CONTACT:
Jennifer Meriam, Director (954) 262-5355
Mike Laderman, Associate Director, (954) 262-5354
Mara Kiffin, Coordinator, (954) 262-5350

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2003

USGS Center to be located on the Nova Southeastern University’s Davie Campus

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has tentatively selected the consortium of three universities – Nova Southeastern University (NSU), the University of Florida (UF) and Florida Atlantic University (FAU) – to co-locate on Nova Southeastern’s Davie campus, a portion of the Florida Interdisciplinary Science Center (FISC). The selection process will be validated after final details are agreed upon during the next few weeks. The Center will be a key contributor in the $8.5 billion Everglades Restoration Project, the United States’ largest public works project.

Bonnie McGregor, Eastern Regional Director, USGS, said, “This is a wonderful opportunity to expand the partnership between USGS and academic scientists, both in South Florida and around the state.”

“We are delighted to join our consortium partners in accepting this important assignment from the USGS,” said NSU’s President Ray Ferrero, Jr. “ By bringing together the best minds in science from academia, government and industry, we expect to have a considerable impact on the natural
resources in South Florida, while enhancing the quality of life within our community. We especially want to thank the people of Florida for their support of the initiative to save the Everglades.”

“Florida Atlantic University is excited not only about the newly announced positioning of the USGS, but the potential of expanding on the great concept of consortia represented by these three wonderful postsecondary institutions,” said FAU President Frank Brogan.

“We’re delighted by the USGS decision to locate in Davie,” said UF President Charles Young. “I especially wanted to thank Ray Ferrero for his leadership throughout this process.”

The three university presidents noted the support of Florida Congressional delegation in securing the award, particularly Fort Lauderdale Congressman E. Clay Shaw and Tampa/St. Petersburg Congressman William Young, and Broward County and local officials.

The combined resources and research capabilities of the three institutions of higher education are charged with helping the USGS accomplish its goal of establishing a world-class scientific center of excellence for environmental science, education and technology. The FISC will provide students,
educators and researchers with the opportunity to foster economic development within South Florida, and protect the region’s fragile ecosystem.

The FISC will be the anchor tenant of Nova Southeastern University’s “ Academical Village”, a concept once described by Thomas Jefferson as “a community of scholars and students living and working closely together, inspired by a campus that promotes the free flow of ideas.” The Academical Village, a 30-acre joint venture between NSU and private developers, will combine a high-tech research park with office, retail, hotel-conference center and residential space to form its own “community”. The USGS site and NSU Academical Village are part of the South Florida Education Center complex that includes FAU, UF and NSU campuses along with Broward Community College and Nova High School.

Ferrero noted that the FISC and the NSU Academical Village will have considerable economic impact on the region. “This complex will generate high-tech, research and other jobs for South Florida, and generate millions of dollars in tax revenue. The Academical Village will also be the site of other “centers of excellence” in addition to environmental science,” he added.

EDITOR’S NOTE: In order to avoid brand confusion, please use “Nova Southeastern University” or “NSU” when referring to the university. Referring to NSU as “Nova” may confuse our school with another university with a similar name and/or with the Nova Schools in the Broward County
School District. Thank you.