Mayor Barrett and County Executive Walker Will
Address Conference
Released:
Nov. 2, 2004
Marquette University will host the first ever sySTEM Now!
symposium devoted to shaping the future of science and technology.
Key industry, educational, and public sector leaders from across
the state will gather Tuesday, November 9, 2004 on the Marquette
campus to discuss strategies for increasing interest in the fields
of s cience, t echnology, e
ngineering, and m ath ( STEM )
among youth in Wisconsin. By fostering interest in students at
an early age, educators hope to cultivate the industry leaders
that will be needed in the future.
"The drivers of our economic growth are clearly going to
come from the science and technology sectors,” said conference
co-chair Dr. Stan Jaskolski, Dean of the Marquette College of
Engineering. “If the American workforce cannot compete for these
jobs, our national economic growth will be put in great peril.
We've simply got to start earlier, train more students in math
and science, and get them into engineering programs like ours
here at Marquette.”
"There is a declining trend among students choosing science,
technology, engineering and math careers, especially among women
and students of color,” said conference co-chair Van Walling.
“The conference marks the beginning of an aggressive ‘do something!'
campaign to motivate our professionals and our youth.”
The ability to attract and retain skilled workers in high technology
fields will be key to economic growth in the region. Notable speakers
for sySTEM Now! include Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett,
Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, Milwaukee Public School
Superintendent William Andrekopoulos, Deputy Secretary of Transportation
Ruben Anthony, and Private Industry Council President Gerard Randall.
Panelists will explore ways to motivate the next generation of
scientists, engineers, and technology leaders by discussing the
role of education, as well as public and private employer perspectives.
They will also examine local success stories.
The conference is free and open to the public. However, reservations
are required for all who wish to attend. The event will be held
at the Raynor Memorial Library Conference Center, 1355 W. Wisconsin
Ave. Parking is available in Structure 2, located on 1240 W. Wells
St.
Interested media should contact Anne Broeker in the Office of
Public Affairs at Marquette University.
