Message from Northern Delaware Chapter President

BDPA Northern Delaware chapter was created one year ago. BDPA Northern Delaware is now the 24th largest chapter in the nation. The chapter's founder and first president is Karen Smith. She is very excited about the upcoming Awards Banquet and IT Showcase. Here is a message she shared recently with her chapter members, sponsors and stakeholders:

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You will not want to miss the BDPA Northern Delaware 1st Annual Scholarship Awards Banquet & IT Showcase!

This event will celebrate the success of the 1st year as a chartered chapter as well as generate funds to expand our program in 2009. It is hard to believe that we are almost one week away from the date in which BDPA Northern Delaware (BDPA NDE) was chartered on November 3, 2007. During 2008 we have been dedicated to the promotion of diversity within IT in the State of Delaware. The accomplishments in the last year would not have been possible without our members and supporters. BDPA NDE remains committed to excellence and providing a wide spectrum of resources to members, corporate sponsors, businesses, educational institutions and the community. The organization is a catalyst for professional growth and technical development for those in the IT industry and those who aspire to be in the IT Industry.

During the 2008 National Conference one of our students won 1st place in the High School Students IT Showcase. We hope to expand upon that success in 2009! The National BDPA Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) programs, includes the High School Computer Camp, Family Technology Day, Scholarship Programs, and the IT Showcase. These programs are making a tremendous difference in bringing diversity into the industry and helping to close the digital divide. Today is the day, the momentum is here and BDPA is the conduit to help build the future of technology here in Delaware.

The BDPA NDE Scholarship Awards Banquet and Educational Showcase is a major semi-formal networking event for members, students, educators, community leaders, corporate supporters, corporate sponsors, dignitaries and celebrities to meet and fellowship. The purpose of the banquet is to award a scholarship to deserving individuals, acknowledge the outstanding contributions of BDPA NDC members, supporting and sponsoring corporations. In addition, selected students will present their 2008 National Information Technology Showcase submissions.

Our keynote speaker is Michael L. Vaughan, Senior Assistant Dean of the University of Delaware, College of Engineering. In this role, he is responsible for the College of Engineering educational administration and external affairs enterprise. Dean Vaughan manages the College of Engineering educational support processes by developing and implementing policies, programs and interconnections to enhance the College ability to foster successful outcomes in our diverse engineering environment.

Your presence at this great event will help students explore technology development as a career option and highlight the career opportunities that are available to them as future professionals. This event will take place on November 15, 2008 at the Sheraton Suites. Please visit our website to purchase tickets, access the scholarship applications, and find our more about this event or BDPA Northern Delaware. A five dollar ($5) Board member discount will be offered to anyone purchasing a ticket directly from a BDPA Northern Delaware Board member.

Please share the values of this organization within your professional network as well as your corporation. A corporate package is available on the website for any organization that can provide corporate level sponsorship.

Sincerely,
Karen L. Smith
BDPA Northern Delaware
Delaware@BDPA.org
(302) 282-3661 (BDPA Northern Delaware Office)

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I'm hopping on a plane in a few hours to attend the banquet. I hope to have photos and updates for BETF-Blog readers over the coming weekend!