Remarks of Michael M. Jacobson
California and Texas Corporate Affairs Manager, Intel Corporation

Drexel University's "Thank You, Sacramento" Gala
September 17, 2008

When I am faced with speaking at a monumental event like this one, I feel compelled to do what my education has taught me to do: search for inspiration from those far smarter than I.

Alvin Toffler, the writer and futurist said, "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn." S.J. Perelman said, "Learning is what most adults will do for a living in the 21st century."

In the video "Shift Happens" by Karl Fisch, he quotes former education Secretary Richard Riley saying the top ten jobs that will be in demand in 2010 did not exist in 2004. That means we are preparing students for jobs that don't yet exist, using technologies that have not yet been invented, in order to solve problems that we don't even know are problems.

That sounds amazing, but is that true? Let me give you an Intel perspective. Eighty percent of our sales this year will be generated from products that did not exist a year ago.

I use these quotes and that one piece of Intel data to help put in context what we in this room already know to be true: Sacramento's success in the global economy will be determined by the ability of our populace to learn.

In fact, I think the best way to predict the future of any community is to measure its commitment to education and the quality of its educational institutions.

I am positive that our community has taken a giant step forward with the addition of Drexel University. Now the challenge rests on this region's business and community leaders, to provide the support necessary to ensure our community reaps the benefits of Drexel's wise decision.

As Chair of the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce, I want to again welcome Drexel to Sacramento and pledge the support of the business community.

Together, there are no limits to what can be achieved.

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