Page Foundation 4 Newsletter
Foundation Newsletter
Lockheed Martin Awards EFSC Grant to Help Students Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Lockheed Martin has awarded a grant to Eastern Florida
State College to help its students as part of the company ’ s commitment to support communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ We are pleased to support our local EFSC students and college and greatly appreciate their partnership ,” said Dr . Sara Hiza , Vice President , Fleet Ballistic Missile Program , Lockheed Martin .
The grant to the EFSC Foundation will be used in two important areas to make it easier for students to study and learn remotely with most EFSC classes currently online and key student services offered primarily in virtual formats .
First , the donation allowed EFSC to update the system used to manage and create the college ’ s academic catalog , the official record of all academic programs , policies and student rights and responsibilities .
Students rely on the catalog for accurate information about the courses required to reach their educational goals and earn a degree or certificate from EFSC .
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in virtual advising sessions , it was more critical than ever that the catalog be easy to navigate and use , on both desktops and mobile devices .
Graduates Celebrate Achievements
Online and On Campus
Second , the grant allowed the college to purchase more laptop computers for staff who are working remotely in about 20 key Student Service areas such as Advising , Financial Aid and Tutoring .
“ We ’ re very grateful to Lockheed Martin for their generous support of our students during this difficult time , allowing them to continue their education with the resources they need to succeed ,” said EFSC President Dr . Jim Richey .
“ It ’ s another example of our strong relationship that is benefiting the college and entire Space Coast community .”
The EFSC and Lockheed Martin partnership centers on the college training highly skilled technicians through its Aerospace Technology program to help launch the next generation of spaceflights that are now underway .
Many of the students serve apprenticeships with Lockheed Martin at NASA ’ s Kennedy Space Center where the company is building the agency ’ s Orion spaceship that will return astronauts to the moon and carry them on journeys to Mars .
Upon graduation , the company hires many of the student apprentices to continue working on Orion , creating a talent pipeline for many years to come .
Eastern Florida State College marked Fall Commencement with a Virtual Ceremony and special drivethrough celebrations that brought hundreds of graduates and their families to all four campuses .
As graduates pulled up on campus they were given a diploma cover and special yard sign . They could also take pictures in front of colorful banners .
“ It is exciting and this makes it all real now that we have finished ,” said Respiratory Care Associate in Science degree graduate Lajunta Howard , who was first in line on the Melbourne campus with her classmate Katiuska Mallarino .
“ It is a happy day for me and my family ,” said Mallarino . “ It was a little different but we are having fun .”
Many dressed up for the occasion , even sporting caps and gowns they would normally wear for a ceremony inside the King Center for the Performing Arts if the COVID-19 pandemic had not impacted the ability to hold large events .
“ I cannot begin to say how proud I am of you . Earning your degrees despite the challenges you faced is impressive and a testament to your strength of character and strong belief in yourselves ,” said President , Dr . Jim Richey .
Richey also noted that some graduates will go straight from graduation into the front lines in the fight against the virus , saying “ to you we express our deepest gratitude for stepping forward to protect all of us .”
“ It ’ s interesting since there is no big ceremony , but this is more than I expected and it is very lovely and heartwarming ,” said Shelby Redmond who completed the Data Sciences track in the Computer Information Systems Technology Bachelor program . “ I didn ’ t expect to have my photo with Dr . Richey — that was really cool .”