ASU receives Best of Arizona Award

In recognition of its positive economic impact, Arizona State University received the Arizona Association for Economic Development's Best of Arizona Award, which was given at the association's annual Economic Development Distinguished Excellence awards dinner, May 1, in Tucson.

The award is presented only to individuals or organizations whose dedication to economic development in Arizona has been unequaled.

Joyce Grossman, executive director of the association, said Arizona State University was honored for its positive contribution to economic growth in Arizona and for its revolutionary New American University model.

"In the past decade, ASU has increased the competitiveness of our region through its research expenditures at more than $40 million," Grossman said. "This focused research has gained national attention and boosted funding to the region that has been instrumental in attracting scores of new companies and facilities."

"The New American University is now a model being embraced by other research institutions," Grossman added. "By way of transdisciplinary learning and research, and the inclusion of entrepreneurship, ASU is a tremendous, successful example of this new philosophy."

Recipients of the award are selected from a pool of nominations made by the association's members.