MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) and Minnesota Technology Inc. today announced that the Science Museum of Minnesota will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2006 Tekne Awards on Thursday, Oct. 26. For seven years, the Tekne Awards have honored leaders and innovators in the field of technology who have tremendously impacted the quality of life and competitiveness of Minnesota. The Science Museum of Minnesota will receive this year's award for its continual dedication to technology-based education for youth and adults, and as a recognition to the museum's centennial celebration next year.

The impact of The Science Museum of Minnesota's technological leadership and innovation can be evidenced by the more than 860,000 individuals that visit each year. Having partnered with countless organizations and educators, the museum has made a tremendous effort to increase the number and diversity of students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math. One such effort is an educational outreach program providing inner-city youth with the tools and resources to become engaged in the world of science and technology, when they might not otherwise have the opportunity.

"Over the past century, the Science Museum has shown immense dedication to fostering an environment where technology leaders of the future can learn and grow," said Kate Rubin, president of MHTA. "The Tekne Lifetime Achievement Award highlights the impact that the Science Museum of Minnesota has had on shaping the technological landscape of our state."

"We are pleased to receive this honor, as the Science Museum of Minnesota is deeply passionate about engaging people of all ages and backgrounds in science and technology," said Dr. Eric J. Jolly, president of the Science Museum of Minnesota. "We believe science, math and engineering are the essential skills our work force will need to remain competitive in the years ahead, and we're thrilled to be recognized for our role in providing the spark that ignites a life-long passion for learning."

Past recipients of the Tekne Lifetime Achievement Award include regents professor and past dean of the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology, H. Ted Davis; founder of Medtronic and inventor of the first human heart pacemaker, Earl Bakken; former Control Data Corporation chairman and CEO, William C. Norris; former ADC Telecommunications chairman and CEO, Charles M. Denny, Jr.; 3M, in celebration of its centennial anniversary; and former Medtronic chairman and CEO, William W. George.

The 2006 Tekne Awards will be presented on Thursday, Oct. 26 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, beginning with a reception and silent auction at 4:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m., and the awards ceremony at 7 p.m. The Lifetime Achievement Award will be accepted by Eric Jolly, president of the Science Museum of Minnesota.

To register for the 2006 Tekne Awards ceremony, visit http://www.tekneawards.org/ or contact Scott Sandberg at (952) 230-4554 or ssandberg@mhta.org.

About the Science Museum of Minnesota

The Science Museum of Minnesota is the Upper Midwest's most popular museum, inspiring millions of people each year to explore their changing world through science. Among the nation's largest and most esteemed science museums, the Science Museum's hands-on exhibits and giant screen films were enjoyed by more than 2.6 million people in 2005. Education programs reach more than 250,000 students in Minnesota through field trips and outreach programs.

CONTACT: Peter Lindstrom of Minnesota High Tech Association,
+1-952-230-4551, or plindstrom@mhta.org ; or Danielle Engholm of Padilla Speer
Beardsley Inc., +1-612-455-1764, or dengholm@psbpr.com

Web site: http://www.tekneawards.org/
http://www.mhta.org/

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