Executive Vice Chair of the NU Foundation Terry Fairfield watches as Dale Tinstman receives his recognition award at the quarterly LCC meeting, Tuesday, March 24.
In the ’80s, Dale Tinstman envisioned a new approach to stimulating economic development. He believed university and business cooperation could bring more jobs to Nebraska. This vision paved the way for the University of Nebraska Technology Park.
According to Terry Fairfield, executive vice chair of the Nebraska University Foundation, the community of Lincoln owes Tinstman a great deal of gratitude. “The Technology Park exists because of his energy, drive and patience,” he said. Fairfield credited Tinstman for bringing development and jobs to the Highlands area. The University of Nebraska Technology Park, which Tinstman helped establish, will employ about 2,300 people by the end of the year (after the completion of Perot System’s Corporation facility).
Tinstman announced he would be stepping down from the Technology Park LLC Executive Committee last December. On March 24, the committee held their quarterly meeting and celebrated the achievements of Tinstman with an award.
Tinstman has served twice as Chairman of the NU Foundation. He was also an original director of the Nebraska Technical Development Corporation, which aided in launching the Technology Park. In 2007, Tinstman was inducted into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame. He and his wife Jean remain active in Lincoln and Nebraska.
“There have been many ups and downs,” said Tinstman. “In 1995, they said this would be a 20 year project. In 13 years, it has really come home.”