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RIVERSIDE, Calif. (www.ucr.edu) -- Dean Jack Azzaretto, on behalf of University Extension, presented ESRI President Jack Dangermond with a gift Wednesday, October 20, to recognize him for his contributions to the development and success of Extension's Certificate Program in Geographic Information Systems.

Dangermond was a keynote speaker at Extension’s annual Spatial Reference Systems Seminar.

ESRI, based in Redlands, is one of the world's leaders in the development of Geographic Information Systems software and products, which allow users to analyze and manipulate maps and other geographical information. In 1998, ESRI recognized Extension's GIS program, one of the first and most comprehensive in the U.S., through its "Special Achievement in GIS" award.

Dean Azzaretto noted Dangermond's continuing strong support for education and many contributions, including:

• Appointing several key individuals from ESRI to serve as advisors and instructors when the Extension GIS program began in 1992, a commitment that continues to this day.

• Hosting at the ESRI campus international dignitaries visiting Extension and UCR Extension students, as well as providing tours, presentations and literature.

• Partnering with Extension through the Virtual Campus of ESRI to offer GIS Technology courses, which have benefited not only Extension students, but also many UCR faculty, staff and students.

• Encouraging ESRI staff to attend Extension's GIS Certificate courses.

• Supporting Extension programs and students through beneficial educational pricing for ESRI products that enhance acquiring GIS skills.

UC Riverside Extension is the continuing education branch of the University of California, Riverside. It operates independently to meet educational needs for career advancement, career changes, teacher training and the cultural interests of the adult population. UC Riverside Extension is open to all people -- with or without a baccalaureate degree -- who are interested in lifelong learning. UC Riverside Extension enrolls approximately 30,000 students each year.

The University of California, Riverside (www.ucr.edu) is a doctoral research university, a living laboratory for groundbreaking exploration of issues critical to Inland Southern California, the state and communities around the world. Reflecting California's diverse culture, UCR's enrollment has exceeded 20,500 students. The campus will open a medical school in 2013 and has reached the heart of the Coachella Valley by way of the UCR Palm Desert Center. The campus has an annual statewide economic impact of more than $1 billion.

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