Prime is a quantity.
Unique, a product unachievable by any two other numbers. 2, 3, 5 …
Prime is a quality.
Excellent, of the highest caliber. Outstanding, Choice, Top-Notch…
In both quantity and quality, this column features Prime Examples of what makes us Florida Tech.
Prime Examples of: Legacy
Legacy can take many forms. Belongings, character, lessons, reputation—legacy is the long-lasting impact of a thing, an event, a life. For many, the desire to cement our legacy gives purpose. We build it; we leave it behind; and we hope that others will preserve and perpetuate it, so that the very thing that defined us in life will aptly outlive us.
At Florida Tech, we honor, uphold and celebrate the lasting impacts of the people, endeavors, accomplishments and even failures that have shaped us, as we relentlessly pursue our own enduring legacy.
Here are a few prime examples.
2 History Books
1. Missiles, Mischief, and Mayhem: The Secret History of Countdown College 1958-2023
Complete with tales of student streakers, a university quail farm and leprous armadillos, Missiles, Mischief, and Mayhem chronicles some of the adventures, escapades and antics that shaped the “secret history” of one of America’s leading STEM universities as only Florida Tech historian and beloved professor of history Gordon Patterson can.
2. A History of Intercollegiate Athletics at Florida Institute of Technology 1958-2023
This book details the evolution of sports at Florida Tech, from a fledgling program started shortly after the university’s founding to a competitive member of the NCAA Division II Sunshine State Conference. Written by Bill Jurgens, who served as Florida Tech’s director of athletics for 44 years, and trustee emeritus Bill Potter, who served on Florida Tech’s board for more than 40 years, the book recognizes “the individuals who have been responsible for the success of the program while also illustrating how an intercollegiate athletic program can succeed and remain consistent with the core values of the university.”
3 New Leaders Making Their Marks
1. John Kiss, Ph.D., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Kiss, whose research focuses on the gravitational and space biology of plants, comes to Florida Tech from the University of North Carolina Greensboro, where he served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Read more.
2. Stephen Yasko, WFIT General Manager
A New Jersey native who has served as WFIT’s program manager since October 2022, Yasko is a radio veteran with experience at major national operations, such as NPR and Pacifica Radio Foundation. Read more.
3. Danielle Sirekis, Director of Esports
In her last role as esports head coach at Lawrence Technological University, Sirekis, a two-time finalist for the National Association of Collegiate Esports director of the year, built the varsity program from the ground up, focusing on creating an inclusive community space with high-level competition. Read more.
5 Celebrations of Significance
1. Women Inspiring Success and Excellence (WISE) Awards
In recognition of Women’s History Month in March, the Florida Tech Alumni Association celebrated four women who champion the spirit of promoting women’s participation and development within the campus community at its annual WISE Awards ceremony.
Meredith Carroll ’03 M.S., Faculty Excellence Award
Dana Washington, Joan Bixby Staff Impact Award
Isabela Perdomo, Student Catalyst Award
Christie Lynes ’18 MPA, Alumna Legacy Award
2. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration
In January, Florida Tech celebrated the life and achievements of the civil rights icon at its annual MLK Commemoration. The event featured a live rendition of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, a keynote address from the Rev. Leo Stoney from The MaxOut Church in Melbourne and two award presentations:
Bill Gary, Dr. Julius Montgomery Pioneer Award
Gordon Patterson, Harvey L. Riley Bridge Builder Award
3. An Evening of Hope
In March, more than 260 guests attended the 16th Annual An Evening of Hope event, benefitting The Scott Center for Autism Treatment at Florida Tech. Themed “Soaring to New Heights, Oh the Places We Will Go!” the event was hosted at local event venue Sprengergarten, raising more than $225,000 this year for The Scott Center’s threefold mission of service, training and research, including the WISH scholarship, student internships and future programming.
4. Legacy of 37
Formerly Chopper Dropper, the Legacy of 37 Reception is Florida Tech Athletics’ signature fundraising event. Rebranded this year to honor the legendary 37-cent donation that solidified founding president Jerome P. Keuper’s resolve to launch the institution that would become Florida Tech, the reception still featured its popular raffle-by-ball-drop contest with a $37,000 cash grand prize, among other exciting prizes.
5. Homecoming 2024
In April, Homecoming 2024 featured a full schedule of student, family, faculty, staff, alumni and community events, including a 2-mile run/walk on campus, the annual Alumni Awards Gala, Casino Night and a HOCO Carnival. Plain White T’s headlined the weekend’s signature Homecoming Fest, presented by the Florida Tech Alumni Association and the Student Government Association, at Nance Park.
This piece was featured in the spring 2024 edition of Florida Tech Magazine.
