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Sept. 28, 2005

MEDIA ADVISORY

Bill Gates to deliver Goff Smith Lecture at the University of Michigan

DATE: 10 a.m. Oct. 12, 2005

TICKETS: THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT FOR U-M STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF. Tickets will be available beginning Oct. 3 in the Michigan Union to those who show a valid University I.D.

EVENT: William (Bill) Gates, chairman of Microsoft Corporation, will deliver the Goff Smith Lecture and kick off a three-day university tour of some of the nation's best science and engineering departments. Gates will address students about the promise of innovation and the excitement and rewards of careers in computer science.

In his talk, "The Impact and Opportunity of Technology: Why Computer Science? Why Now?" Gates will show off cutting-edge technology, discuss his vision for the future and answer questions from students, making the point that the world of computer science has some of the most exciting opportunities found anywhere. Gates, who is Microsoft's chairman and chief software architect, notes that it's hard to imagine the world today without the technology we have come to rely on, but technology developers have only scratched the surface of what software and new innovations can provide.

"I'm looking forward to visiting the University of Michigan," Gates said. "The opportunities for computing to change the world have never been greater, and the ideas and excitement of today's computer science students are driving the future of innovation in our industry."

About 200 high-achieving high school juniors and seniors from around the state, who are interested in science and engineering, have been invited to attend as U-M's guests.

The Goff Smith Prize and Lecture is the highest external honor bestowed by the College of Engineering, given for outstanding achievement in science and engineering. The award, which carries a $10,000 honorarium, was established by alumnus Goff Smith, who retired as chairman and CEO of Amsted Industries in 1982. Gates intends to donate the prize money to a charitable cause.

MEDIA ATTENDANCE: Media admission will be ticketed and parking will be provided in the Palmer Drive parking structure near the Washtenaw/Huron Street curve. To obtain passes and parking permits, contact the University of Michigan News Service, (734) 764-7260. Please be sure to call in advance to indicate that you are attending and obtain a badge. We will provide reserved media seating and a mult box. A sign-in area will be located at the south end of the Rackham lobby.

LOCATION: Rackham Auditorium, Central Campus. Map: http://www.umich.edu/~info/maps.html

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Flash photography should be completed in the first two minutes.

• Videotaping is limited to the speech proper, and not the question-and-answer session that follows.

• Press will not be allowed to participate in the question-and-answer session .

• Doors will close at 10:10 a.m. No one will be admitted after this time.

ADDITIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION:

Patrick McLaughlin, Airfoil Public Relations, (313) 887-7211

Laurie Rieger, Waggener Edstrom Strategic Communications, (925) 551-5989

U-M News Service Contacts: Laura Bailey
Phone: (734) 647-7087

or

Nancy Connell, (734) 764-7260