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Talking Points Groundbreaking Ceremony 3:00-3:45 October 6, 1995 This public event celebrates the official groundbreaking for construction of the university's new science and engineering center. Details on this facility are attached. Attendees will include local dignitaries, faculty, students, and community members. Speakers will include the university president (Rev. Dennis Dease), Congressman Martin Sabo, St. Paul mayor Norm Coleman, and St. Thomas faculty and student representatives. Dr. Ride will be introduced by a student and will make a 5-minute speech. Dr. Ride may wish to address the following points as part of her remarks: * General thank you to audience and acknowledgment of Father Dease, Congressman Sabo, Mayor Coleman, and guests from the academic and Twin Cities communities. → * "I'm delighted to be a part of this ceremony to commemorate St. Thomas' new science and engineering center, which will be a superb addition to science facilities in the Upper Midwest. You should feel a great sense of pride, satisfaction, and ownership as this project moves forward. It really is a tribute to St. Thomas and the Twin Cities community." [[left margin]] I know from exp. NASA draws energy of the young people who join - straight out of college + contribute their knowledge + visions to keep space program vibrant + exciting. Same is true of telecom, computing, biotech industries [/left margin]] → * Stories from Dr. Ride's past, both in the space program and her travels around the country, which illuminate the importance of generating enthusiasm about science, especially for high school and college students. [[right margin]] important of society… Energize students [[strikethrough]] saw energy [[?]] into program [[/strikethrough]] NASA draws energy from energy of young people… (same is true of telecom, computing, biotech industry [[/right margin]] Higher education institutions have a critical role to play in the future of science. With scientific knowledge and communications technology expanding so rapidly, colleges and universities have a special obligation to their students: → - To train them in the cutting edge ideas and technology of their fields → - To go beyond the laboratory and give them practical scientific experience through joint ventures with industry and the community - To stress the role of ethics and values in scientific teaching and exploration - To prepare them to play a competitive role in a global marketplace - To develop an understanding of the relationship of science to all aspects of our lives and work [[left margin]] → scientifically literate citizenry [[/left margin]] The St. Thomas center is a splendid example of the university's commitment to these goals. * The center is [[strikethrough]] also [[/strikethrough]] an example of what can be achieved with a strong vision and the commitment of community partners: from governmental sources, from the corporate and foundation community, and from private citizens. → * "I'm confident the center will have a lasting impact on the quality of life in this community for many years to come, and I offer you all my very best wishes for its successful completion."