 LAKE WORTH — Apple Inc. co-founder Steve Wozniak is headlining the Palm Beach State College Foundation’s upcoming event launching a five-year initiative to increase the number of skilled professionals in science, technology, engineering and math, the so-called STEM fields.
An hourlong Conversation with
Steve Wozniak will highlight the Jan. 31, 11:30 a.m. fundraising
luncheon at the Cohen Pavilion of the Kravis Center for the Performing
Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Tickets will be available
for $125 per person or $1,000 for a table for 10. Sponsorships
opportunities are available at palmbeachstate.edu/foundation/steam.
Wozniak,
a Silicon Valley icon, co-founded Apple Computer Inc. with Steve Jobs
in 1976 and was the designer of Apple’s first line of products, the
Apple I and II. He currently serves as chief scientist for Fusion-io, a
global data storage and delivery firm. Known as “The Woz,” he is
internationally recognized as an inventor, scientist, innovator and
philanthropist strongly committed to the arts.
The
College Foundation’s plans include the arts, which so dramatically
contribute to technology’s design, resulting in the STEAM initiative.
Organizers say the launch event will underscore the importance of
college-wide efforts and the expected outcomes of the STEAM initiative
for the community.
Palm
Beach State offers numerous STEM-related degree and certificate
programs, including such fields as biotechnology, alternative energy and
information technology. It houses the statewide, nationally recognized
Employ Florida Banner Center for Life Sciences, along with extensive art and design, performing arts, media and communications programs.
“At
the local, state and national level, STEM-related industries have been
identified as key growth engines to expand and diversify our economic
base. These industries look to higher education to provide the skilled
professionals who can fill high-demand, high-tech roles,” said Dennis P.
Gallon, PBSC president. “With this initiative, we are focused on
meeting that challenge and providing the best career prospects and
growth opportunities for local residents.”
“We
are thrilled to present Steve Wozniak,” said Yvonne S. Boice, event
chair. “He has shaped the computer world for future generations and
continues to advocate for the advancement of technological
infrastructure needed to support U.S. world competitiveness. He also is
recognized for his dedication to education and annually underwrites technology usage for his hometown K-12 school district.”
“The
STEAM goals are to provide 1,000 new scholarship awards, create 50
academic program enhancements and generate 100 new business-college
partnerships with 50 new internship opportunities,” said Suellen Mann,
executive director of the Palm Beach State College Foundation. “By
accomplishing these goals the college will play a vital role in the
building of America’s future, and no one is a better amalgamation of
science, technology and arts than Steve Wozniak.”
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