WHAT: A conference for developers, planners, architects, scholars and government officials on university partnerships that spur growth and create thriving neighborhoods. Tour Wayne State's campus, Midtown and TechTown, WSU's research and technology park to experience the high-tech teaching and research facilities, new residential developments and commercial venues that have propelled the revitalization of Midtown Detroit. A keynote speech from Dr. Luis Proenza, President of the University of Akron, will address the University Park Alliance (UPA), a 50-block revitalization project surrounding The University of Akron.

John Austin, executive director of The New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan, will give a luncheon talk which focuses on his organization's innovative philanthropic effort to restore the region to a position of global economy.

WHEN: Tuesday October 7, 2008. 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Symposium, keynote address and lunch. Optional tours of Midtown and TechTown will be available from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

WHERE: The Spencer Partrich Auditorium on Wayne State's Detroit Campus. 471 W. Palmer Street.

MORE INFO: Other speakers include Albert B. Ratner, Co-Chairman of the Board, Forest City Enterprises, Inc. Cleveland; David Perry, Director of the Great Cities Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago; and George Jackson, President, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit research and education organization supported by its members. Its mission is to provide responsible leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. A $75 registration fee includes continental breakfast and lunch. To register and for more information, please visit www.specialevents.wayne.edu/urban

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 12 schools and colleges to more than 33,000 students.