IU South Bend was selected as the host of the UEDA Summit in October 2024.
The University Economic Development Association summit connects higher education institutions, businesses and economic development organizations to resources. The goal is to drive economic growth in their communities.
“As an anchor institution in this community, IU South Bend plays a huge role in the community and economic development,” Chancellor Susan Elrod said in a press release. “The university provides much needed talent for industry, community organizations and government.”
The summit will take place Oct. 6 to 9 at the Embassy Suites in South Bend. It brings together national experts to help leverage college and university resources to foster greater community impact.
Regionalism is the conference’s main theme. IU South Bend will collaborate with economic development and business advocacy partners across the South Bend-Elkhart region.
“In their proposal, IU South Bend did a phenomenal job showcasing the region and expressing the strength of regional collaboration in the area,” said Dominique Halaby, UEDA president. “Our members are excited to visit South Bend and see what makes it such a great place to live, learn, work and play.”
Over 80% of IU South Bend’s enrollment is from the university’s eight-county service region. About 65% of graduates stay in the region.
The Arlington, Virginia-based UEDA is founded on the idea that success in the modern economy is rooted in innovation and entrepreneurship. Member organizations work to expand economic opportunities in their communities by connecting academia, the private sector and regional economic stakeholders.
IU South Bend is the oldest and largest regional campus of Indiana University. In 1916, Indiana University began teaching classes at Central High School in downtown South Bend. Today, the campus has about 4,500 students and offers nearly 100 degree programs.
