Centers of Economic Excellence to hold showcase event

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The public is invited to a special showcase that will provide an up-close look at the research taking place in the Centers of Economic Excellence at the state’s three research universities. The showcase event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 30 at the University of South Carolina’s Russell House Theater.

Staff Report
Published Oct. 15, 2009

The public is invited to a special showcase that will provide an up-close look at the research taking place in the Centers of Economic Excellence housed at the state’s three research universities.

The showcase event, part of the first Centers of Economic Excellence Council of Chairs conference, will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 30 at the University of South Carolina’s Russell House Theater.

Attendees will get a look at the research being conducted at Clemson, the Medical University of South Carolina and USC and will have the opportunity to meet 20 of the endowed chairs the CoEE program has recruited. The scientists and engineers are among the world’s leaders in their respective fields.

The event will feature the S.C. Science and Economic Development Forum at 1 p.m., moderated by Paula Harper Bethea, chairwoman of the CoEE Review Board. Other members of the panel will include:

• Rep. Gilda Cobb Hunter, D-Orangeburg.
• Bobby Hitt, of BMW and the CoEE Review Board.
• Michael Amiridis, provost at USC.
• Chris Przirembel, vice president for research and economic development at Clemson University.
• Tony Waldrop, vice chancellor for research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The forum will offer perspectives on how the CoEE program is affecting research, education and economic development across South Carolina. CoEE endowed chairs will also discuss their work and its potential to strengthen South Carolina’s economy, improve quality of life and create high-paying jobs in the Palmetto State.

There is no cost to attend the event and advance registration is not required. For additional information, please contact Clare Morris via e-mail or at 803-413-6808.