The Association of University Research Parks has named N.C. State’s Centennial Campus as the top Research Science Park of the year. This award, in its 12th year, is given to a park which stands out in transporting technology from the research lab to business and industry. The research parks must benefit the university by aiding in recruitment of quality professors and students.

According to Michael Bowman, president of the Association of University Research Parks, Centennial Campus encompassed and excelled in the three big areas of a research park — “work, live and play” — to help garner the award.

We have a good model for what a university research park should look like. It not only has business partnerships and academic buildings, but also features residential areas and green space, including natural environments and even a middle school.

These components of Centennial Campus are impressive and will allow it to continue to grow and prosper even after this award has put the spotlight on our campus. With being featured as the top Research Science Park more industries, businesses and government agencies will be persuaded to look to establish partnerships with the University.

Having an increase in partnerships can only be good. These partnerships will help bring in money for the University — however, money is not the only benefit we can expect. The additional partnerships will allow more students to find work and internships close to home and on campus while at the same time working with the leaders in the industry and governmental agencies.

Partnerships are not the only thing which needs to be celebrated, but the overall physical appearance of Centennial Campus. If you’re a student and have never experienced any of what Centennial has to offer in the area of natural environment, then you should go and see for yourself.

Lake Raleigh and the surrounding wooded areas are wonderful places to go and spend a few hours exploring nature by yourself or with friends. This eye-pleasing design is something that stood out in being selected for the award.

Our University is doing well in planning and operating Centennial Campus. We should take more time to appreciate and celebrate our award-winning campus and research park. But we must keep in mind because we have won this award, all eyes are on our University. And it’s important we continue progressing forward and not fall behind.