Live, Work, Graduate Together


Martha and Gary Walsh

NEIT and EMC have attained many significant milestones throughout the last several years. December 18, 2002 marked the date of one of them. It was on that day that 25 students who began the inaugural EMC on-site Associate in Science degree program in Electronics Technology concluded their studies. There were lots of smiling faces, mostly from those who felt a tremendous sense of relief.
   While it was truly a special day for all of the dedicated students who became proud NEIT graduates, two of them will always share fond memories of this special time in their lives. For Martha and Gary Walsh, residents of Middletown, RI, who began a journey together on December 20, 1976, the day they were married, completion of this program will be remembered as another life experience that they handled as a "team" effort.
   They enrolled together and went to the very first class in January of 2000. They were unsure of what to expect, as many new college students can be. "I was scared to death," said Martha, who had no prior electronics expertise. Gary had some prior electronics training in the military, but no degree. He made the commitment to the NEIT Electronics Technology program as a way to further his career at EMC.
   Faculty members of the Electronics Technology and Math departments made an immediate impact on Martha, Gary and all of the students in the program. "All of them made learning easy," said Martha, "but at the same time, they ensured that we worked for the knowledge that we gained." As for the math courses, according to Gary, "Mrs. Dambruch challenged us all but made it understandable. She always illustrated the concepts in the simplest terms."
   As the quarters progressed, successes were quickly encountered. "The LED's (light emitting diodes) actually worked the first time," was Martha's excited reaction to one of her first lab projects. Gary quickly realized that he would be able to incorporate the knowledge he was gaining into his passionate hobby of kite flying. He envisioned utilizing electro-luminescent wire so that he could practice nighttime flying of his assortment of kites.
   Martha recalled a low point fairly early in the program. "I walked out of the class. I was convinced that I couldn't do it." If not for the intervention and compassion of several classmates, "the guys," she would never have gone back. "They lured me back and promised to help." The rest is history.
   With each successive quarter completed, the camaraderie between students and internal support groups within the class developed. One might think that the "team" of Martha and Gary would be side-by-side while studying. As it turned out, Sunday night was the primary homework night due to the work demands at EMC. Martha and Gary would often calculate the same answers to problems but would utilize different methods to solve the problem. So, to keep harmony they usually worked independently.
   As the program neared completion, Martha and Gary would not allow themselves to begin to wind down. In fact, both felt that the most difficult courses were still ahead of them. For Gary, it was Calculus I, which was scheduled for the last quarter of the program. As luck would have it, Mrs. Dambruch was assigned the course. Gary finally allowed himself to marvel at his achievement when he handed in the calculus final exam. He passed.
   For Martha, it was the courses that were taught on the EMC data storage equipment known as Symmetrix(r), affectionately called "SYMM 5." You would think that this would be a breeze for an EMC employee, but this is not necessarily so. Martha worked in a business unit unrelated to the SYMM 5 product line. Although she wanted to gain the knowledge, she was apprehensive about what would be required to understand this very complex equipment. Again, the Electronics Technology faculty did what they do best. They made the learning easy, but challenged the students for the knowledge gained. Needless to say, Martha, and all of the other students got through the final quarter and finally reached their coveted goal. 
   "What a relief and a sense of accomplishment! Five nights off a week!" These were just some of the euphoric sentiments expressed by Martha, Gary and many of their classmates at the luncheon ceremony hosted in their honor by EMC on that December day. For some, this was the conclusion of their journey. While it was very gratifying, for others, there were more challenges ahead of them. About a third of the 25 graduates had already enrolled in the second cohort of the Bachelor of Science degree program in Electronics Engineering Technology. This program is also conducted on-site by NEIT at the EMC Franklin, MA facility.
   Martha and Gary enjoy their work at EMC, Martha as a Production Associate 3 (soon to cross train as a Test Tech), and Gary as a Celerra Test Tech 2/Mentor. They do their work with the confidence that they have the skills, education and enthusiasm to make a contribution to their employer, EMC2 Corp.

Do you know where your former classmates are?

Matthew Grupposo, 12/02, Electronics Technology is employed by EMC Corporation
John Andrade, 12/02, Computer and Network Servicing Technology is employed by Gem Plumbing & Heating Co.
Rachel-Anne Ely, 12/02, Video & Radio Production Technology is employed by United States Postal Service
David Perrone, 12/02, Computer Information Systems Technology is employed by Meditech
Mark Plante, 12/02, Internet Communications Technology is employed by A.T.. Cross
Nikki Vasiliadis, 12/02, Architectural Building Engineering Technology is employed by LA Torrado Architects
Ivone LaCroix, 9/02, Surgical Technology is employed by Our Lady of Fatima Hospital
Sheryl Morrison, 9/02, Internet Communications Technology is employed by Meditech
Kathryn Gavitt, 9/02, Video & Radio Production Technology is employed by Cox Communications
Jorge Jimenez, 9/02, Electrical Technology is employed by Pirani Electric
Matthew Fillio, 9/02, Telecommunications Technology is employed by Lee Public Schools
Patrick Grant, 9/02, Building Construction & Cabinetmaking is employed by Kent Pecoy & Sons Construction
David Clifton, 12/02, Computer Information Systems Technology is employed by Kent County Hospital
Scott Chatelle, 12/02, Architectural Building Engineering Technology is employed by J.H. Lynch & Sons
James Baker, 9/02, Electronics Engineering Technology is employed by General Dynamics
Alison Vale-Hendricks, 12/02, Interior Design Technology is employed by Picerne Real Estate Group
Joseph Archambault, 9/02, Electronics Technology is employed by Hasbro
Katherine Rogers, 9/02, Automotive Technology is employed by Winner Ford
Paula Navarro, 3/02, Clinical Medical Assistant Technology is employed by St. Joseph Hospital
Louise Norton, 12/01, Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology is employed by North Adams Regional Hospital
Michael Sainz, 12/01, Computer and Network Servicing Technology is employed by American Power Conversion
Joe Morley, 3/02, Electronics Technology is employed by Zebra Technologies
Gary Rouvelas, 6/02, Electrical Technology is employed by Tyree Maintenance Co.
Kimberly Ward, 3/02, Interior Design Technology is employed by Move Management
Chris Ogni, 6/02, Multimedia Technology is employed by Video Unlimited Productions
Tiffany Schriver, 3/02, Architectural Building Engineering Technology is employed by Benn & Olsen Engineering
Eric Petersen, 12/98, Electrical Technology is employed by Electrical Engineering and Services
Raymond Frenette, 6/00, Manufacturing Engineering Technology is employed by Leach & Garner Co.
Todd Behm, 6/02, Refrigeration/Air Conditioning & Heating Technology is employed by On Semiconductor
Ellen Murray, 3/02, Administrative Medical Assistant Technology is employed by Jamestown Family Practice
Kathryn Horan, 3/02, Surgical Technology is employed by South County Hospital