Micron gives Leonardo hefty boost

The Leonardo announced this week that it has received an $800,000 donation from the Micron Technology Foundation Inc. toward its fund-raising efforts.

The Leonardo is a state/regional science, art and culture center slated to open in Salt Lake City's Library Square in 2008. It will feature hands-on exhibits, programs and events and bring educational programming to schools throughout the state via The Leonardo on Wheels outreach program and its interactive Web site.

"(The donation) is great timing for us," said Lisa Davis James, communications director, noting that the exhibits are ready to move from the concept phase to the design phase.

In 2003, Salt Lake City voters passed a $10 million bond to help develop The Leonardo. Since then it has been the center's task to raise an additional $10 million for exhibits as the bond money will go toward building repairs such as seismic upgrades, heating and cooling.

"We really want this to be a world-class facility, a hands-on interactive experience schools can't afford to give students," James said. "It takes money (to do that)."

Denise Martinez, design and exhibit coordinator, said the center is designed to be an educational resource not only for the city but also for the state and region. For Idaho-based Micron to recognize its potential as a regional facility speaks well of it, James said.

Dan Spangler, university relations manager for Micron, said the Micron Corp. has always had a strong presence in Utah, as the firm has a facility in Lehi. The corporation is in favor of anything that promotes math and sciences, but The Leonardo is unique.

"I think . . . what's really exciting about (The Leonardo facility) is the way they put forth the plan," he said. "Every metropolitan area needs something that generates interest in science, technology and math. When (The Leonardo) comes to full being it will be one of a kind not only in the region but also in the country."

Salt Lake City is a good location for the facility, which could serve as a model for other communities.

"I think Salt Lake is a hub for more than just Utah," Spangler said, pointing out that it serves eastern Idaho, southwestern Wyoming and parts of Colorado. "The region is quite broad. The ultimate design The Leonardo is driving towards could be replicable in other communities."

The Leonardo has enjoyed support from both the private and public sectors, receiving donations from both.

However, both James and Martinez stressed that even though Micron's donation will help, they still need more funding.

"(The Leonardo) will be a one-of-a-kind place. Utah should be proud of that," Martinez said. "There's still a lot of work to do. It would be nice if other companies can step up as Micron has."

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E-mail: twalquist@desnews.com