35th Anniversary Conference Highlights

On August 3-5, 2011, the National GEM Consortium held its 35th Annual Conference and Gala. The conference consisted of 4 signature events, specifically an Opening Session with keynote speaker, Dr. Norman Fortenberry, Executive Director of the American Society of Engineering Education, the University President Roundtable, Industry Leaders Roundtable and a culminating Black Tie Gala.

Click here to view the 35th Anniversary Conference Photo Gallery!

Dr. Norman Fortenberry, Executive Director of ASEE previewed ASEE’s strategic plan and gave recommendations on how GEM and ASEE can work together to further our mutual missions.

On Thursday, August 4th, GEM convened a panel of University Presidents and Chancellors from some of the country’s pre-eminent academic institutions. Panel members discussed the country’s need for more STEM talent, various ways to increase these numbers, and the impact underrepresented minorities with graduate-level degrees in STEM fields can have in furthering technological competitiveness and innovation in the United States.

Panelists included:

• Dr. G. P. Bud Peterson, President, Georgia Institute of Technology (Panel Moderator)
• Dr. Randy Woodson, Chancellor, North Carolina State University
• Dr. Gene Block, Chancellor, University of California, Los Angeles
• Dr. Teresa A. Sullivan, President, University of Virginia

C-suite occupants at leading technology corporations understand the value of a diverse workforce, according to a panel of diversity officers convened on August 4, 2011 by the National GEM Consortium, and most work hard to ensure diversity in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals they employ. Parity remains an elusive goal, however. African-Americans, Hispanics, and American Indians are underrepresented in the scientific and engineering professions.

Panelists included:

• General Lester Lyles, Retired U.S. Air Force (Panel Moderator)
• Alfred Grasso, CEO, The MITRE Corporation
• Dr Wanda Austin, CEO, The Aerospace Corporation
• Rosaline L. Hudnell, Chief Diversity Officer, Intel
• Dr. Percy Gilbert, Vice President, Technology Development, Semiconductor Research and Development Center (SRDC), IBM
• Marina Williams, Director for Diversity, Inclusion and EEO, Lockheed Martin

The conference concluded with a celebration of the success and contributions made by The National GEM Consortium via a black tie Gala, hosted by Maria Hinojosa and entertainment provided by The Capitol Steps. Award winners and honorees included:

GEM Alum Dean of Engineering Excellence Award

• S. Ketih Hargrove, PhD, Dean of Engineering, Tennessee State University
• Eric Sheppard, PhD, Dean of Engineering, Hampton University
• Darryll Pines, PhD, Dean of Engineering, University of Maryland College Park

GEM Alumnus of the Year: Reginald DesRoches PhD

University Rep Unsung Hero Award: Minnie McGee, Cora Ingrum, Ike Colbert, Felicia Becker

University Rep of the Year: Bruce Lindvall, PhD

Employer Rep Unsung Hero Award: James Mitchell, William Albright, Dianne Engram

Employer Rep of the Year: Roberta Rivera

GEM Fellow of the Year – Male: Troy Nunally

GEM Fellow of the Year – Female: Cristina Vigil

Technical Presentation Winners: Troy Nunnally, Christian Osorio, Sossena Wood, Julian Corona