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Panel discusses Academical Village, Web

Fortune magazine's April report that many University graduates are heading leading technology companies was the inspiration for the third and final session of the e-summit, "The Academical Village in the Internet Age," Saturday in Old Cabell Hall.

The panelists, ranging from University alumnus and CEO of Citrix Systems, Mark Templeton, to University Engineering Prof. William Wulf, discussed which aspects of the University are conducive to a successful career in technology fields.

"It's much more important to learn how to think" than which classes you take," said Jeff Nuechterlein, managing director of the National Gypsum Company.

Nuechterlein, a Class of 1979 graduate, emphasized taking a wide range of classes.

"Virginia is good in producing leaders and developing teamwork and interpersonal skills in its students," he said.

Templeton agreed with Nuechterlein. He said those who are successful in the technology world today have two qualities: curiosity and passion.

U. Bertram Ellis, chairman and chief executive officer of iXL Enterprises, Inc., said he developed speaking and communicating skills at the Darden School that helped him succeed in the business world.

English Prof. Jahan Ramazani noted that, with the fast changing world, students cannot forget the virtues of slowness in the learning process.

Nuechterlein said in a virtual classroom one could not have that casual conversation with a classmate that might spark a great idea as one would in today's classroom.

"Jefferson would have wanted us to change, just as he would want us to look at the Constitution every generation to see if it still fit the people," he said. "But you can't learn what you get from a college education by sitting at a computer for four years," he said.

The session ended with suggestions from the panel on ways to improve the University.

Wulf noted the need to break down the barrier between liberal arts and engineering, by infusing the arts with technology.

Wulf also discussed the Jeffersonian idea of the need for an educated citizenry.

He said he thinks that the United States is largely ignorant of technology.

Nuechterlein suggested that the University should have entrepreneurs come on a regular basis to educate and work with the students. He also suggested University-wide business competitions.

"We should schedule a second e-seminar," said Ellis, who helped create the idea for the e-summit.

University President John T. Casteen III gave closing remarks at the session.

"Jefferson would have embraced the Internet," Casteen said.

He also said the University should utilize Internet technology.

"We have seen the future, and it's us," he said.

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