Alumni Association Kick-Off Event

On September 18, 2007 an Alumni Association kick-off event was held at NEIT to celebrate the formation of the college’s Alumni Association.
The kick-off event represented the culmination of work started last year by the alumni association committee which included members from the faculty, staff, students and graduates. The members were: Melissa Hague, Student Activities Coordinator; Erin Flynn, Manager of Admissions Outreach and Events; Tom Strolla, Associate Professor and Assistant Department Chair of Video and Audio Production/Digital Recording Arts Technology; Charlie Rogers, Special Assistant to the President; Cathy Kennedy, VP for Student Support Services; Darryl Foster, a 2006 Digital Recording Arts graduate; Peter Menegakis, a Manufacturing Engineering Technology student; and Megan Mottola, a Video and Audio Production Technology graduate and Digital Recording Arts student.
The committee members drafted the following Alumni Association mission statement:

The mission of the Alumni Association is to foster lifelong connections among alumni, faculty, students, staff and friends of the college. The Alumni Association will promote an interest in continuous learning; a sense of pride and loyalty; and support the continued growth and development of NEIT.

All graduates of New England Institute of Technology and New England Technical Institute are members of the Alumni Association and there is no fee for membership.

Registration for the kick-off event included 163 grads and 53 of their guests.  Attendance included graduates from almost every decade since 1940 including a 1940’s and a 1950’s graduate.

The event  began with a reception, which was followed by a speaking program, which included comments from Tom Wylie, Provost and Sr. VP; Cathy Kennedy, VP for Student Support Services; and Melissa Hague, Student Activities Coordinator.  President Gouse facilitated a Q&A session.  During the speaking program, the graduates and their guests received an overview of the Alumni Association and the role of the Alumni Association Advisory Committee.  The need for and the importance of graduates’ involvement in the association was stressed throughout the program.  The evening ended with tours of the Access Rd. and Post Rd. campuses.  All attendees were given a briefcase with the NEIT logo.

Sea Ray Boats, Inc. Selects New England Tech to Provide Marine Composites Training

Sea Ray Boats of Knoxville, Tennessee has recently contracted with New England Tech’s Center for Technology and Industry to provide Gel-Coat/Composite Repair training for its nationwide network of dealers.  According to the company’s website Sea Ray Boats, founded in 1959, was one of the first boat builders to use fiberglass and other high-tech composite materials in the construction of pleasure boats.  In 1986, Sea Ray became part of the Brunswick Corporation. Sea Ray, together with its other divisions, makes Brunswick the world's largest producer of marine engines and boats.

Sea Ray’s Dealer Network consists of the largest and most conveniently located group of dealers in the country. For almost 50 years, Sea Ray has designed some of the best built, most technologically advanced boats in the industry, which has resulted in the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Award for highest satisfaction in sport boats.

In a cooperative effort between NEIT’s Marine Technology department, The Center for Technology and Industry, and Sea Ray’s dealers, plants and suppliers, a training curriculum was developed to conduct a 40-hour, hands-on program in common gel and glass repair skills and processes.

The first Composite Repair program for Sea Ray dealers began on October 1.  The five day training program prepared 12 trainees in such technical areas as: safety, fibers and resins, surface preparation, textured surface repair, deck to hull joint and hardware, interior laminate repair and vacuum repair.  The program was extremely fortunate to have Marine Technology adjunct faculty member Victor Medeiros as the instructor and Auto Body instructor Manny Couto as the lab assistant. Sea Ray representatives Ed Boncek and David Waite traveled to Rhode Island to observe the first training program.

Participants of the program came from locations across the country and Canada. One participant commented, “This was the best class I’ve been in. The hands-on experience is the way to go.”

The training will continue in 2008 with an additional four sessions scheduled.

New England Tech is proud of its relationship with Sea Ray Boats and looks forward to continuing to provide first class training services for this industry leader.
   

“In The Spotlight” Debuts with Michael Corrente

From left to right: Stephen Souza - Moderator, Director, Michael Corrente, Paula Dufrenes - VRP '06, Nathan Maphis - DRA '07, Donna Salisbury - VAP/DRA Adjunct faculty.

Donna Salisbury, an adjunct instructor in the Video and Audio Production Technology and Digital Recording Arts Technology programs, has developed a sensational program at New England Tech. The program, which debuted on August 29th, is called "In the Spotlight" and will feature well-known individuals affiliated with the film and audio industry.

The spotlight for the opening of the program, which drew a standing room only crowd, was on Michael Corrente, a native Rhode Islander, director, producer and screenwriter of such notable films as American Buffalo, Outside Providence, Federal Hill and Brooklyn Rules. Mr. Corrente is also an NEIT honorary degree recipient.

Steven Souza, a September 2007 Digital Recording Arts Technology graduate, performed with the skill of a veteran moderator and guided Michael Corrente through a whole host of questions.

The formal interview was followed by audience members' participating in a lively and interesting question and answer session.

New England Tech thanks Michael Corrente for his time and for sharing his expertise and experience.