Although Louisiana Tech has not received a Special Opportunity Award from the Whitaker Foundation, the University and the State's Board of Regents, have heavily funded two equivalent "special opportunities" in terms of recognized Centers of Excellence - the Center for Biomedical Engineering and Rehabilitation Science (CyBERS) and the Institute for Micromanufacturing. Both of these have enhanced bio-medical engineering research and academic programs on our campus. Since 1985, CyBERS has received state operating funds totaling over $5M, not counting building renovations ($500K in 1999). Since 1993, the IfM has received state operating funds totaling over $12M.