JASPER, Ind. - The Center for Technology, Innovation and Manufacturing at the Vincennes University Jasper Campus will be dedicated on May 14, 10:00 a.m.(EDT), in ceremonies that will include Indiana Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann.

The Center for Technology, Innovation and Manufacturing (CTIM) will house programming that will serve the education and training needs of employers and individuals in Dubois and surrounding counties. The facility’s features include advanced training for manufacturing employers that need their workers to apply new technologies, specialty programming for current workers to upgrade their skills, specialized continuing education for high-skilled engineers and scientists in regional manufacturing companies, and space for companies to pilot new processes and train employees in their application.

The Center will also provide support for innovation and entrepreneurial pursuits by existing and emerging companies, collaboration with Purdue University and its Technical Assistance Program in assisting employers in improving their processes and products, career and technical classes in certificate and associate degree programs for students preparing to enter the workforce, and programming for high school students enrolled for dual-credit in career and technical education classes as well as Project Lead-the-Way technology programs. The facility will also provide increased capacity to serve high school teachers and students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses.

The Center’s office, auditorium, and meeting space will also be an asset for workforce development and economic development organizations to conduct business, hold meetings and conferences, and sponsor workshops and classes in collaboration with VUJC.

Lt. Governor Ellspermann has a unique perspective to address the importance the new Center at the VU Jasper Campus. Raised in nearby Ferdinand, she worked her way through Purdue University as an engineering cooperative education student with General Motors, earning an industrial engineering degree that led to a career in engineering and management at Michelin and Frito-Lay. In 2006 she became the founding director of the University of Southern Indiana’s Center for Applied Research and Economic Development.

As Lt. Governor, Ellspermann manages five state agencies including the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, the Office of Energy Development, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, and the Office of Tourism Development. She also serves as president of the Indiana Senate and chairs the Indiana Counter Terrorism and Security Council.

In addition to the 10:00 a.m. building dedication on May 14 that will also feature remarks by VU President Dick Helton and VU Jasper Campus Dean Alan Johnson, the public is invited to tour the facility as well as attend a workshop about basic 3-D printing technologies from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Other activities are planned at the facility during its grand opening week. They include:

Wednesday, May 15

9:00-11:00 a.m.: Workshop “Advanced 3-D printing technologies”

5:30-7:30 p.m.: Dinner for high school personnel (superintendents,

principals, counselors, CTE teachers, selected students). Keynote speaker

Dr. Vince Bertram, national CEO of Project Lead the Way.

Thursday, May 16

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon: Workshop “War on Waste,” wringing waste out of

processes in offices and manufacturing.

4:30-6:30 p.m.: Chamber of Commerce “Time Out from Business” open house.

Friday, May 17

4:00 p.m.: High school students, programming mobile apps

Saturday, May 18

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.: Family Open House, technology activities for

elementary and middle school children.

VINCENNES UNIVERSITY JASPER CAMPUS

The Vincennes University Jasper Campus is a vital part of Indiana’s first college, Vincennes University, a state-supported college that traces its founding to 1801.

In addition to offering associate degree and certificate programs, VUJC also offers select baccalaureate programs. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, tuition and fees at VUJC rank among the most affordable of allIndiana colleges.

VU Jasper is located on a beautiful 140-acre campus on the southeast side of Jasper. In addition to the new Center for Technology, Innovation, and Manufacturing, other campus facilities include the Alvin C. Ruxer Student Center, Arnold F. Habig Technology Center, Administrative Classroom Building, and a Classroom Building. Adjacent to the campus is the Jasper Arts Center that includes a 675-seat theatre and visual arts galleries.

The VU Jasper Campus fulfills the vision of a Dubois County citizens group, founded in 1960, that was dedicated to improving area education and cultural enrichment. With Vincennes University joining as a strong partner in 1970, the VU Jasper Campus has developed to serve thousands of students in Dubois, Spencer, Martin, Perry, Crawford, Harrison, Pike, Orange, and Lawrence counties in Indiana.

Source: Vincennes University Jasper Campus