast School of Business is holding office hours at Novaparke Innovation and Technology Campus to provide resources and assistance to area students and entrepreneurs.
IU Southeast is a key community partner to Novaparke, $10 million, 60-acre innovation and entrepreneurship hub in southern Indiana with a focus on aerospace, biotechnology, software design and other leading-edge industries. As a magnet for innovative companies, Novaparke is designed to bolster the local economy and cultivate emerging technologies while providing excellent career opportunities for young professionals in Floyd County.
“Having the talent of Indiana University Southeast faculty and students involved in the various aspects of Novaparke is exciting,” said Floyd County Director of Operations and Planning Don Lopp. “The level of expertise in the various fields of study and the energy of the students from Indiana University Southeast will help to not only grow the local economy but provide pathways for positive community growth in the region.”
IU Northwest to highlight Gary-based entrepreneurs, start-up businesses
The products and services of more than 20 Gary-based start-up businesses will be displayed later this month at a special vendor showcase on March 22 at the Indiana University Northwest campus. These businesses are part of the StartUp Business Success program: an intense, four-week certificate program led by the IU Northwest School of Business and Economics, in collaboration with the city of Gary. Through the program, entrepreneurs learn critical business skills such as marketing, financial management, customer segmentation and business plan development to assist them in building their businesses and seeing success.
IU in the News
Public safety officials highlight need for preparedness, patience during upcoming solar eclipse
During a public safety briefing held at Indiana University earlier this week, public safety leaders stressed preparedness and patience during the total solar eclipse that will darken skies across the state on April 8.
Transformative precollege summer programs inspire young students to see themselves on campus
Thousands of high school and middle school students will become familiar with the college experience and get a feel for Indiana University Bloomington when they attend on-campus precollege summer programs in areas such as athletics, science, language, music and more.
Jacobs School of Music to collaborate with Metropolitan Opera on new work
As the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Opera and Ballet Theater prepares to announce its new season, it is highlighting a collaborative, world-premiere performance with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Commissioned by the Met and co-produced with IU, the work is based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Michael Chabon.
Student finishes degree started in 1995
Nearly 30 years after his first stint in college and with support from veteran’s benefits, Michael LaFleur became a full-time student at IU Kokomo in 2022 and will graduate in May.