President Anthony J. Catanese believes that American higher education is based on a tripod of teaching, research and service—each leg equally strong.
As a result of this commitment to service, he made Florida Tech a certifying organization for the (U.S.) President’s Volunteer Service Award. In spring 2006, two student organizations won it as did the Division of Student Affairs staff. One staff member, Sara Mayer, individually volunteered 723 hours.

But, Florida Tech takes service further. It goes out to the community through mentor-partnerships, research studies, free courses, free lectures and free concerts.

Faculty John Trefry and John Windsor coordinated the on-campus 25th Anniversary of the Future of the Indian River System Symposium in 2006, 25 years after presenting the first one. The two have persevered all those years, continuing research on this vital, nationally significant estuary.

The university offers state-of-the art facilities, technical training courses, professional enrichment and networking opportunities, free of charge, through the National Center for Small Business Information.

The Integrated Science Teaching Enhancement Partnership (InSTEP) earned a second $1.7 million, three-year grant from the National Science Foundation in 2007.

Brainchild of Richard Tankersley and John Windsor, the program creates curriculum and teaching tools for high school integrated science teachers around Florida as well as a free public science lecture series. Additionally, the university collaborates with the Brevard Zoo on Science Café Chats led by Florida Tech faculty.

Add to this free humanities and astronomy lectures, a textiles gallery and programs, a beautiful, public botanical garden and numerous concerts during the year through WFIT radio.

The third—service—leg of the tripod is quite sturdy indeed, and the generosity of our friends and supporters, through gifts to this campaign, ensures its strength remains.