For more than 100 years, urban universities have combined, providing educational opportunity with advancing the overall quality of life for residents of the nation's cities. IUPUI has made this urban university mission a cornerstone of its nearly 30 years of development. Through teaching, research, service and related endeavors, IUPUI faculty and staff have an express commitment to carrying forward the proud urban university tradition for the citizens of Indianapolis and the metropolitan area.

U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley (standing) received IUPUI's first Urban University Medal at the dedication of the campus' University College last mongh. For more information, see the related story in our October 9, 1998 issue.

Because higher education and the larger purposes of American society are inextricably intertwined, urban universities play a critical role in the nation's cities. They are often the catalysts if not the progenitors of partnerships among individuals and organizations that seek to improve urban life. IUPUI is itself the result of a unique partnership between Indiana University and Purdue University that was formed to better serve the educational needs of Indiana's capital city.

Along with other urban universities, IUPUI values collaboration and a sense of shared vision as indispensable means for helping to provide education, economic, social, and cultural opportunities, and a healthy and safe environment in our cities. Urban universities serve their metropolitan regions by helping to develop a competitive workforce and an informed and involved citizenry. They reach out to other schools and universities to provide a full educational spectrum of the highest quality, making special efforts to reach underserved populations. In partnership with business, industry, the private and philanthropic sectors, and local, state and federal government, urban universities like IUPUI address local issues, problems and needs, but they also are a key part of ensuring that cities are vital contributors to the nation's ideals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

With the Urban University Medal, IUPUI is recognizing individuals or organizations that share these aspirations and which, through their work and contributions, have helped make America's cities the gateway to the American dream.

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