Catanese, Wakefield Inducted Into Brevard Walk of Fame

FIT President Joins Baseball Great, Eight Others as Honorees

MELBOURNE, FLA. — Florida Institute of Technology President and CEO Anthony J. Catanese and board of trustees member Tim Wakefield were among the 10 dignitaries from the business world, politics and the community inducted into the Brevard Walk of Fame at a gala ceremony earlier this month.

“The Brevard Walk of Fame recognizes leaders from Central Florida that have made outstanding contributions to our community and who, by their achievements and dedication to their work, inspire tomorrow’s generations,” said Event Chairwoman Amber Rogers.

“I am thrilled with this honor and proud to represent an institution that has been developing future generations of leaders – and shaping the economy and identity of the Space Coast and all of Central Florida – for the last 55 years,” Catanese said.

Wakefield is a Melbourne native and former Florida Tech Panther baseball player who went on to a successful, record-setting career in the Major Leagues. He was named to the Florida Tech board of trustees in January.

In addition to Catanese and Wakefield, 2014 Brevard Walk of Fame inductees were Walt Disney Resort President Meg Crofton; Brevard County Commissioner Robin Fisher; President of Ron Jon Surf Shop Debbie Harvey; Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey; FLORIDA TODAY President & Publisher Jeff Kiel; world-renowned composer Tony Macaulay; U.S. Rep. Bill Posey; and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio.

“We are fortunate to have so many talented individuals who call Brevard County home,” said Eckerd Director of Development Operations Richard Rogers. “Their achievements and altruistic contributions are paramount to our community and make Brevard County a better place to live, work, and raise our children.”

Presented by Eckerd, the Walk of Fame honorees were celebrated at a gala event that drew more than 300 people to the Radisson Resort at the Port. Proceeds raised from the Brevard Walk of Fame amounted to $80,000 to support Eckerd’s programs in Brevard County, which touch on areas including child abuse prevention, parental coaching, school-based violence prevention and mentoring.

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