July 21, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Leah Kolt
805-756-1600, lkolt@calpoly.edu
Cal Poly Alumnus Bill Swanson Appointed Vice-Chairman
of the Business-Higher Education Forum
SAN LUIS OBISPO -- College of Engineering alumnus William H. "Bill" Swanson, chairman and CEO of Raytheon Company, has been named vice chairman of the Washington-based Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF).
BHEF is a national organization of Fortune 500 CEOs and senior executives, prominent college and university presidents, and foundation leaders seeking innovative solutions to education challenges in the United States.
Swanson joins David J. Skorton, President of Cornell University, who will lead the organization as its new chairman, and Cal Poly President Warren J. Baker, who serves on the executive committee.
"BHEF is fortunate to have David Skorton and Bill Swanson at the helm. They lead the organization at a pivotal time when BHEF's initiatives include college readiness, access, and success, and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education are making a real impact," said BHEF Executive Director Brian K. Fitzgerald.
Responding to his election as vice chair, Swanson said, "I am honored to have this opportunity. Our country faces significant challenges today in preparing the workforce that will be needed tomorrow, especially in the STEM fields."
President Baker commented, “David Skorton and Bill Swanson will provide strong leadership for BHEF as it continues its work to ensure that all U.S. students graduate from high school ready for work or college, with particular emphasis on the STEM fields so critical to the continued vitality of our economy.”
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