GREENVILLE, S.C. - Furman University won two top prizes and was a finalist in another category when the 2003 InnoVision Technology Awards were handed out last week to recognize outstanding technological innovation and excellence in the Upstate.

      More than 500 people attended the Nov. 12 ceremony hosted by the Palmetto Expo Center in Greenville.

      Furman's Operation Reboot, a program that restores antiquated university computers and donates them to non-profit agencies, received the community service award.  Operation Reboot, which was launched three years ago by Computing and Information services staff and student volunteers, has placed more than 100 computers at deserving charities, most of them in the Greenville area. Recipients have included the Greenville Rescue Mission, YWCA, shelters for homeless and battered women, and the Newberry Public Schools.

      The Furman Physics Department and Computing and Information Services were awarded the Innovation in Education Award for a project that uses newly developed software to link and harness the combined calculating power of 16 lab computers to study star clusters.

      The environmentally friendly design of Herman N. Hipp Hall also received honorable mention for the Technology Application Award.  In addition, Furman Board of Trustee member Tom Hartness received the Charles Townes Award for lifetime achievement.

      "Our participation - and success - in this program, gives our university great exposure," said Richard Nelson, CIS director and member of the InnoVision Advisory Board.  "It also highlights Furman's many contributions to the technological advancement of the Upstate."

      Developed through the joint efforts of Deloitte & Touche and IKON Technology Services in 1999, InnoVision is the Upstate's premiere program devoted to highlighting technological excellence and innovation.

      For more information, contact Furman's News and Media Relations Office at 864-294-3107.

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