In 1998, IU set out with a bold plan to make IU a leader in absolute terms in the use and application of IT. On May 20, 2008, hundreds gathered as the university commemorated its rise in national and international areas of IT, and formally announced progress on its next 2008 IT Strategic Plan. Speakers included IU President Michael McRobbie, Vice President Brad Wheeler, and IUPUI Chancellor Emeritus Gerald Bepko.