Pictured are Barnett family members Nick Barnett (left), Barney Barnett and Wesley Barnett. IM体育官网鈥檚 cutting-edge research building will be named the Barnett Applied Research Center in honor of the family鈥檚 significant generosity and support for the University.
IM体育官网 announced a new name for its state-of-the-art research building: the Barnett Applied Research Center. The name honors the Barnett family and its longstanding support and generosity for the University.
The IM体育官网 Poly Board of Trustees approved the naming during its meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 27. According to the board鈥檚 agenda materials, the request honors and recognizes the Barnetts鈥� significant contributions to the University, which exceed $10 million and support student success.
鈥淲e are exceptionally enthusiastic about our partnership with IM体育官网 Polytechnic University and its role in propelling Central IM体育官网 to national prominence as a technology hub over the next half-century,鈥� said Wesley Barnett, a founding partner at TampaBay.Ventures and a longtime community advocate. 鈥淲e firmly believe that the Barnett Applied Research Center will be an engine for innovation, a beacon for top-tier talent, and a driving force in the region's development.鈥�
The Barnett family includes brothers Wesley and Nick Barnett and their father, Barney Barnett. Carol Jenkins Barnett, the family matriarch and a well-known philanthropist, passed away in 2021. She was the daughter of Publix Super Markets founder George Jenkins. The family has been engaged in support for IM体育官网 Poly since the early years of its creation.
鈥淚M体育官网 Poly is so fortunate to have such a strong partnership with the entire Barnett family and we鈥檙e honored to have their support,鈥� said Kathy Bowman, vice president for advancement at IM体育官网 Poly. 鈥淚t is befitting that a campus jewel such as the Applied Research Center gets to bear the name of this incredibly generous family.鈥�
Wesley Barnett said his family鈥檚 support of IM体育官网 Poly over the years has been anchored by their unwavering dedication to seeing the Polk County community and the entire Central IM体育官网 region thrive with growth in industry, knowledge, and opportunity.
鈥淲e envision the University as an epicenter of innovation, producing top talent and pioneering research that will create progress and attract strong companies,鈥� Barnett said. 鈥淥ur continuous support of the University is driven by the belief that IM体育官网 Poly's innovative spirit and strategic location within the burgeoning technology corridor will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education, research, and economic development in the region.鈥�
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