FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2007
Media Contact: Michael Corby 904.632.3310

FCCJ’s Schmidt to be honored at Cisco Academy 10-year anniversary salute
102 instructors and alumni from 50 states and D.C. help mark milestone in public and private partnership model

Florida Community College Professor Cheryl A. Schmidt, Network Engineering Technology, will be honored at an event in the District of Columbia Oct. 2-3, marking the 10th anniversary of the Cisco Networking Academy.

Schmidt has been with FCCJ for 18 years, 12 of which have been as a faculty member in the Network Engineering Technology department at the Advanced Technology Center, Downtown Campus. She was the first faculty member to teach Cisco Networking Academy classes and has been an active participant in course, curriculum, and assessment development. Students and graduates from the Network Engineering Technology programs are able to obtain well-paying jobs in computer and network support.

Over the past decade, the Networking Academy has demonstrated success in providing students with valuable skills and knowledge in networking and information technology (IT), leading to advanced academic exploration and career development. Students and graduates worldwide benefit from gaining in-demand skills, increasing their earning power and often advancing their education to aid in the development of their countries and local economies.

“We are pleased to acknowledge a select group of Cisco Networking Academy alumni and instructors at the 10-year anniversary salute,” said Gene Longo, senior manager of the Cisco Networking Academy U.S. Field Operations. “According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, five of the fastest-growing occupations for college-educated job seekers through 2014 will be in information technology. We applaud these individuals for their contributions in helping to raise awareness of the opportunities in this industry and the benefits to students and our nation.”

The Networking Academy has provided more than 1.6 million students in more than 160 countries with IT and networking skills essential to succeed in the global economy. Since 1997, more than 500,000 Networking Academy students in the U.S. have completed a course and been equipped with the Internet technology skills required to help ensure U.S. competitiveness and innovation in the 21st century. For more information about the Cisco Networking Academy program, visit Cisco’s Academy Connection.