| RELATED INFO |
| * Purdue Technology Week |
March 24, 2008
American Electric Power CEO to give keynote at Technology Week
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -
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Morris's presentation will be 3-4:30 p.m. in Stewart Center's Fowler Hall. It is free and open to the public. He is this year's featured speaker for the College of Technology's Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series as well as Purdue's Technology Week, which is April 7-11.
The 90-minute event will begin with a 20-minute presentation by Morris on energy availability, security and challenges the future holds. After his talk, he will initiate discussion and invite questions from students in a forum to be moderated by Jan Hopkins, an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning journalist and former anchor and correspondent at CNN who is president of the Economic Club of New York, the first woman to fill the post.
Students can submit their questions via the College of Technology Web site at http://www.purdue.edu/techweek.
"The topic of energy is one of the most important issues of our time because the decisions we are making today influence the world for years to come," said College of Technology Dean Dennis R. Depew. "In order to find solutions, it's vital that we seek as many ideas as possible. We are honored to have the leader of one of the largest utilities conduct what is sure to be a vibrant and productive discussion that could be a small step in helping to shape the future of energy."
The talk and discussion are part of The Future of Energy University Listening Tour being conducted by Morris at universities around the country. Other universities on the tour are Virginia Tech, the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Ohio State University, Howard University and the University of Tulsa.
"The tour's purpose is to engage young people on college campuses across America in a discussion about what it will take to ensure our nation's energy security and address the deepening challenge of meeting growing demand for electricity while protecting the environment," Morris said. "We want to give attendees a chance to be heard. They are our future leaders, and their opinions may help AEP and our industry to chart a better course."
Morris joined American Electric Power in 2004. His previous positions include chairman, president and CEO of Northeast Utilities System in Connecticut; president and CEO of Consumers Energy; president of CMS Marketing, Services and Trading in Michigan; president of Colorado Interstate Gas Co.; executive vice president of marketing, transportation and gas supply for ANR Pipeline Co.; and founder and president of ANR Gathering Co., one of the nation's first gas marketing companies.
Morris serves on the U.S. Department of Energy's Electricity Advisory Board and the National Governors Association's Task Force on Electricity Infrastructure.
He received bachelor's and master's degrees in science from Eastern Michigan University, is a cum laude graduate of the Detroit College of Law and is a member of the Michigan Bar Association.
Purdue's second Technology Week highlights how technology has impacted our lives, provides a glimpse at tomorrow's innovations and recognizes the accomplishments of the college's faculty, students and alumni. Other events during the week include two gift announcements to the college, a ceremony to honor distinguished alumni, a Project Lead the Way student celebration and a senior send-off picnic.
Writer: Kim Medaris, (765) 494-6998, kmedaris@purdue.edu
Sources: Dennis R. Depew, (765) 494-2552, ddepew@purdue.edu
Erin Pennington, College of Technology director of alumni and donor relations, (765) 494-0887, penninge@purdue.edu
David Hagelin, American Electric Power corporate media relations, (614) 716-1938
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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