Media Contacts:
Fran Barsky, Cree Inc., 919/313-5397
Paul K. Mueller, News Services, 919/515-3470

Nov. 17, 2003

NC State Alumnus Carter Wins National Medal of Technology

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dr. Calvin H. Carter Jr.

Dr. Calvin H. Carter Jr., an alumnus of North Carolina State University and one of the founders of Cree Inc., was awarded the 2002 National Medal of Technology by President Bush in a Nov. 6 ceremony at the White House. The award is the nation’s highest honor for technological innovation.

Carter was nominated for his pioneering work in developing high-quality silicon carbide wafers, which led to new industries in wide-bandgap semiconductors, full-color displays, high-power solid-state microwave amplifiers and other innovations. He began his research in silicon carbide in 1977 as a graduate student at NC State.

In 1987, Carter and six associates, five of them from NC State, formed Cree Research Inc., specializing in silicon carbide, gallium nitride and related alloys, the foundation material for reliable and efficient blue and green light-emitting diodes (LEDs), efficient white-light generation, energy-saving compact power supplies, high-efficiency power-distribution and transmission systems and high-quality man-made gemstones. Cree Research Inc. became Cree Inc. in 2000.

Carter has served as Director of Materials Technology at Cree for 16 years, and served as executive vice president and director from 1987 to 2000. Cree Inc. now employs more than 1,100 people and generated $230 million in revenue in fiscal year 2003.

The National Medal of Technology recognizes men and women who embody the spirit of American innovation and who have advanced the nation’s global competitiveness. Established by Congress in 1980, the award is administered by the Department of Commerce.

For more information about the National Medal of Technology, visit www.technology.gov/medal. For more information about Cree Inc., visit www.cree.com.

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