Institute for Advanced Learning and Research Offically Opens Doors; Warner, Hawkins, Goode, and Steger Congratulate Institute

On Saturday, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research held its ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the multimillion dollar facility.

DANVILLE (PRWEB) June 13, 2004 --- Citizens from throughout Southside and the Dan River region gathered today to celebrate the dedication and inauguration of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR). Institute officials and distinguished guests cut the ceremonial ribbon on the multimillion dollar facility on Saturday, despite the fact that building has been open for business since March. Once the ribbon was cut, the crowds flowed through the glass doors, past the Atrium, and into the Great Hall, where the program was held to inaugurate the IALR as an institution.
   
Congratulations to everyone on todays long awaited ribbon cutting," said Governor Mark Warner. This facility is important for a variety of reasons, but three in particular: First, it brings the tangible presence of high technology and Virginia Tech to this region. Second, it offers a seamless set of higher education programs because it is based on the principle that research and teaching are equally important. Third, it will be the next step in the economic transformation of Southside. By promoting economic diversity, we have a chance to make sure that Southside Virginia is the place that gets it right as we move into the Information Economy."
   
Senator Charles Hawkins, chairman of the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission, said This is where it all changes. The future belongs to those who can be innovative." Senator Hawkins cut the ribbon that officially opened the Institute.
   
While having an ultra-modern and high-tech building is certainly exciting, the building is just bricks and mortar without the vision, goals, and human infrastructure that occupy the Institute.
Im please that they official opening ceremony of the Institute is taking place," said Congressman Virgil H. Goode, Jr. The Institute is part of a larger vision for Southside Virginia that will expand and broaden our economy into many different areas. It is truly a beacon on the hill for all of Southside Virginia."
   
For the past two decades, Southside Virginia has lost thousands of manufacturing and textile jobs because we have been unprepared to compete in the global marketplace," said Delegate Robert Hurt. I sincerely believe that this facility demonstrates we have learned our lesson. While there may be no silver bullet that rebuilds our reeling economy, I do believe that the Institute is absolutely essential in making sure that Southside Virginia will be on the cutting edge of research and technological advances and will be able to enjoy the economic prosperity our people richly deserve."
   
Virginia Tech, Averett University, and Danville Community College serve as academic partners with the Institute. Additionally, Virginia Tech is the driving force behind the Institutes six research centers. The Institute is providing Virginia Tech with many new opportunities for cutting edge research and real-world collaborations, which would not have been possible in Blacksburg," said Charles W. Steger, president of Virginia Tech. Building on Virginia Techs research strengths, there are already a number of exciting initiatives underway. We believe these also hold great promise to revitalize the economy in the region."

Thank you to everyone for all of the support and encouragement the Institute has received. The vision and courage of the regions leadership have been an inspiration to all of us who are working to make it a stunning success," said Timothy V. Franklin, executive director of the IALR. On this historic day, allow me to extend heartfelt congratulations from the Institute and all its partners to the Southside people for seizing the day and shaping the destiny of this region for generations to come."
   
Following the official program, the audience flowed outside to the back patio where representatives from the cities and counties in the Southside service region jointly planted a tree, symbolizing the regional partnership efforts of the Institute. Along with these representatives were 4-H students who had brought dirt from each of their respective municipalities with which to plant the tree.
   
Guests took advantage of the refreshments while they enjoyed the many exhibits on display throughout the building. The displays ranged in subject matter from IALR research activities to outreach programs sponsored by the Institute.

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research was established to develop and attract technology and talent critical to Southside Virginia's economic transformation through strategic research, advanced learning and technology transfer, Institute Conference Center activities, IALR outreach programs, and technology infrastructure development. The IALR leverages the resources of Virginia Tech in partnership with Danville Community College, Averett University, and regional public and private organizations.

IALR is part of a comprehensive strategy for Southside Virginia supported by Outreach and International Affairs at Virginia Tech. The Institute has moved to its new location at 150 Slayton Avenue in Danville.

Additional information is available online at www.ialr.org

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