ALSO MEETING WITH STUDENT VETERANS ABOUT HOUSING AND EDUCATIONAL ISSUES/THEN HE WILL TOUR SHANDS

Washington, Jan 30, 2008 - "The Gainesville area is a very important national resource as a center for education, health care, and innovative ideas," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "I am very proud to represent Gainesville in Congress and to be an advocate for its programs."

Stearns will be in Gainesville on Friday, February 1, 2008 to present checks for $4.7 million to UF's President Bernie Machen. Stearns obtained this funding for three important UF programs. The checks will be presented at 4:00 PM at the Health Science Center (1600 SW Archer Rd., Room H-102).
* $4,504,000 to apply wireless technology to monitor the perishables supply chain to improve the quality of military rations;
* $150,000 for research on replacing imported petroleum with renewable energy; and
* $97,000 for a project using advanced technology to assist the elderly and disabled at home.

Earlier in the day, Stearns will meet with student veterans from UF and Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) to discuss veterans, educational, and housing issues, including a proposed 60-bed facility for veterans attending college (10:00-11:00 AM at SFCC, 3000 NW 83rd Street, Building R, Room 111). Following this, he will address TRIO students at a meeting with SFCC President Jackson Sasser (Building R, Room 01).

At 12:45 Stearns arrives at Shands HealthCare, Health Science Center, 1600 SW Archer Rd., to tour the Nanoscience Institute for Medical and Engineering Technology with later discussions on nanoscience, teledentistry, and the Jacksonville Educational Facility.