What role will business leaders play in the educational progress and service activities of the center?
Erdman: We will call on those in the business community to fill a variety of roles such as teaching full courses, serving on advisory boards, appearing as guest lecturers, and participating in outreach programs, professional associations, and program development. Some of this is already occurring. At St. Thomas we averaged 60 business contacts from the community each semester. I checked with my faculty and they never had anyone say no. Entrepreneurs love helping other entrepreneurs and giving back. BAI: How can the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center be an active partner with industry in facilitating economic development in the state of Iowa? Erdman: One of the things we will begin doing is building a critical mass of entrepreneurs through the educational programs that we provide. The center also will be a catalyst in helping to identify opportunities. I believe the best businesses and the best jobs are home grown; they are not stolen from another state. We need to create outreach ac
