TLI Celebrates 35 Years!
It was an ebullient scene in the McNamara Alumni Center on Friday, as staff, faculty, alumni and supporters gathered to mark the 35th anniversary of the Technological Leadership Institute.
Coinciding with the Governor’s proclamation of September 23 as “Technological Leadership Day in Minnesota”, nearly 100 people celebrated the accomplishments of the Institute that began life within CSE as the Center for the Development of Technological Leadership in 1987.
Representatives from Minnesota tech companies were there to celebrate TLI’s achievements, including Honeywell, which played a key role in the Institute’s formation.
The event was emceed by Kirsten Parker, who welcomed the attendees and introduced each of the evening’s speakers. One of them was Chriss Renier, widow of longtime Honeywell executive James Renier, spoke at the event and recalled fondly her husband’s determination to help launch an institute that would transform tech-sector professionals into industry leaders. Former Honeywell executive and TLI advisory board member Ron Peterson spoke of Honeywell’s origins and how its culture of “perpetual restlessness” helped to shape the new Institute.
College of Science and Engineering Dean Dr. Andrew Alleyne spoke at the event as well, discussing the origins of TLI and how its mission is as important today as when it was founded. He also announced an important new initiative that TLI is undertaking with refrigeration company Thermo King to train a new generation of engineers in DC power system electrification – an important step in preparing for a more sustainable future economy.
TLI Director Allison Hubel told the audience that the Thermo King deal is only the first of many public-private partnerships to upskill engineers and scientists and described a future in which supplementary education will be a necessary element to every professional’s career.
The keynote address was delivered by Bonnie Holub, who spoke eloquently of the culture of Minnesota and how its diverse economy and quality of life have made it a favored destination for tech companies, and how TLI fits into Minnesota’s tech ecosystem.
The governor’s signed proclamation made an appearance at the event. It celebrated “the more than 1300 students who have received a technical leadership education” through the institute and expressed appreciation for the Institute’s support within CSE and the Minnesota business community.
Also on display at the event were posters specially designed by local artist Crystal Bell that celebrated landmark years in the Institute’s history.