On March 3, 2023 friends, family, and business associates were invited to the University of Alabama’s campus to celebrate the announcement of the James C. Kennemer Center for Innovation and Social Impact. The newly created center within The University of Alabama Honors College will promote active learning experiences and research opportunities for UA students thanks to a generous gift from UA alumni James “Jim” and Nancy Kennemer.
The James C. Kennemer Center for Innovation and Social Impact was created following a $2 million gift from Kennemer and offers UA a unique, highly visible platform that builds a capacity for critical thinking, encourages ethical and innovative approaches to social impact, and prepares students to be active and engaged citizens and to succeed in any career path. The center provides support for the Bama Innovation Gateway program including the BIG Ideas contest, and funding for undergraduate research, speakers, forums and outreach programs, and other initiatives.
“Everything I’ve done — whether it’s my family, my career and accomplishments there, my closest friends — every important aspect leads straight back to my involvement in the Computer-Based Honors Program or the University itself. Each year, we will be helping develop these students into becoming lifelong difference-makers themselves. Think of the difference that can make. That to me is just great.” ~ Jim Kennemer
To read more about this important center and the Big Idea, you can access the full article here.
Jim Kennemer is President and CEO of Vision Research Corporation and a long-time member of the National Association of Vision Professionals.
