FEMA Head to Speak at Florida Tech Commencement

– The Charles and Ruth Clemente Center is the site of Florida Tech’s Fall Commencement ceremonies on Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. Michael D. Brown, undersecretary of
Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response will deliver the commencement address.

Brown was nominated by President George W. Bush in Jan. 2003 to be the first in his position in the newly created Department of Homeland Security. As head
of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Brown oversees federal disaster response and recovery, and coordinates disaster activities with more
than two dozen federal agencies and departments and the American Red Cross. He also oversees the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire
Administrations and initiates proactive mitigation activities.

Additionally, as undersecretary, Brown helps the secretary of Homeland Security ensure the effectiveness of emergency responders and directs the Strategic
National Stockpile, the National Disaster Medical System and Nuclear Incident Response Team. Previously, Brown served as FEMA’s deputy director and the
agency’s General Counsel.

At commencement, Brown will receive Florida Tech’s most prestigious award, The President’s Medal. The President’s Medal acknowledges individuals who have
provided superior public service.
About 350 students will receive their bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees at fall commencement in Melbourne. Florida Tech will also confer
approximately 180 more master’s degrees through its School of Extended Graduate Studies, which has 10 locations throughout the United States.