2009 Science & Technology Banquet-March 26, 2009
The Science & Technology Banquet is the Institute of Technology’s premier scholarship fundraiser and networking event. The event has raised more than $70,000 for undergraduate student scholarships in the past four years.
The University of Minnesota Institute of Technology Alumni Society presents Cynthia L. Lesher, retired president and CEO of Northern States Power-Minnesota, an Xcel Energy company, as the keynote speaker at the 2009 Science & Technology Banquet.
"Energy—It's Everyone's Business"
Whether we are paying at the pump or paying our heating bill, the energy business affects all of us at home and where we work. In her speech, Lesher will discuss energy issues and how they affect the future of our nation, including supplying a qualified workforce to develop renewable energy sources and developing energy self-reliance.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
5 p.m. Reception
6:30 p.m. Dinner
7 p.m. Program
Hilton Minneapolis, 1001 Marquette Ave. S.
Event registration and ticket sales are expected to begin on Friday, Jan. 23
Tables of eight, half-tables of four, and individual seats are available for purchase. Guests may also host students at their table. To receive priority seating, reserve your table(s) now and submit the guest list online before the March 17 deadline.
Sponsorships are available starting at $1,000. For more information, call 612-626-1802 or email stbanquet@umn.edu.
About Cynthia L. Lesher
CYNTHIA (CYNDI) L. LESHER is the retired president and CEO of Northern States Power Company-Minnesota, an Xcel Energy company.
During her career at Xcel Energy she served as Xcel Energy’s vice president, chief administrative officer and chief human resources officer, president of NSP Gas, vice president of NSP human resources, and various other positions.
In 2003, Lesher was inducted into the Women’s Economic Roundtable comprised of the top 100 women leaders in Minnesota. She was appointed chair of the Governor’s Workforce Development Council in 2004 by Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. Lesher also served on the University of Minnesota Board of Regents in 2006 and 2007.
CityBusiness magazine named her among the Twin Cities’ most innovative women. In 2007 she received the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal’s Lifetime Career Achievement Award. She was selected by the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce as 2008 Woman of the Year.
In January 2007, Lesher was named President of the Host Committee for the 2008 Republican National Convention responsible for raising $58 million to fund the convention and to showcase Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Minnesota to the world.
January 12, 2009