BEAM program celebrates achievements at Annual Breakfast

Two from SEAS honored with service awards

Drexel Gidney, far right, poses with BEAM’s post-11th grade students.

Drexel Gidney, far right, poses with BEAM’s post-11th grade students. Gidney received the Special Achievement Award from BEAM for his work as coordinator of the program.

by Jane Stoyle Welch

Published November 30, 2015 This content is archived.

Seven people and one organization were honored for their service and support of BEAM, the Buffalo-area Engineering Awareness for Minorities (BEAM) program, at its annual awards breakfast. About 70 people attended the event, which was held at the Buffalo Public School’s Emerson Commons.

Print

Related Links

Monika McFoy, BEAM executive director, welcomed the attendees and invited them to enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by students in the Emerson Culinary Arts Program.

Guest speaker Kriner Cash, PhD, recently appointed superintendent of the Buffalo Public Schools, spoke about working with BEAM and the University at Buffalo to raise awareness about careers in engineering, and to help prepare the city’s middle and high school students for these careers. In particular, Cash would like to grow the number of immigrant, female and minority students who pursue engineering, and sees BEAM as a key partner in this effort.

Two from UB’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences were among those recognized for their support of BEAM. Drexel Gidney, senior academic advisor and director of minority engineering programs, received the Special Achievement Award for his work as coordinator of the post-11th grade BEAM summer program as well as the post-11th grade research honors BEAM summer program. A highlight of this year’s program was that all the students had the opportunity to work with UB’s nanosatellite team members, where they learned about developing satellite technologies for NASA and the U.S. Air Force. The students showcased their research projects in poster presentations that were displayed in Davis Hall at the end of the program.   

Jane Stoyle Welch, communications director, received the Charles Campbell Sr. Outstanding Service Award for her efforts to modernize the BEAM website, and publicize BEAM activities and events.

Other awards included:

  • Robert Harris, Buffalo Public Schools, Educational Achievement Award
  • David Gromek, Moog, Technical Advisor Award
  • Jean Hess and Peter Hingston, City Honors School, Faculty Advisor Award
  • Patrice Cathey, Liberty Partnerships Program, Buffalo State College, Faculty Advisor Award
  • Wendel, Corporate Partner of the Year Award

Arthur McKinnon, president of BEAM, closed the program by thanking the members of BEAM; the breakfast sponsors, Wendel, Dupont, and Watts Architecture & Engineering, P.C., who have supported BEAM over many years; and the table sponsors, National Grid, Arcadis, Moog and Veolia.

The event was held on November 5, 2015.

BEAM students showcased their research in Davis Hall.

BEAM students showcased their research projects in poster presentations in Davis Hall.

About BEAM

BEAM (Buffalo-area Engineering Awareness for Minorities) is a cooperative educational enrichment program that prepares inner city, minority, female and other underrepresented students for careers in science, engineering, and technology. It was founded in 1982 by a consortium of the UB School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Linde-Union Carbide (now Praxair, Inc.), Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Buffalo Public Schools.

Funding today is made possible through the generous support of companies, educational institutions, community organizations and individuals. Learn more about BEAM here.