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Home > About NC State > Chancellor > Speeches and Writings > 2008 > 2008 Emerging Issues Forum Welcome2008 Emerging Issues Forum Welcome
Monday, Feb. 11, 2008
Raleigh, N.C.
Good morning and let me add my welcome to the 2008 Emerging Issues Forum.
North Carolina State University is proud to host the Emerging Issues Forum, and we are pleased to be gathered here again on our campus for what promises to be two very exciting days.
Each year, this forum brings together citizens and leaders in business, government and higher education to learn and to work together on issues of critical importance to North Carolina's future.
It is fitting that the focus this year is on Energy – an issue that we must tackle now in order to secure our future.
NC State has a long history of working on issues related to energy. To highlight our activities in this arena, we have declared that 2008 will be NC State's "YEAR OF ENERGY."
Already in this spirit, we have hosted campus visits for U.S. Secretary of Energy, Samuel Bodman and for the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Dale Klein; In January, we dedicated the state's largest solar array on university property; we have held a student-led energy fair in the brickyard; and today, we welcome you to an Emerging Issues Forum that is focused on energy.
At the same time, we are taking a detailed inventory of our own practices and procedures to make improvements in our campusí energy sustainability.
In addition, we have just received National Science Foundation funding for the Silicon Solar Consortium – a global partnership for photovoltaic research, development and education.
And, in the very near future, we will announce a unique business and education partnership that will enhance several lighting projects across our campus – using energy-saving LED lighting technology.
These energy initiatives fit perfectly into our tradition of relevant research and responsive results.
Energy and sustainability research are part of what we are all about – economic development, partnerships and collaboration are core values at NC State.
During our Year of Energy, we will use these strengths to provide solutions to the pressing energy needs of our state, the nation and the world.
I certainly want to take this opportunity to thank Governor Hunt, Anita Brown-Graham and the Institute for Emerging Issues for bringing such significant attention to this year's important topic and organizing this chance for us to learn, to debate, and to dedicate ourselves to acting on solutions.
I believe you are here today because you are interested in finding innovative ways to take advantage of the opportunities that a new energy economy presents for our state.
I hope that this Forum gives you a chance to think about those opportunities, to offer your ideas, and to commit yourself to action.
Finally, our history, through this Forum, at NC State, and in this great state of North Carolina is one of innovation and achievement. That legacy is sure to continue with the leadership represented in this room today.
Thank you and welcome to the 2008 Forum.