By Alan Lytle
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-802218.mp3
Lexington, KY – UK President Lee Todd, joined Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry and three major private contributors to unveil the first two phases of the project during a ceremony today / Monday. Todd says the Digital Village is the university's first construction project that'll be funded by private donations, with matching funds coming from the state's "Bucks For Brains" program.
Mayor Newberry says the digital village plan reinforces his belief that the state needs to do a better job of encouraging students to pursue careers in Science Technology, Engineering, and Math.
The private funding was secured through a six million dollar donation from Exstream Software Founder Davis Marksbury, plus contributions from UK Trustee, James Hardymon, and James McDonald, president and CEO of Scientific Atlanta. The university expects to break ground on the new "Davis Marksbury" building next fall, with a scheduled completion sometime in 2011.