Herbert addresses Rotary members

IU President Adam Herbert spoke to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis Tuesday about the University's role in stopping the college graduate brain drain from the state of Indiana. About 200 business, education and civic leaders from across the greater metropolitan area shared in Herbert's vision of IU as a primary resource to the development of Indiana's economic future.\nThe Rotary Club members dined on a buffet lunch before Herbert's talk and greeted the president with a warm ovation of cheers. After a few friendly IU-Purdue jokes shared with Rotary Club of Indianapolis President Pat Garten, Herbert focused his attention on the importance of IU in shaping the backbone of the crossroads of America.\n"It is very important for us to believe significant change is possible. I challenge each of you to work for conditions to tip the economy and culture in the state of Indiana," he said. "There is no place like home and being a Hoosier. IU is proud to be your partner in advancing Indiana forward."\nHerbert also discussed the continuing contributions IU provides the state economy, especially the IU School of Medicine, which employs 47,000 Hoosiers in Indianapolis and is the second largest medical school in the country.\nThough the president was optimistic about Indiana's future, he addressed his concerns with University funding.\n"The practical reality: IU receives two sources of income, three if you count gifts and research grants. One is legislature appropriation and the other is tuition," he said. "A partnership must exist between the state and higher education. Small investments are reaping incredible rewards." \nThe president issued claims of University personnel change and cost-cutting measures as proof of IU's willingness to work with state budgetary concerns. Herbert said urgent circumstances warrant increases in state funding for the University.\n"You can cut anything. We don't want to cut the faculty; they are the heart and soul of the University. The state needs the University," he said. "On the one hand, IU is pressured to keep tuition at an artificial level. On the other hand, IU does not receive adequate funds from the state. The answer is not to cut farther to the bone -- we've tried."\nIn numerous moments throughout the sharing session, Herbert spoke to the idea of cooperation and co-participation between IU and the state as the foundation for economic growth and future prosperity. As a result, the president articulated IU's ideal responsibilities in fulfilling its obligations in the IU-Indiana relationship.\n"There is no question this state values higher education. The challenge: assure to all we can provide a high level of return to the investment you have made in the university," he said. "IU's goal is to become the most distinguished research university in the nation and increase research funding to $800 million." \nDirector of Constituent Relationship for the Christian Church Susan Street-Beavers, who attended the event, said she feels IU must offer more than just research opportunities to benefit the state economy in the future. She agreed with Herbert's overall mission, although she said more must be done in the way of community support and relationship building. \n"I would like to see universities across the state reaching out to all persons, especially opening their doors to people of color," said Street-Beavers. "Authentic relationship-building is important, relationships that are real. You have to start some place, and Herbert's information indicates he knows where the University is heading."\nHerbert said two out of three new jobs in the state of Indiana have been generated from entrepreneurship. He also said IU is responding to meet state and graduate demands in the fields of life science, informatics, medical research and information technology. \n"What are your aspirations as a state? As we look to the future, we must focus attention toward the development, nurturing and growth of intellectual capital," he said. "Ultimately, we would also like to keep more of our graduates in the state. The future of Indiana is very bright."\nHerbert received an enthusiastic standing ovation before he addressed audience questions and concerns. Garten said he was inspired by Herbert's speech and impressed with the president's stage presence.\n"I thought it was wonderful, (Herbert) is a great communicator. He is obviously a man of great vision," Garten said. "Even a Purdue University person like me can see the amazing scope of things IU is doing. IU is a great institution, something we can all be proud of."\n-- Contact David A. Nosko at dnosko@indiana.edu.