UI Dedicates Jacklin Science and Technology Building At UI Research Park in Post Falls
Tuesday, September 17 2002
Sept. 17, 2002^MOSCOW – Gov. Dirk Kempthorne, University of Idaho President Bob Hoover and Director Doug McQueen joined 100-plus dignitaries and community members of northern Idaho this afternoon at the UI’s Research Park in Post Falls to dedicate the Jacklin Science and Technology Building.^UI President Bob Hoover highlighted how important the building’s opening is to the university, the Post Falls community and northern Idaho residents. ”It provides a home for some of the best scientists in the world,” he said during the ceremony. “It furthers the vision we have shared for the Research Park as a place where business, industry and scientists can work and share and grow their enterprises side by side for the good of the larger community.”^ Gary Maki and his research team will occupy the new building on 721 Lochsa St. in Post Falls. Maki is the director of the Center for Advanced Microelectronics and Biomolecular Research. His research team plans to focus on global security and bioelectronic sensors that could improve medical diagnosis methods, food safety and fight terrorism. ^CAMBR began in 1986 at UI, relocated to the University of New Mexico for a decade, and now has returned to Idaho. The $3 million yearly operation brings with its nationally funded contracts and a NASA institute designation.^“It is so dynamic to see how many states wished they had this very thing,” Gov. Kempthorne said of the UI Research Park and its new building. “And here it is in northern Idaho.”^“The Governor’s Initiative for Excellence in Higher Education is one critical funding source for the work we’re doing here in Post Falls and throughout the state,” said Hoover.^Eight companies join two UI entities – Center for Business Development and Entrepreneurship and UI Food Science Laboratory. The United States Geological Survey will move in at the end of the month. The Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) moved in on Saturday.^“We want to acknowledge Gov. Dirk Kempthorne and the state agencies who have been involved over the years,” said Director Doug Queen. “There are two university institutions here now, and there are many more to come.”^Don, Duane and Doyle Jacklin donated the land for the research park. In 1997, the Jacklin brothers donated the 28-acre plot to the University of Idaho, part of the Campaign for Idaho, a multi-year, fundraising effort aimed at supporting the university’s strategic initiatives. The property was valued at $3.7 million in 1997. “The UI Research Park at Post Falls is the first of its kind in northern Idaho, and we have the foresight and conviction of (the Jacklin) brothers to thank.” Hoover noted at the ceremony.^Hoover also named the Jacklins – Don, Duane and Doyle – honorary UI alumni at the event. “They’ve always been Vandals at heart, now they are Vandals in name.” The Jacklins graduated from Washington State University. ^Duane Jacklin said his family is a proud partner with the state of Idaho and the University of Idaho. “We are just lucky enough to own the ground this is built on,” he said. “We are incredibly thankful.”^Dan Whiting, a representative from Craig’s Coeur d’Alene office, spoke on the senator’s behalf. Craig was the “instigator and leader” of the project, according to McQueen. Sen. Craig helped the university put together the funding package to bring Professor Maki and his team back to Idaho, according to Hoover. Sen. Craig supported federal funding for the basic infrastructure at UIRP, which includes the Jacklin Science and Technology Building. “This would still be a beautiful, but very empty, riverside meadow if it weren’t for him,” noted the UI President.^Besides the Jacklin land donation, other project funding came from a Housing and Urban Development grant, an Economic Development Administration grant and UI funds. Ongoing income will be generated from rentals.^The $4 million building’s distinguishing features are its architectural “Golden Arch,” its 5,000 square feet of wet lab and business spaces and a 1,400-square-foot computer classroom.^A plaque will been installed on the 30,000-square-foot building commemorating the first step of growth and development of the research center. At its completion, the 120-acre park will be home to approximately 25 large companies, many smaller technology based companies, university satellite programs, and some related service and commercial businesses.^The UI Research Park is a focal point for research and technology-based companies wanting to create or continue working relationships with the University of Idaho and other colleges and universities throughout the Northwest. For more information on the research park, go to: http://www.uirp.com/.^Contact: UI President Bob Hoover, (208) 885-6365, hoover@uidaho.edu ; Doug McQueen, director, UIRP in Post Falls, (208) 777-4700, dmcqueen@uirp.com; Nancy Hilliard or Leslie Einhaus, University Communications, (208) 885-6291, lesliee@uidaho.edu^(Note: Photos from the event can be downloaded at www.today.uidaho.edu/photo_list.asp)^-30-^LE-9/16/02-CDA/ADM^
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The University of Idaho helps students to succeed and become leaders. Its land-grant mission furthers innovative scholarly and creative research to grow Idaho's economy and serve a statewide community. From its main campus in Moscow, Idaho, to 70 research and academic locations statewide, U-Idaho emphasizes real-world application as part of its student experience. U-Idaho combines the strength of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. It is home to the Vandals. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu.