"50 For The Future" Award Ceremony to Honor Top Illinois Technology Students

Accenture CIO Frank Modruson to Keynote Award Presentation Event on April 13


CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - March 11, 2010) -  The Illinois Technology Foundation (ITF), the philanthropic arm of the Illinois Technology Association (ITA), announced today the 50 For The Future awards presentation on April 13, with Frank Modruson, CIO of Accenture, as the keynote speaker. ITF is dedicated to fueling the technology workforce for the future of the Illinois' economy.

Now in its fourth year, 50 For The Future is designed to recognize students with interest in and potential to use technology in innovative ways. 50 For The Future provides encouragement and recognition to students who pursue innovation through technology, providing access to business leaders to showcase their talent. The program is open to students enrolled in institutions of higher learning throughout Illinois.

"Students honored in the 50 For The Future are some of the best technology talent in Illinois and I am honored to have the opportunity to address them," said Frank Modruson, chief information officer at Accenture and keynote speaker for the 50 For The Future event. "The nominees are certainly people worth watching. They represent the future of our industry."

Also in attendance at the event will be senior executives from more than 30 of the region's top technology companies, industry organizations and academic institutions -- including: Motorola, NAVTEQ, Underwriters Laboratory, Baxter, and many others. These senior executives are serving as judges for the 50 For The Future.

 "50 For The Future could not be possible without the involvement from senior level executives such as Mr. Modruson," said Ray Oral, CIO of CNA and co-chair of 50 For The Future. "We are honored to have such esteemed guests continue to attend and judge 50 For The Future every year."

About the Illinois Technology Foundation

The Illinois Technology Foundation's mission is to support the development of a technology talent pipeline that begins in elementary school, is refined in high school, and is fully developed in our region's higher education graduates. The Foundation facilitates relationships and efforts across industry, academia, students, and government, developing and managing targeted programs within the talent pipeline. Through action, leadership, and collaboration, the Foundation supports and nurtures the technology talent to ensure a viable and a regional wealth creating economy. The Foundation is the philanthropy arm of the Illinois Technology Association (ITA), a membership organization of more than 500 Illinois technology companies who support the development of a stronger technology talent pipeline in the region. Additional information is available at www.illinoistechfoundation.org.

About the Illinois Technology Association
Illinois Technology Association (ITA) is passionately committed to the successful growth of our member-companies and the regional technology industry. ITA champions the interests of start-ups and industry leaders, innovation agents and students as independent and collaborative thought leaders who leverage the power of technology to transform business. Through fostering strategic development, peer-to-peer leadership, networking, and access to experts across the breadth of business, membership in ITA accelerates the realization of success. For more information about ITA, please visit www.illinoistech.org.

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