Florida Tech Womens History Month Awards Honor First Male and 4 Women

MELBOURNE, FLA. — This year’s National Women’s History Month ceremony at Florida Institute of Technology presented two awards to five deserving recipients on
March 24.

The Green Ribbon Award for Women honors an individual who is “Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet.” Nominations included women who have shown leadership in
preserving the natural environment and reversing ecological destruction as well as being innovative in their business practices to help save the
environment.

The first Green Ribbon Award honored Cari A. Curri, founder of Kalianas Med Spa and Wellness Center, which opened its doors in Melbourne in March 2007. The
center, a green materials-renovated hardware store, is working on its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification.

Presented by the Florida Tech Alumni Association, the Joan Bixby Award recognizes a Florida Tech staff or faculty member who enhances the climate for
women’s participation and development on campus. The award is named in honor of a Florida Tech alumna, who is a former university administrator and
Melbourne resident.

For the first time ever, the Joan Bixby Award was presented to a male staff member, Ken Droscher, associate vice president for advancement.

Other winners were staff members Carey Gleason, assistant vice president for advancement; and Mary Bonhomme, associate provost for online learning; and
student Melissa Rego, a senior in aviation management with flight and president of the student chapter of Women in Aviation, International.

Bixby, who earned a master’s degree in contract and procurement management in 1975, started her university career as development director in 1965. She left
Florida Tech’s employ in 1975 for a career as a government contracting officer and remains an active member of the university community.

The event’s partners were the Florida Tech Alumni Association, Women’s Business Center at Florida Tech, MGAA, Business and Professional Women Association
and Brevard County Woman newspaper.