Last Updated: 09/02/2011*

More than 150 graduates of the Raytheon-University of Massachusetts Amherst Masters in Engineering program, faculty and dignitaries of UMass Amherst and Raytheon leaders gathered to celebrate the strong heritage shared between Raytheon and UMass Amherst as institutions focused on promoting technology, innovation and growth. Raytheon Vice President of Engineering, Technology and Mission Assurance Mark E. Russell and University of Massachusetts Amherst Chancellor Robert C. Holub hosted the event at the InterContinental Hotel in Boston, May 10. The event recognized the success of a 30-year partnership that so far has graduated more than 230 Masters in Engineering students and fostered relevant technological ventures.

Photo of commemorative lapel pin given to attendees.
Commemorative lapel pin given to attendees.

"Initiated in 1981 as the microwave engineering program, this partnership has flourished over the years," said Russell. "Program graduates span all levels within Raytheon from executive leaders to our newest design engineers. And all are prepared to advance exciting technologies and help develop innovative solutions for our customers. Raytheon and UMass Amherst College of Engineering are well aligned to develop talent and technologies for the future." Reinforcing Russell’s remarks, Thomas A. Kennedy, Raytheon vice president and president of Integrated Defense Systems said, "Clearly a key driving force for radar development, this Master's program has enabled Raytheon to achieve global expertise and leadership in radar technology now and for the future. Thank you to the administration and faculty of the UMass Amherst and to my Raytheon colleagues for shaping this very successful program over the past 30 years."

The event program covered a wide range of topics from technologies and successful engineering partnerships to program and technology growth — as exemplified by the National Science Foundation’s Engineering Research Center, "Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA)." "It is our mutual leadership, excellence, organization and strategy that have helped make the first 30 years of our partnership so successful," said University of Massachusetts Amherst, College of Engineering Dean Dr. Theodore E. Djaferis. "Collectively, we have the drive to excel, the capability to articulate the big picture, the passion to achieve, and the ability to play well together."

The foundation for the Raytheon-UMass Amherst partnership is based on trust and mutual respect. It is a partnership that has not only graduated many successful engineers but has also enabled successful projects like CASA to thrive. It was clear from the energy in the room that guests were genuinely happy to participate in the event, renew acquaintances with past associates and foster new relationships. All guests were encouraged stay engaged with each other and the program to see what could be accomplished in the next 30 years.