iWeek 2012 Purpose
Recent studies and employer surveys point to a deficiency in creativity and innovation skills in graduates of both two- and four-year colleges and universities.
Innovation remains a critical element of growth at all levels regardless of context. As part of the Celebrate! Innovation™ Exhibition at the DMACC West Campus, iWeek immerses students and the general public in a variety of interactive projects to promote creative and innovative thought. The intent of iWeek is to engage students (and the public) in a focused context outside of their normal studies to help them see both the value and process of innovation.
iWeek also allows students to meet, acquire knowledge, and become inspired by some extremely innovative people. The inaugural iWeek in 2010 featured Capt. Alan Bean, Apollo and Skylab astronaut and the fourth man to walk on the moon. iWeek 2011, which focused on Ideas in Action, featured over 130 corporate CEOs, leaders and entrepreneurs, including Iowa's only billionaire, Dennis Albaugh. The theme of iWeek 2012 will be The Power of Imagination and will feature Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple, Inc. and father of the personal computer; Dr. David Gallo, oceanographer and co-expedition leader for both the mapping mission to the RMS Titanic and the successful search for the missing aircraft Air France 447; and Fritz Maytag, considered to be the father of modern microbreweries and currently the chairman of Maytag Dairy Farms, Inc. (the maker of Maytag Blue Cheese).
iWeek strives to be unique in many ways, especially through its emphasis on interaction and dynamic, relevant topics. DMACC West Campus classes are suspended during iWeek to allow students the opportunity to attend a variety of concurrent sessions and engage directly with presenters and keynote speakers. Because of the generous donations made by a great many sponsors, iWeek is free to both students and the general public. Beginning with iWeek 2012, a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) component will be added to engage and encourage high school students in STEM-related fields prior to entering college.
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