Chapter Hosts Annual Awards Breakfast

In August, the chapter hosted its Annual Awards event at local venue Arrowhead Country Club. The event served to recognize the outstanding efforts of some of the chapter's best and brightest members over the past year. Among those recognized were, Adam Vencill, the chapter's Young AFCEAN of the Year for 2014; Brian Knott, the chapter's Industry AFCEAN of the Year for 2014; and Denise Baylor, the chapter's Government AFCEAN of the Year for 2014. All of these individuals played prominent roles in ensuring the success of the Montgomery Information Technology Summit conference in May. During the breakfast event, the Education Foundation received a generous donation in the amount of $5,000 from Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS) and CEO Steve Goldsby. Charisse Stokes, director, Montgomery AFCEA Chapter Education Foundation, took a moment during the ceremony to formally recognize and thank Goldsby and ICS for their continued support to helping the Education Foundation provide essential funding for deserving schools, teachers, and students in the River Region. Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd, president, Alabama State University, continued the education theme with a presentation regarding the importance of exposing youth to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Boyd mentioned early exposure to STEM, as early as middle school level, is essential for encouraging innovation to help youth perceive STEM as more than just “white lab coats” and to help “fill the pipeline” of STEM-career bound students. She mentioned the need to promote diversity in STEM careers to allow for sharing of unique ideas and enable creativity, which ultimately contributes to the continuous evolution of STEM advancements. Dr. Boyd mentioned the community should work together to push minorities and women to pursue STEM careers. She thanked industry for the invaluable opportunities STEM-related internships provide by allowing students to “fine-tune talents” to prepare them for future STEM careers. One action Boyd recommended for the industry audience members was to work with local universities by providing a keen, experienced eye to assist in evaluating current academic offerings, courses, and depth of focus in programs. Overall, she encouraged all audience members to do their part to help youth in the community learn how STEM-oriented careers can help them exercise their full potential and talent. The chapter thanks Boyd for donating her time to share her insights on supporting STEM education. Additionally, the chapter extends congratulations to all deserving 2014 chapter award winners and thanks them for their steadfast support.

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