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The Daily OrangeNational Grid VP takes new community engagement post at university
By Ivy Tan
Posted: 9/23/07, 9:55 PM EST Section: News
It's no secret that Chancellor Nancy Cantor has a vision to connect Syracuse University and its students with the city of Syracuse.
SU moved closer to that vision when it announced earlier this month that Marilyn Higgins, vice president for economic development at Syracuse's National Grid, will be the new vice president for community engagement and economic impact at SU.
Among Higgins' first responsibilities will be overseeing the non-profit company Near Westside Initiative Inc., with its $56 million budget. The funding for the project comes primarily from the university and will develop the arts, technology and design quarter downtown. Higgins, of East Syracuse, also serves as president of Near Westside.
Part of the funding is $13.8 million in remaining debt to New York state left over from building the Center for Science and Technology in 1987, Higgins said. The investment was approved by the state Foundation for Science, Technology and Innovation and the Empire State Development Corp.
By overseeing the project, Higgins will have a direct role in furthering Cantor's vision of "scholarship in action" at SU, said Bruce Kingma, associate provost for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Near Westside will renovate several empty buildings where commercial artists, architects and entrepreneurs can work to make that part of the city more economically efficient, Higgins said.
The area will also be the last stop on the Connective Corridor route, linking two of Cantor's initiatives to bridge the gap between the university and the city.
Higgins is charged with securing more external funding and support from the state as well as from corporations that decide to get involved in the project, said Kevin Quinn, vice president for public affairs at SU.
The Near Westside Initiative's project connects students, faculty members and the Syracuse community in several ways, Kingma said. It will provide internships and entrepreneurial opportunities in the Westside area for SU students.
SU moved closer to that vision when it announced earlier this month that Marilyn Higgins, vice president for economic development at Syracuse's National Grid, will be the new vice president for community engagement and economic impact at SU.
Among Higgins' first responsibilities will be overseeing the non-profit company Near Westside Initiative Inc., with its $56 million budget. The funding for the project comes primarily from the university and will develop the arts, technology and design quarter downtown. Higgins, of East Syracuse, also serves as president of Near Westside.
Part of the funding is $13.8 million in remaining debt to New York state left over from building the Center for Science and Technology in 1987, Higgins said. The investment was approved by the state Foundation for Science, Technology and Innovation and the Empire State Development Corp.
By overseeing the project, Higgins will have a direct role in furthering Cantor's vision of "scholarship in action" at SU, said Bruce Kingma, associate provost for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Near Westside will renovate several empty buildings where commercial artists, architects and entrepreneurs can work to make that part of the city more economically efficient, Higgins said.
The area will also be the last stop on the Connective Corridor route, linking two of Cantor's initiatives to bridge the gap between the university and the city.
Higgins is charged with securing more external funding and support from the state as well as from corporations that decide to get involved in the project, said Kevin Quinn, vice president for public affairs at SU.
The Near Westside Initiative's project connects students, faculty members and the Syracuse community in several ways, Kingma said. It will provide internships and entrepreneurial opportunities in the Westside area for SU students.
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