BOCA RATON — Yvonne Boice announced that Apple Inc. co-founder Steve Wozniak will be headlining the Palm Beach State College Foundation’s upcoming event launching a five-year initiative to increase the number of skilled professionals in science, technology, engineering and math, the so-called STEM fields.
An hour-long “Conversation with Steve Wozniak” will highlight the January 31 fundraising luncheon at the Cohen Pavilion at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets will be available for $125 per person or $1,000 for a table for 10. Sponsorship opportunities are available at www.palmbeachstate.edu/foundation/steam.
A Silicon Valley icon, Wozniak co-founded Apple Computer Inc. with Steve Jobs in 1976 and was the designer of Apple’s first line of products, the Apple I and II. He currently serves as chief scientist for Fusion-io, a global data storage and delivery firm. Known as “The Woz,” he is internationally recognized as an inventor, scientist, innovator and philanthropist strongly committed to the arts.
“We are thrilled to have Steve Wozniak as our featured guest,” said Boice, chair of the event. “He is one of the world’s leading innovators and his presence at our event exemplifies the tremendous commitment PBSC has to creating an environment of excellence for their students and the community.”
Boice is also very committed to PBSC. Besides being a long-time Foundation board member, it was her influence which broadened the traditional STEM acronym to STEAM.
“It wasn’t about creating a catchy slogan,” explained Boice. “As a long-time supporter of the Arts, I know first-hand the critical importance of design, art, and cultural education in creating well-rounded students and professionals. Palm Beach State College recognized that significant component as well, and I am very proud they have included the Arts in this important initiative.”
“The STEAM goals are to provide 1,000 new scholarship awards, create 50 academic program enhancements and generate 100 new business-college partnerships with 50 new internship opportunities,” said Suellen Mann, executive director of the Palm Beach State College Foundation. “By accomplishing these goals the college will play a vital role in the building of America’s future, and no one is a better amalgamation of science, technology and arts than Steve Wozniak.”
Palm Beach State offers numerous STEM-related degree and certificate programs, including such fields as biotechnology, alternative energy and information technology. It houses the statewide, nationally recognized Employ Florida Banner Center for Life Sciences, along with extensive art and design, performing arts, media and communications programs.