The Research Triangle Park Rotary Club is turning 50! Half a century is no small accomplishment, so to celebrate, the club is hosting their first annual STEAM: Changing the World event. The anniversary festivities observe leadership in RTP, highlight innovative companies, and engage youth and young professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. The event takes place at the the North Carolina Biotechnology Center and multiple sites around RTP from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 20 with registration open to the public.
Equipping the Future
The RTP Rotary Club was founded in 1968 by former Governor Luther Hodges (who also helped found RTP a decade earlier). Out of 46 Rotary clubs in the Triangle region, the RTP chapter was voted the best in 2016 for emphasizing Youth, Entrepreneurship (Innovation), and Education. The club seeks to bring together the RTP community around a common goal of “Changing the World” through the advancement of STEAM worldwide.
Putting action behind their words, RTP Rotary Club teamed up with the Kramden Institue, Sigma Xi, STEM in the Park, and others to stir up excitement around science and technology opportunities. The students of Research Triangle High School will be given hands-on educational tours and 8th grade students from Lowe’s Grove Middle School will learn about electronics while constructing an LED communication device to take home.
Acknowledging Greatness
The North Carolina Biotechnology Center will be holding an Innovation Showcase from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to highlight RTP small companies Changing the World with their innovative technologies.
On that note, The Celebration of the Past, Present, and Future of RTP beginning at 1:00 p.m will recognize five outstanding men and women that have helped make RTP first among research parks worldwide. Research Triangle Foundation President & CEO Scott Levitan will deliver the vision for the future of RTP, followed by a panel discussion on the future of STEAM. Stick around for a wine and cheese reception to rub elbows with some of the most brilliant minds in the Triangle.