ADVISORY/Michigan's Public Universities and MEDC Join Forces; Partnership Emphasizes Attraction and Retention of High-Tech Grads.

Business Editors, High Tech & Education Writers

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--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 29, 2001

WHO:    Presidents and Chancellors of Michigan's Public Universities:

        --  Central Michigan University - Michael Rao

        --  Eastern Michigan University - Samuel Kirkpatrick

        --  Ferris State University - William Sederburg

        --  Grand Valley State University - Mark Murray
            (President-elect)

        --  Lake Superior State University - Robert Arbuckle

        --  Michigan State University - Peter McPherson

        --  Michigan Technological University - Curtis Tompkins

        --  Northern Michigan University - Judith Bailey

        --  University of Michigan, Ann Arbor - Lee Bollinger

        --  University of Michigan, Dearborn - Daniel Little

        --  University of Michigan, Flint - Juan Mestas

        --  Wayne State University - Irv Reid

        --  Western Michigan University - Elson Floyd

       Doug Rothwell, President & CEO
       Michigan Economic Development Corporation

       Glenn Stevens, Executive Director,
       Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan

WHAT:  News conference to announce "Partnership for Economic
       Progress," a strategic alliance of Michigan's 15 public
       universities and MEDC, Michigan's premier economic development
       team.

WHEN:  11:30 a.m.
       Friday, June 1, 2001

WHERE: Terrace Room - Grand Hotel
       Mackinac Island

WHY:   Michigan's economic growth depends in large measure on the
       expansion of existing businesses and the creation of new ones
       by entrepreneurs. The Partnership for Economic Progress
       acknowledges the role Michigan's public universities play in
       economic development in collaboration with MEDC. Significant
       areas of the Partnership's focus include initiatives to
       attract and retain smart people for Michigan businesses,
       creating the next generation of Michigan entrepreneurs through
       commercializing ideas created within university environments
       and fostering technology transfer throughout the state.

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