Olympic College President Marty Cavalluzzi was recognized as an Outstanding STEM Partner last week at the West Sound STEM Network’s virtual summit.
The West Sound STEM Network is public-private regional network, comprised of educators, business leaders, Tribal leadership, non-profits, workforce development leaders, and representatives from local government and the military. The network’s goal is to strengthen pathways to postsecondary credentials, especially for those furthest from opportunity. WSSN helps connect Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) resources with students and teachers in the community.
As Cavalluzzi was presented with the award via Zoom last week, Kareen Borders, executive director of the network, praised Cavalluzzi as a leader who “walks the walk.”
“He’s been and continues to be a stellar partner within our network by supporting K-12, supporting higher education, supporting apprenticeships, supporting career launch, and making sure all of these systems communicate and are inclusive for better outcomes,” she said.
U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, who represents Washington’s 6th Congressional district, praised Cavalluzzi’s impact on the region.
“Olympic College under your leadership has been a place where diversity is seen as a strength and you’ve worked tirelessly to create a safe and welcoming environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive,” he said.
He cited the college’s innovative partnerships with Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and the efforts to bolster student success in STEM through the college’s Math, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) program as examples of how the college is providing quality educational opportunities to members of the community.
“I appreciate you, and I appreciate our friendship and partnership,” Kilmer said. “You are incredibly deserving of this recognition, and congratulations.”
Tim Winter, superintendent of the South Kitsap School District which is affiliated with West Sound STEM as its "backbone organization," said it’s been great to have Olympic College as such an active higher education partner. “We are lucky to have you in this region,” he said. “We’re lucky to have not only your support, but also your leadership. This award is so well deserved, because you truly are one of the inspiring leaders in our region.”
Cavalluzzi said he was humbled and noted the entire college made his receipt of the award possible. “I am accepting this award on behalf of Olympic College, but it’s not me. This is OC employees like Amy Hatfield, John Vaughan, Norma Whitacre, Mary Garguile and many others who have earned the award. I’m simply the person accepting it. But it’s very humbling and I just can’t thank you enough.”
In many ways, the college’s partnership with West Sound STEM is just beginning, he said.
“I see so many ways we can leverage our partnerships for internships, and careers, grants, events and experiences,” he said. “It is so much more fun and rewarding and fulfilling to do this as a team than it is to try to do it alone. We will go so much further, and a lot quicker, and positively effect a lot more individuals and communities, if we all do this together and I sincerely look forward to exploring the many ways we can continue to partner. Thank you.”
Learn more about the West Sound STEM Network on its website.
