Since its opening in 2003, the FedEx Institute of Technology has grown into one of the leading developers of technology in the Mid-South. And with the recent gift of $5 million from FedEx, it hopes to continue its vision of creating enhanced learning tools and bringing groundbreaking ideas to The University of Memphis.
“This is a continued confirmation of the confidence that FedEx has in The U of M,” said Curt Guenther, director of communications services. “This is a major gift that will enable the Institute to go forward with innovative projects that will benefit The University and the community at large.”
The money will be divided up over the next five years and the majority will be used to recruit the best faculty members in research.
“We want to bring in the best of the brightest minds,” said Eric Mathews, associate director of corporate research and development for the Institute. “We also plan to build a better culture of innovation with our Vision Speakers Series and residency programs for artists and innovators.”
This is one of the largest donations The U of M has ever received from FedEx, right behind the actual construction of the FIT building, which cost $6 million.
Mathews is hoping this gift will strengthen The U of M’s role in higher education and help with recruitment.
“This will increase the prominence of The University of Memphis and help sustain that prominence,” he said. “It is the fuel for our vision.”
The Institute hopes to continue working on landmark projects such as the Phillip K. Dick robot that began this summer in honor of the famous science-fiction writer. The robot is fully conversational and capable of facial expressions. It has appeared on The Today Show and on the Discovery Channel.
“We built this robot in honor of Philip K. Dick because we have created his greatest fear,” Mathews said. “He wrote about what it means to be human and the threat of artificial intelligence. So he was the inspiration. We even modeled the robots voice after his.”
This donation says much about The University’s relationship with FedEx and the company’s commitment to the FedEx Institute.
“At FedEx, innovation fuels our vision of the future,” said Robert B. Carter, executive vice president and CIO of FedEx Corp, in a U of M press release. “Our continued support of the FedEx Institute of Technology is an extension of both our vision and culture, and we look forward to the continued development of new ideas that help provide solutions for the real world and improve the communities where we live and work.”
The Institute also plans to use the money to help benefit students by creating honors programs for undergraduates where they can be a part of the innovation. Students can expect leaders in the technology world to visit The University and give speeches.
