More than 60 delegates from Seattle recently visited Detroit to learn about the city’s business startup and entrepreneurial culture, and how an urban-serving, top tier research university can drive prosperity for the community.
“It was an honor to host leaders from another great American city,” said President Espy. “From across the country, the buzz is palpable about dow special our city and university are. I was pleased to share more about our spirit and history of innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as how our Prosperity Agenda can support and enhance our future success.”
The Seattle group included Mayor Bruce Harrell and other regional leaders, along with representatives from companies like Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft and Starbucks. Members from the University of Washington and Washington State University communities were also present.
“We were honored when the Seattle Metro Chamber reached out to include Wayne State University as part of their four-day best practices benchmarking visit to Detroit,” said Stacie Clayton, director of community affairs and organizer of the event.
From Wayne State, many leaders from across the university participated, including the schools and colleges, and the divisions of economic development, research, development and alumni affairs, and university relations.
Key spots visited throughout the Intercity Study Mission to Detroit included Wayne State’s Hilberry Gateway, Integrative Biosciences Center and TechTown. This in-person tour gave attendees an opportunity to learn about Wayne State from an institutional, business and historical perspective while learning about the university’s innovative methods for student attraction, retention and success; its economic footprint in the city; and the significant role it plays in the preservation of Detroit’s cultural legacy.
“We are in a city that has defined innovation and invention,” said President Espy. “It is our job to continue to bring new technologies, medicines, practices, companies and people to our city, and to uplift and retain our unmistakable talent — our Wayne State talent.”
By Katheryn Kutil