Date posted: 03/01/2006*

Raytheon was a proud sponsor of the 20th Annual Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) conference held Feb. 16-18, 2006, in Baltimore, Md. For the past 18 years, Raytheon has participated in the conference, demonstrating the company’s commitment to diversity, technical excellence and innovation.

The BEYA conference – sponsored by US Black Engineer Magazine – recognizes the outstanding achievements of African-Americans in the fields of science, engineering and technology. It also presents a forum for the discussion of engineering and science-related issues facing the nation, and an opportunity to network with some of the brightest technology minds in the country.

This year’s BEYA conference included daily workshops, a two-day career fair, panel discussions, networking, a Modern Day Leadership Luncheon and the “Black Engineer of the Year” award ceremony. In addition, local elementary and middle school students were treated to special sessions geared toward math, science and engineering and a pre-college career fair, as well as a tour of the Maryland Science Center.

Recognizing Excellence
During this year’s star-studded awards ceremony, BEYA acknowledged Raytheon Chairman and CEO Bill Swanson for his longstanding relationship with the organization and his continued support of engineering talent. Swanson, an avid supporter of BEYA from its infancy, has been recognized for his leadership and personal support in developing a strong culture of inclusiveness at Raytheon, as well as his efforts to further math and science education.

Raytheon’s Claude Bailey, Ph.D., a senior systems engineer with Missile Systems (RMS), was honored at the conference for his overall contributions to the fields of engineering and science.

During a private reception, Raytheon also recognized Raytheon STAR Award recipients Claude Bailey of RMS and Kelvin Moore of Space and Airborne Systems (SAS) for their outstanding technical contributions and Lisa Morris of SAS for her dedication to community service.

Building an Inclusive Workforce
Each year leading companies and government agencies attend the BEYA conference to compete for top-notch talent. During the event, recruiters showcase the company’s challenging job opportunities and invite candidates to apply for potential employment opportunities.

In his comments during the Modern Day Leadership Luncheon, IDS Engineering Vice President Mark Russell recollected a conversation he had with a graduating engineering student and prospective employee. “If I come to work for Raytheon, will I do something exciting and will it mean something?” the young engineer asked Russell. “I hope so and I know so,” Russell responded. “Engineering is a noble profession,” he continued. “Simply put, it’s a profession that helps solve very complex technology challenges and provides creative and innovative solutions.”

The Importance of Math and Science Education
Throughout the BEYA conference, presenters emphasized the value of diversity and the importance of math and science to the United States’ future competitiveness. “Last year the U.S. graduated 70,000 engineering majors, India 200,000 and China 700,000,” said Dr. Ron Sugar, Northrop Grumman chief executive officer and Power Breakfast keynote speaker. Sugar suggested it’s a trend that we have to change along with the declining interest among middle and high school students. “Inspire youth, give them a mission and they will amaze you,” he added.

To assist with this national dilemma, Raytheon has developed MathMovesU, a national education initiative designed to change middle school students’ negative perceptions of math by engaging them through celebrity involvement, grant money, awards and contests.

The Black Engineer of the Year Awards Conference 2006 highlighted Raytheon’s ongoing commitment to attracting and retaining the finest engineering talent in the world. In addition, it recognized the important role an inclusive workforce plays in delivering technical innovation and superior customer solutions.

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