A delegation of more than 60 people from Seattle traveled to Detroit to meet with President Espy and learn about her prosperity policies.
More than 60 delegates from Seattle recently visited Detroit to learn about the city’s start-up and entrepreneurial culture and how a top research university serving an urban area can help drive community prosperity.
“It is an honor to host leaders from one of America’s great cities,” said Chancellor Espie. “Word is spreading from across the nation that our city and university are special, and I am excited to share more about our spirit and history of innovation and entrepreneurship, and how our Prosperity Plan can support and strengthen our future success.”
The Seattle group included Mayor Bruce Harrell, local leaders and representatives from companies including Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft and Starbucks, as well as members of the University of Washington and Washington State University communities.
“We were honored when the Seattle Metro Chamber of Commerce reached out to include Wayne State University as part of their four-day best practices benchmarking visit to Detroit,” said Stacey Clayton, director of community affairs and organizer of the event.
Wayne State University was represented by many leaders from across the university, including departments and colleges, economic development, research and development, alumni relations and university relations.
Key sites visited during the interurban research mission to Detroit included Wayne State University’s Hillberry Gateway, the Integrated Bioscience Center and Tech Town. During this in-person tour, participants had the opportunity to learn about Wayne State University from organizational, business and historical perspectives, as well as the university’s innovative ways to attract, retain and succeed students, its economic impact within the city and the university’s important role in preserving Detroit’s cultural heritage.
“We are in a city that has defined innovation and invention,” Chancellor Espie said, “and our job is to continue to bring new technologies, medicines, practices, companies and people to our city while enhancing and retaining the undeniable talent that is Wayne State University talent.”
By Catherine Cutil
