5/23/00

Groundbreaking held for Research and Technology Park

NDSU President Joseph A. Chapman took the controls of John Deere heavy equipment to take a massive scoop of earth to officially break ground for the new NDSU Research and Technology Park during ceremonies May 19. The park, located on 40 acres west of the Fargodome, is a place where NDSU researchers and private industry will combine their talents to develop new technologies, methods and systems.

The cornerstone tenant will be Phoenix International Corp., a John Deere company. The manufacturer of electronic controls and sensors will occupy the park's first structure, which will provide laboratory and office space for a projected 320 employees.

The park's second building is a facility designed for NDSU researchers which includes laboratories and Net-wired, technology-related facilities. Also planned is a 15,000 square foot business incubator, which emerging companies will lease as faculty and students work with them to prepare new products or methods.

"Isn't this really the start of an era where the land-grant mission of NDSU takes on its 21st century form? Isn't it a perfect fit that the private partner in this venture is Phoenix International, a John Deere company, that is closely aligned to agriculture, the mainstay of North Dakota's economy?" asked Phil Boudjouk, vice president for research, creative activities and technology transfer, who served as emcee for the ceremonies.

Chapman called the groundbreaking "a great day, a wonderful day," and said there has been overwhelming enthusiasm for the park as it became a reality. "An engaged university as a concept celebrates the land-grant university. We have to always remember that it's all about people and serving people. That's at the essence of what fine land-grant universities do," he said.

Barry Batcheller, Phoenix International president and chief executive officer, urged people to work together to make significant change in our community, citing the park as an example of how to do that. "We have to do some things that are a little outside the box," he said. "I'm looking forward to the years ahead. This is the start of some really good things."

Jeanette Satrom, chair of the State Board of Higher Education said the day was one the participants will always remember. "This is a prime example of the community and college working together," she said. "Thank you to Phoenix International, you are leading the way. Thank you to Dr. Chapman for your innovation and vision. The board supports you all the way in doing this."

She went on to read a letter from North Dakota University System Chancellor Larry Isaak that said, in part, "I'm very excited about this new endeavor for NDSU. It is bold and innovative, and exactly what is needed for NDSU and the state of North Dakota. I believe it is symbolic of a new century in higher education partnerships with business and industry."

Praise also came from Fargo Mayor Bruce Furness, who described the park as an amazing partnership. "This is a win for NDSU because it will enhance its reputation and research capabilities and serve its mission. It is a win for business, and Phoenix International in particular, because they are going to have access to academic excellence, state-of-the-art facilities and future businesses will take advantage of incubator functions provided here. It's a win for students because it gives them new opportunities to learn, intern and gain employment. It's a win for the city because it provides continued economic development for our region," he said.

The park also is expected to provide excellent research opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students, while also providing hands-on work experience. Student body president Tadd Tobkin said, "This is truly a milestone day."