August 28, 2003

Micron Foundation Gives $2 Million to Start Boise State Materials Science and Engineering Degree

 

Download this photo 300 DPI Print JPG 72 DPI Web GIF     Representatives of the Micron Technology Foundation today pledged $2 million over four years to the College of Engineering at Boise State University to start a materials science and engineering bachelor’s degree program. “We applaud Boise State’s leadership in expanding its engineering education programs,” said Mark Durcan, vice president of research and development for Micron Technology. “Having a quality program available enables Boise State students and faculty to participate at the forefront of technology.  This investment is directly aligned with the Micron Technology Foundation’s goal to advance science and technology education, particularly as it relates to microelectronics.” Close ties between the regional economy and the microelectronics industry has led to demand for a materials science program, as demonstrated by hiring needs of local employers and expressed interest from engineering students. The College of Engineering plans to submit a notice of intent to the State Board of Education to offer a materials science and engineering major beginning fall semester 2004. “This generous donation from the Micron Technology Foundation will further enhance the College of Engineering’s and regional industry’s prominent roles in the field of microelectronics,” said Boise State University President Bob Kustra. “Boise State’s ongoing relationship with Micron has helped propel the College of Engineering into the national spotlight, with several recent national awards and honors recognizing excellent research by students and faculty.” As civilizations of the past were referred to by their technological materials (the Bronze, Stone and Iron ages), our present culture may well be defined as the Silicon Age. Continuing improvements in the design and manufacture of silicon and other semiconductor-based components will be essential to sustaining advances in microelectronic devices that pervade our culture from consumer electronics to medical applications. Accordingly, the new materials science major will have strong emphases in microelectronic applications. Areas of specialization within the materials science and engineering major would include microelectronic materials and process engineering, microelectronic packaging, and novel materials. The program, administered by the College of Engineering, will draw resources from faculty in physics, chemistry and engineering. “Developments in materials impact nearly every aspect of modern life and every academic discipline,” said Cheryl Schrader, dean of the College of Engineering. “This grant is of great benefit as we continue to enhance our engineering experience at Boise State University, and it is yet another milestone in community engagement.” The Micron Technology Foundation Inc., a private, non-profit organization established in 1999 with a gift from Micron Technology Inc., is engaged in funding educational efforts and charitable activities. To learn more about the Micron Technology Foundation, visit its Web site at www.micron.com/foundation. Micron Technology Inc. is one of the world’s leading providers of advanced semiconductor solutions. Through its worldwide operations, Micron manufactures and markets DRAMs, Flash memory, CMOS image sensors, other semiconductor components and memory modules for use in leading-edge computing, consumer, networking, and mobile products. Micron's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the MU symbol. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc., visit its Web site at www.micron.com. -30- Contacts Cheryl Schrader Engineering Dean (208) 426-1153 Karen Vauk Micron Foundation (208) 363-3675 Media contacts Pat Pyke Boise State communications and marketing (208) 426-1987 Sean Mahoney Micron Technology (208) 368-3127 David Parker Micron Technology (208) 368-4400 Return to News home