HOBOKEN, N.J. Tomorrow, Friday, July 11, beginning at 10 a.m., Stevens Institute of Technology will hold an inaugural ceremony to kick off the Department of Homeland Security-designated Center of Excellence in Port Security.

The event will begin at 10 a.m. in the atrium of the Lawrence T. Babbio Center for Technology Management, located at 6 th Street and River Terrace in Hoboken, N.J. Media who wish to attend should contact Patrick A. Berzinski, Director of University Communications, at 201-216-5687.

Appearing to make remarks will be Stevens’ President Harold J. Raveche; Dean of Engineering and Science, Michael S. Bruno; and Mr. Jay Cohen, Under Secretary, Science and Technology Directorate, US Department of Homeland Security.

Also confirmed to speak at this time are Senator Robert Menendez, Congressman Steven R. Rothman and Congressman Albio Sires. Joining them on the platform will be university partner in the Center of Excellence, Richard L. McCormick, President of Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and officials from Stevens’ other university partners including M.I.T, the University of Miami, Monmouth University and the US Merchant Marine Academy.

Tours of the Center Command Facility will be held beginning at 12 p.m. followed by a light luncheon.

What: Stevens kicks off DHS Center of Excellence in Port Security

When: July 11, 2008 beginning at 10 a.m., ending 1:30 p.m.

Where: Stevens Institute of Technology, Lawrence T. Babbio Center for Technology Management

Who: Officials from Stevens Institute of Technology, Senator Robert Menendez, Congressmen Rothman and Sires and university partners