Introduction and Welcoming:

Linda Hickey, Dean of the College of Natural Sciences, opens the event by welcoming everyone. The gathering is deemed historic for the Department of Computer Science, the College of Natural Sciences, and the University of Texas at Austin as a whole.

Key Figures Recognized:

Two important individuals from the Department of Computer Science are recognized: Jay Strother-Moore, the former chair, and Bruce Porter, the current chair. Both have worked diligently for years to create the space where the event is being held.

Special Guests:

Bill Gates is introduced as a world-changing pioneer present at the event. Additionally, representatives from the Michael and Dell Foundation, Zachary Dell and Janet Mountain, are acknowledged. Other special guests from the University of Texas System, such as Regent James Downenbaum and Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa, are also highlighted.

University Support:

Bill Powers, the president of the University of Texas at Austin, is acknowledged for his crucial support in the development of the building where the event is hosted, indicating a strong institutional commitment to science education and research.

Significance of the Day:

Bill Gates emphasizes the importance of the day not only for the University of Texas but for science and society at large. He links the advancement of computational tools to the broader history of human civilization.

Computing as an Essential Tool:

Computation is described as the most advanced tool humans are currently perfecting. Gates suggests that this tool is vital for tackling existential challenges facing the world.

Impact of New Complex:

The dedication of the new complex marks a significant advancement in the field of computer science, providing high-tech collaborative laboratories and spaces. It signifies a new era for the university’s already top 10-ranked computer science department.

Statistics and Economic Impact:

Gates provides key figures, highlighting the size and scope of the computer science department. With more than 1,700 undergraduates, 250 graduate students, and 42 faculty members, the department has an $8.7 billion per year economic impact on the state of Texas.

Research Focus Areas:

Faculty and students will focus on next-generation breakthroughs in various computing subfields like cybersecurity, computer systems, artificial intelligence, and robotics.

Philanthropic Contributions:

Gates acknowledges the philanthropic efforts of the Dell family, naming the new complex the “Dell Computer Science Hall within the Gates Computer Science Complex.” The Dell family’s ongoing contributions to the University, including the newly christened Dell Medical School, are also noted.

Michael and Susan Dell Foundation:

Janet Mountain, the Executive Director of the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, elaborates on the foundation’s relationship with the University of Texas. She points out that the new complex aligns with the foundation’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovation for societal benefit.

Family Legacy and University Importance:

The speaker represents the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation and expresses regret that Michael and Susan Dell couldn’t attend the event. The family has a strong connection to Central Texas and the University of Texas (UT). Michael Dell, the speaker’s father, attended UT, where he launched Dell Computers. The university has played a significant role in his life and career, acting as a constant resource for talent and support.

Contributions to Computer Science:

Seven years prior, the Dell family announced their support for the Dell Computer Science Hall at the University of Texas. This commitment aims to help UT become a top-ranked public computer science department. The speaker marks the present occasion as a significant step toward reaching that status.

Role of Technology:

The speaker discusses how the new generation, including themselves, has grown up in a world dominated by technology. They note that while technology doesn’t solve problems, it makes extraordinary achievements possible. Examples given include the transformative power of microfinance enabled by mobile technology.

Future Prospects:

The Dell Computer Science Hall is expected to be a hub of innovation, attracting the brightest minds in technology. It will be a place for developing new products, markets, and ideas, with investments driving cutting-edge technologies that have the potential to change the world.

Philosophical Stance:

The speaker emphasizes the importance of individualistic thinking and innovation. They mention how their parents taught them to chart their own course rather than follow predetermined paths. This belief aligns with America’s encouragement of innovation and new ideas.

Acknowledgment and Thanks:

Finally, the speaker thanks Bill Gates for his contributions to the University of Texas and praises him for charting his own course in philanthropy. The investment celebrated will enable students to explore and innovate, thus extending the circle of impact.

Concluding Remarks:

The speaker closes by expressing their family’s pride in being associated with UT and gives a shoutout to the university’s slogan, “Hook Em Horns.”

(Note: The primary speaker is not Bill Gates, as initially mentioned in the prompt. The speaker represents the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation.)

Role of Universities in Innovation:

Bill Gates starts by highlighting the paradox that two of the university’s biggest backers, including himself, are college dropouts. Despite this, Gates and his colleagues remain strong advocates for college education. He credits his optimism about the future to the power of innovation, much of which stems from academic institutions like universities.

Support for the University and its Projects:

Gates acknowledges the role of his colleagues Bob O’Rear and Mike Maples, both of whom were instrumental in getting him involved in the project at the university. Gates praises the university for its commitment to nurturing start-ups and advancing technology.

Technological Developments and Their Impact:

Gates stresses that the most exciting innovations are yet to come, particularly in the fields of material science, health science, and energy science. These innovations will be fueled by the digital tools that are being developed in educational institutions.

University’s Strengths and Outreach:

He commends the University of Texas for combining scale with a spirit of public service. He is especially impressed with the university’s efforts to increase enrollment in computer science since 2005, and its outreach programs aimed at Hispanic students and women.

Current Challenges and Future Horizons:

Gates notes that demand for computer science expertise has outpaced supply, leading to debates about visas and other solutions. He argues that increasing homegrown talent is the simplest solution to this issue. Gates concludes by saying that it often takes a youthful perspective to recognize new opportunities in technology, as the younger generation isn’t burdened by the limitations that previous generations had to work with.

Transition to Philanthropy:

Bill Gates reflects on his transition from Microsoft to focusing full-time on his foundation five years ago. The foundation aims to improve education and address the needs of the underprivileged globally, encompassing sectors like global health, agriculture, finance, and sanitation.

Global Application of Digital Advances:

Gates emphasizes that digital advancements are not limited to benefiting just the United States. Innovations like drought-resistant seeds and new vaccines have applications worldwide, particularly for the most needy. He expresses his excitement about the impact of these innovations over the next 25 years.

Building and Institution:

Gates acknowledges the importance of having the right infrastructure, praising the quality of the newly opened Bill and Melinda Gates Computer Science Complex and the Dell Computer Science Hall. He believes these will play a significant role in supporting future work.

Role of Intelligent Robots:

The ceremony also features intelligent robots programmed by students under Dr. Peter Stone, highlighting the department’s achievements in artificial intelligence. These robots, which can sense their environment and take actions, have won global competitions, setting a high standard for the institution.

Gratitude and Acknowledgment:

The event concludes with thanks to Bill Gates and Melinda Gates for their contributions to the University of Texas at Austin and their global philanthropic work. Additional thanks are extended to various board members, companies, and individuals who made the new building and this event possible.

Call to Explore:

The event ends with an invitation for attendees to tour the new building, signifying a new chapter for the future of computer science at the University of Texas at Austin.