Keith Cassidy named 2008 Cooperative Education Division Student of the Year
More than 60 engineering/science schools vie for the prize
HOBOKEN , N.J. —Keith B. Cassidy ’09 has won the Cooperative Education Student of the Year Award from the American Society for Engineering Education, which was presented to Cassidy earlier this month in Orlando , Fl. Students from more than 60 engineering/science colleges and university competed for the prize.
Cassidy will receive three degrees from Stevens upon graduation in May: Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering (with a Minor in Music); Master of Engineering in Engineered Software Systems: and a Graduate Certificate in network Information Systems.
“Keith is an extraordinary, impressive young man whose drive and time-management skills have allowed him to take full advantage of the academic, extracurricular and experiential opportunities available at Stevens, as well as opportunities in the greater community,” said Maura O’Connor, Cooperative Education Coordinator.
“Keith’s aptitude for success exists both inside and outside of the classroom. A scholar, leader, volunteer, musician and engineer only partially describe this exceptional young man. More telling is Keith’s outstanding character, which is present in all of his endeavors. He truly embodies the essence of Stevens' co-op, and we are delighted that he has been selected as the national Cooperative Education Division 2008 Student of the Year.”
Keith completed three co-op assignments, which was part of the eligibility criteria. He first worked with United Parcel Service, and then worked with Movado Group, Inc., where he completed multiple terms. The latter also provided him with increased levels of responsibility and more progressive assignments.
His primary achievements involve becoming a Systems Applications and Products expert (training domestic and international employees in preparation for global SAP implementation) and becoming acquainted with the overall business process, including global sales and distribution. His technical competency and interpersonal skills led him to Switzerland and Hong Kong , where he represented the entire New Jersey division of Movado in order to train power users for global SAP implementation.
Cassidy has also been the recipient of curricular, arts and activity-based scholarships and has regularly been on the Dean’s List. Identifying his academic goals early, he engaged in the pursuit to complete a Bachelor degree, a Minor, a Graduate Certificate and a Master degree in five years, in addition to 23 months of co-op work experience.
“Even with his high level of involvement, Keith still finds time to volunteer,” said O’Connor. “On several occasions, he has assisted the Co-op Office during our Employer Interview Days,” and engaged in a voting drive.
“He’s a remarkable individual,” she added.
Cassidy attributes his success to the Stevens co-op program. “If it were not for my co-op experiences, I would not have gained the skills necessary to be where I am today,” he said. “My experiences have shown me the inner workings of the corporate world, both domestically and abroad. I am assured that I will travel internationally and experience different cultures as it is now a part of my life goal. By participating in the co-op program, I have gained the confidence to take advantage of all of life’s opportunities.” Cassidy has accepted a full-time position with Movado Group, Inc. upon graduation in May.
About Stevens Institute of Technology
Founded in 1870, Stevens Institute of Technology is one of the leading technological universities in the world dedicated to learning and research. Through its broad-based curricula, nurturing of creative inventiveness, and cross disciplinary research, the Institute is at the forefront of global challenges in engineering, science, and technology management. Partnerships and collaboration between, and among, business, industry, government and other universities contribute to the enriched environment of the Institute. A new model for technology commercialization in academe, known as Technogenesis®, involves external partners in launching business enterprises to create broad opportunities and shared value.
Stevens offers baccalaureates, master’s and doctoral degrees in engineering, science, computer science and management, in addition to a baccalaureate degree in the humanities and liberal arts, and in business and technology. The university has a total enrollment of 2,150 undergraduate and 3,500 graduate students, with about 250 full-time faculty. Stevens’ graduate programs have attracted international participation from China, India, Southeast Asia, Europe and Latin America. Additional information may be obtained from its web page at www.stevens.edu.
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