On Feb. 21, the Youngstown State University College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics will host its fifth annual STEM Awards Dinner in Kilcawley Center’s Chestnut Room. Three alumni and two community organizations will be honored at this year’s event.
Ted Burke and Jack Scott will receive Outstanding Alumnus Awards, and Dan Martin will receive the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award. The Youngstown Business Incubator and Austintown Local Schools will receive the Outstanding Community Partner Award and the Outstanding Education Partner Award, respectively.
Martin Abraham, dean of the STEM College, said he looks forward to the dinner. “[The awards dinner] is a great program, and it is always a pleasure to honor our alumni and friends,” Abraham said. “We are recognizing great people, and we have a great staff to put the show on.”
Martin, blend test services department manager at the Lubrizol Corporation, said YSU helped him stand out in a competitive workforce.
“I believe YSU employs some of the finest engineering educators in the world and offers a perfect blend of high-quality academics and hands-on training,” Martin wrote in an email. “Being recognized by an institution that I regard so highly is humbling.”
Scott, the president and founder of Applied Systems and Technology Transfer, will also be honored at the STEM event. Scott’s company has developed technology for high school students enrolled in engineering classes to build working prototypes of their designs. Scott said he is glad to be working with area students.
Like Martin, Scott expressed pride in his alma mater.
“Youngstown State offers an affordable and quality education,” Scott said. “Receiving a STEM award is a great honor.”
Jim Cossler, chief executive officer of the YBI, said he works to create high-paying and high-quality jobs in Youngstown. Cossler indicated that the YBI maintains a healthy relationship with the STEM College.
“Whenever we call YSU with a question, the answer is always, ‘Sure, we can do that,’” Cossler said. “It is fitting to honor the incubator because we have such a great relationship with YSU.”
Abraham added that he is happy to recognize the YBI as a community partner.
“We work together to meet the needs of the community. This is the way any good relationship should work,” he said.
