President Elizabeth Burmaster has announced the 2020 recipients of the Frederick Community College President’s Business Appreciation Awards. These annual awards recognize business and non-profit partners for their commitment, contributions, and support of the College mission and its students.

“Our business partnerships are a critical part of ensuring our students have every opportunity to succeed while at FCC and once they enter the workforce,” FCC President Elizabeth Burmaster said. “We are proud to recognize and celebrate our 2020 award recipients for the significant impact they have on our students, as well as our community as a whole.”
 
Non-Profit Partner of the Year – Advocates for Homeless Families

FCC has had a longstanding partnership with Advocates for Homeless Families (AFHF), which help homeless and at-risk families achieve success and self-sufficiency through a comprehensive program of support. 
 
Through a close working relationship, FCC refers homeless or at-risk students with children to AFHF to address their housing needs.  The assistance that AFHF provides those students makes it easier for them to stay enrolled at FCC.
 
AFHF also refers their participants to FCC to acquire training or education to help them move toward self-sufficiency. AFHF program staff often connect participants to the Office of Adult Services, where they receive information and assistance to enroll in training or programs of study, acquire funding resources, and are supported as they complete their studies.

“We are grateful to AFHF for filling a vital need in our community,” President Burmaster said. “We have seen firsthand the incredible ways AFHF supports participants as they overcome challenges and better themselves. We are proud to work with AFHF to provide training and education that can change the future for participants.”

Business Donor of the Year – Brian Gaudet and Dr. MJ Rosovitz of the Battelle National Biodefense Institute (BNBI)
 
Communications Director Brian Gaudet and Senior Principal Investigator Dr. MJ Rosovitz are being recognized for their work and partnership on behalf of Battelle National Biodefense Institute (BNBI) that supports FCC students through the FCC Foundation. BNBI manages and operates the National Biodefense Analysis & Countermeasures Center for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
 
Last year, Brian and Dr. Rosovitz played a critical role in the creation of the Battelle National Biodefense Institute STEM Scholarship. The $6,000 a year scholarship is awarded to two students enrolled in cybersecurity, computer science, biology, biotechnology, math, chemistry, or engineering (STEM) at FCC. This scholarship is renewable annually until the student graduates.
 
Earlier this year, BNBI also donated three MacBook Pro laptops that can be used by students studying in the FCC Biotechnology program.
 
“We thank Brian, Dr. Rosovitz, and BNBI for believing in our students,” President Burmaster said. “Their support helps FCC serve its mission and makes it easier for our STEM students to reach their academic and career goals.”