During the last year, members of Capitol Technology University’s Alumni Association raised close to $9,000 to support the Fusion Lab, which provides resources for interdisciplinary systems engineering projects such as Hermes and TRAPSat.
With these funds, the Lab was able to procure a new 3D printer, the RoVa3D, which can handle detail-intense projects as well as larger-scale items. It also purchased a set of flight-ready solar cells, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) kits, LEDs and light sensors, and a much –needed new lab table.
With these tools, we’re able to further advance the technology used in our satellite programs and other projects at the school, as well as making resources available to students who want to learn about 3D printing and advance their education to further benefit their careers.” said lab manager Michael Strittmatter. “And it’s all thanks to the support we received from alumni.”
This year, the Association is hoping to repeat the success – this time raising support for the Cyber Battle Team as it prepares to compete in the annual Mid-Atlantic Cyber Defense Competition (MACCDC) and, should they make it through, the National Cyber Defense Competition (NCCDC). The annual fundraising appeal is being held in conjunction with Giving Tuesday, observed on December 1 – although donations can be made any time.
The funds raised will help the team travel to meets, provide uniforms, and license Cobalt Strike Adversary Simulation Software, a tool which replicates the tactics and techniques used by an advanced adversary. Having this software available could well be the deciding factor in whether the team is able to ace the regionals and get through to the national-level competition.
Bill Butler, chair of the cybersecurity program, invites alumni to think of the Cyber Battle Lab the way people often do with their university sports teams. Capitol, as a small, engineering and computer science-focused school, does not have an athletic program as such – but the Cyber Battle Team does represent the university in a competitive setting.
“This is our sports team,” Butler said. “And they’ll make you proud.”
According to Butler, Capitol’s participation in the Cyber Defense Competition plays a key role in boosting awareness of the university and opening up career opportunities for graduates. “Employers often hear about Capitol through this team, and it’s an avenue for preparing students to take on the real-world challenges they will face as cybersecurity professionals,” he said.
Leah Caputo, assistant director of development, said donating to Capitol makes a tangible difference in the lives of students, opening up opportunities and resources that would otherwise not be there.
“Because Capitol is a small school, every alumni dollar has a direct and measurable impact,” she said.
“It’s not like graduating from one of the larger universities, where you may have no idea what your donation is being used for. As an ‘active alum,’ you can take pride in knowing you’ve contributed directly to the success of a program and its students.”
She also urged alumni to stay involved with Capitol through the Alumni Association. No special steps are required to join up – any graduating student is already considered a member.
The association is spearheaded by the Alumni Council, which plans and co-ordinates alumni events and defines priorities for alumni support. The Council currently consists of president Nicole Patton ‘07, vice president Ken Kassing ‘03, secretary Tom Bagg ‘95, Arnold Webster ’05, Amie Seisay ’11 and Dan Ford ’10.
For inquiries about the Alumni Association and Council, or to find out more about how you can get involved, e-mail alumni@captechu.edu.