University to Host Micron Day Feb. 25, Showcasing Innovation, Ongoing Partnerships and Career Paths for Students, Community

In further preparation of building the educational infrastructure and advancing innovation to support Micron’s transformational presence in Central New York, Syracuse University will hold its first Micron Day on Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Schine Student Center’s Panasci Lounge and Room 304A, B and C. The University is playing a key role in building and training the workforce of the future—through investments in a state-of-the-art teaching and research facility, attracting top semiconductor manufacturing researchers and faculty, and developing experiential student opportunities—to help power Micron’s leading-edge $100 billion memory megafab in Clay, New York.

The event, open to all University community members and the Central New York community, will focus on how the collaboration between Micron and the University is driving innovation in the semiconductor industry and creating exciting career pathways for students and community members. Attendees will get insights into the future of the semiconductor industry, information on educational and training pathways, and networking opportunities with industry leaders and educators. Those planning to attend are asked to register online or contact sumicron@syr.edu.

“I encourage any student, faculty or staff member—and members of our greater community—interested in learning more about how the University is engaging with Micron and community partners to come to Micron Day. There will be dynamic speakers, panels and exhibitions that should be both informative and entertaining, as well as networking,” says J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation. “I hope that all participants walk away from Micron Day with a better understanding of the opportunities headed for our university and entire community—as well as a sense of how they can personally be a part of it.”

Highlights of the Day

• Alumni Perspectives: Valuable insights will be shared through a panel discussion featuring successful Micron employees who are Syracuse University alumni (9:10 to 9:40 a.m.).
• Industry Insights: Micron leaders will speak on supply chain innovations (10:05 to 10:40 a.m.), the transformative role of artificial intelligence in gaming (11:05 to 11:40 a.m.) and career opportunities at Micron (12:05 to 12:40 p.m.).
• Career Pathways: Exhibitors from University schools and colleges, workforce development partners, and community institutions will engage with attendees and inform them about local programs and training opportunities that align with Micron’s workforce needs (all day).
• Fireside Chat: Haynie will engage in a candid conversation with April Arnzen, Micron’s chief people officer, and Scott Gatzemeier, Micron’s corporate vice president of front-end U.S. expansion, on the company’s commitment to employee growth and development as well as Micron’s investments in the Central New York community to help prepare for the addition of the nearly 50,000 jobs forecasted once their plant is fully constructed (1:05 to 1:40 p.m.).

The event is part of the continuing collaboration between Micron and regional partners, including the University, and will highlight the work being done in advance of the establishment of the company’s state-of-the-art facility. Below, Haynie discusses the work underway and opportunities that will be realized for Central New York.

What does Micron mean for Central New York and Syracuse University?

One of our elected officials described it as “this generation’s Erie Canal moment,” and I think that is spot on. Micron coming to the region, along with the many supply chain companies that will follow, are an absolute game changer for everyone in Central New York.

This is an $100 billion investment and the impact on our economy will be tremendous—along the lines of 50,000 new jobs. It will lead to growth in population, new business creation and more. This growth will also pose challenges with respect to workforce, housing, child care and other issues, but Syracuse University stands ready to be part of the solution to make our Erie Canal moment a success for everyone involved.

Describe the collaboration taking place between Micron and Syracuse University.

Syracuse University has committed to work as a partner with Micron in support of its New York expansion. The University’s collaboration with Micron is broad and deep, and is supported by many schools, colleges and units. For example, the College of Engineering and Computer Science is expanding aggressively and bringing on more faculty and staff to support more students studying fields that will prepare them for careers in the semiconductor industry.

The Martin J. Whitman School of Management has brought in Micron’s chief people officer to discuss career options for students with a business education background. The D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families is operating semiconductor industry career preparation pipeline programs for veterans and transitioning service members. And the Future Ready Workforce Innovation Consortium is a whole-of-the-university ecosystem of academic, skills training and partnership programs supporting a multi-faceted approach to investing in and providing talent and workforce development in New York state. There are many more examples I could cite, and that goes to highlight we are so fortunate to have great partners in Micron, Onondaga County and several other community organizations.