Florida Tech to Feature Celebrity Speakers for Special Giving Day
May 5 Event Supports Students
Affected by Pandemic
MELBOURNE, FLA. — Florida Tech will host online discussions with astronaut Winston Scott and a presentation by Jeff Fernandez, a vice president for the NFL’s New York Jets, on Tuesday, May 5, as part of #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving and unity to celebrate support by alumni and friends for Florida Tech students with emergency needs caused by COVID-19.
“Florida Tech hopes that creating exciting online events like this, especially relating to our strengths in STEM education and business, will provide an entertaining diversion for people while also addressing the serious challenges some students and their families are facing,” said Gary Grant, senior vice president of development at Florida Tech.
At 10 a.m. Tuesday, Scott, a two-time shuttle astronaut and senior advisor to the president at Florida Tech, will offer his thoughts on the future of the space program and how NASA may be impacted in the short- and long-term by the coronavirus pandemic.
At 6:30 p.m., Fernandez will field questions about the Jets and how an NFL team is handling this unique time, as well as speak about the team’s partnership with Florida Tech. For example, this past semester, the Jets worked with a class of civil engineering students at Florida Tech who studied parking and traffic patterns at the team’s MetLife Stadium and later developed and presented to management several proposals for improvements.
More information and registration is available here.
“Guests will be invited to support but are not required to give to join the event,” said Bill Jurgens, event chairman and vice president for university relations. “However, during this time of uncertainty, one thing is more apparent than ever—that generosity brings people together.”
The money raised during this effort will be used as an emergency fund for students who are experiencing financial burdens during and are at risk of not finishing their semester or continuing their education beyond this term.
The importance of giving is not just about dollar amount but about the level of participation, as well, Grant said. The goal is to support Florida Tech students through donations of individuals from around the world.
“No matter the gift, all participants make a difference,” Grant said.
To join the event please visit https://impact.fit.edu/.
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