Running head: INTRO SPEECH 1

COM 60511 - Strategic Communication and Professional Writing: Summer II 2017

Week 3: Speech Writing

President Daniels Introduces Opening of Wilmeth Active Learning Center

Janelle C. Gergen

Purdue University
PRESIDENTS INTRO SPEECH 2

Good morning one and all. Thank you for being here on such an exciting day for Purdue

University. Im President Mitch Daniels.

What Purdue makes, moves the world forward. The building we are facing today will do

much to continue that tradition of excellence for higher education. We are proud to announce the

opening of The Wilmeth Active Learning Center, which has been built to transform teaching and

learning here at Purdue.

This building is the first of its kind. We have dedicated 164,000 square feet for a

futuristic environment that highlights the collaborative nature of active learning. These library

and classroom spaces are student-centered; they will be the campus hub for team problem

solving, group projects, and role playing.

We stand upon the shoulders of those who have come before us. We are able to see into

the horizon more clearly because of the sweat, toil and philanthropic endeavors of our alumni.

And so, it is appropriate that we have named this educational prototype of the future after the

Wilmeth brothers Thomas and Harvey who so wonderfully represent the creative problem

solving and ingenuity of Purdue engineers. As a result of their academic and business successes,

they have offered considerable opportunities and resources to Purdue University Libraries. We

are proud of their successes and grateful for their commitment to our mission.

On behalf of The Wilmeth Active Learning Center Building Committee and Purdue

Libraries Staff, welcome. We hope you enjoy your tour of this magnificent facility. Students: We

are confident that when you step inside you will see how this building will shape your

achievement for moving the world forward. And for the faculty: Take in the splendor this

structure offers you as an educator. Consider the possibilities that lay ahead for forming the

young minds in your midst. Indeed, its a great day for Purdue University. Thank you.
PRESIDENTS INTRO SPEECH 3

References

Purdue News Service. (2017, April 12). Wilmeth Active Learning Center to open Aug. 7.

Retrieved July 10, 2017, from

https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2017/Q2/wilmeth-active-learning-center-to-

open-aug.-7.html

Purdue News Service. (2015, May 07). Purdue Active Learning Center named for engineering

alumni Wilmeth brothers. Retrieved July 10, 2017, from

http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2015/Q2/purdue-active-learning-center-

named-for-engineering-alumni-wilmeth-brothers.html

Purdue University. (n.d.). Wilmeth ALC. Retrieved July 10, 2017, from

https://www.lib.purdue.edu/walc/

Purdue University Media. (n.d.). Transformative Education. Retrieved July 10, 2017, from

http://www.purdue.edu/purduemoves/initiatives/education/index.php