MELBOURNE, FLA. — Six impactful Florida Tech graduates will be recognized at the university’s elegant and exciting Alumni Awards Gala on Friday, Oct. 17.
There are two pilots, an executive director and scientist focused on the Indian River Lagoon, an aerospace industry veteran, a government affairs manager and a business consultant who is a former astronaut.
From air and space and the murky depths to board rooms and the halls of political power, these recipients bring passion to their endeavors as they seek excellence and solutions to challenges in their professions, communities and world.
“We are so proud of our 72,000-plus alumni living and working and making an impact around the world,” said Florida Tech President John Nicklow. “The six in the spotlight at this year’s Gala truly represent what it means to be a Florida Tech Panther, from their compassion and vision to their tireless work ethics. We are honored to call them our own.”
The black-tie-optional Gala at the Clemente Center features a cocktail hour followed by a three-course dinner, with awards and then live music and dancing afterward. It has the theme, “Innovation in Bloom” and guests are encouraged to reflect this in their attire. Tickets remain but must be purchased by Oct. 3.
New this year will be recognition of ten alumni-owned businesses. The businesses in the spotlight and their owners are:
- 1,000 Words Photo Booths, Michael Arenella ’17, ’19 MBA
- ALTR, Chris Struttmann (alumni non-grad)
- Arcade Monsters, Adrian Ravelo ’08
- Artemis IT, Travis Proctor ’98
- BJG Global Consulting, Beth Gitlin ’14 M.S., ’19 Ph.D.
- Cecala Career Consultants, Paul Cecala ’85 A.S., ’85
- Long Doggers Eateries, Tony Gebhardt ’88, Albert Steiginga ’89 and L.J. Burr
- Opsin, Oz Wasserman ’16
- Radiance Technologies, Bill Bailey ’21 MBA
- Structural Composites, Scott Lewit ’82, ’85 M.S.
The evening’s top award, the Jerome P. Keuper Distinguished Alumni Award, as well as the GOLD (Graduate of the Last Decade) Ad Astra Alumni Award and Outstanding Alumni Awards from each of Florida Tech’s four colleges will be presented at the Gala.
Here’s a closer look at the winners.
Jerome P. Keuper Distinguished Alumni Award
Duane E. De Freese ’81 M.S., ’88 Ph.D.
Duane E. De Freese is executive director of the IRL Council, an independent Special District of Florida created in 2015 to serve as the host agency for the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program. He has guided a program reorganization that unified the mission and expanded key elements, including a critical management conference.
Before joining the IRL Council, De Freese served in leadership positions in industry, academia, non-profit organizations and government, including as senior vice president of science & business development at AquaFiber Technologies Corp., and first vice president of Florida research for Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute. Throughout his career, De Freese has been an active community leader and volunteer.
GOLD (Graduate of the Last Decade) Ad Astra Alumni Award
Warren Pittorie ’15, ’18 M.S., ’22 Ph.D.
Warren Pittorie is a former Florida Tech faculty member now serving as first officer in the commercial aviation industry. A three-time graduate, Pittorie began his journey in 2012 as a flight student at the College of Aeronautics. In 2015, he became a part-time flight instructor at Florida Tech Aviation. Amid his graduate program, he worked on research with the College’s graduate faculty – an experience that led to his own enrollment in the doctoral program.
Pittorie earned his Ph.D. in 2022 and began a 5-year tenure as an assistant professor in the College of Aeronautics, where he taught undergraduate classes in aviation technology and human factors. During that time he was appointed flight education chair and tasked with starting and maintaining pathway programs with industry partners such as United Airlines and JetBlue. In the spring of 2023, Pittorie departed Florida Tech and, using the FAA certifications and aviation experience he gained as a student, entered the commercial airline industry. He earned his type rating on the Boeing 737 in 2024 and now serves as a first officer for a U.S. airline.
College of Aeronautics Skurla Outstanding Alumni Award
James “Jim” L. Blackford ’85 A.S., ’85
James “Jim” L. Blackford is a captain and line check airman at United Airlines. He began his airline career as a flight engineer on the Boeing 727 for People Express, before the company was acquired by Continental Airlines and later, United Airlines. Blackford has flown the Boeing 737, 747, 757, 767 and 787 jets and holds a single-engine seaplane rating.
Now a proud alumnus after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management and Flight Technology in 1985, Blackford was active during his time at Florida Tech, with involvement in the school’s chapter of Alpha Eta Rho and Flight Team, as well as serving as a flight instructor. He continues to be involved with Florida Tech’s Alumni Association and the College of Aeronautics Advisory Board and does mentorship work through Alpha Eta Rho.
Nathan M. Bisk College of Business Outstanding Alumni Award
Joan Higginbotham ’92 M.S., ’96 M.S.
Joan Higginbotham is an electrical engineer, retired NASA astronaut, and proud Florida Tech alumna. Her distinguished career began at Kennedy Space Center, where she served in technical and leadership roles supporting 53 space shuttle launches. Selected as a NASA astronaut in 1996, Higginbotham made history in December 2006 as a mission specialist aboard Space Shuttle Discovery on STS-116, becoming the third African American woman to travel to space.
Higginbotham transitioned her expertise to the corporate sector, holding senior leadership positions at Fortune 500 companies, including Marathon Oil, Lowe’s Corporate, and Collins Aerospace. In 2022, she stepped out on faith and opened Joan Higginbotham Ad Astra, LLC, delivering trusted aerospace consulting to navigate complex technical challenges and accelerate innovation, from initial concept through final execution.
College of Engineering and Science Outstanding Alumni Award
Kristen Kopperud ’17 Ph.D.
Kristin Kopperud, Ph.D. is an aerospace industry veteran with experience in operations project management and expertise in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine experiments in microgravity. She previously worked as science program director of biological sciences in the research and innovation department at the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc. (CASIS), which manages the International Space Station National Laboratory.
Having earned her Ph.D. in biological sciences from Florida Tech, she moved back to Florida to pursue a career in marine biology. But she was captivated by the space culture that was inescapable on the Space Coast. During graduate school, she taught undergraduate laboratory sections of mammalian physiology and biology and was recruited to serve as a research support scientist for several ISS National Lab-sponsored Rodent Research missions, serving as a surrogate for the crew on the ISS.
College of Psychology and Liberal Arts Outstanding Alumni
Jordin T. Chandler ’19
Jordin T. Chandler is a dynamic leader and dedicated public servant with deep roots in Brevard County. Chandler is a government affairs manager (Florida area) for WM, formerly known as Waste Management Inc. of Florida, where he leverages his expertise to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and foster strong community relationships.
Previously, he distinguished himself as a government relations consultant, providing invaluable counsel to a diverse portfolio of corporate entities including Brightline Trains, Health First and Driftwood Capital. Chandler’s foundational years were shaped by a robust academic journey which began when he was honored with a prestigious Presidential Scholarship from former Florida Tech President Anthony Catanese. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in Humanities/Pre-Law in 2019.
