GOLDEN, Colo., Jan. 15, 2016 -- The Denver-Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Association for Computer Operations and Management (AFCOM) today broke new ground in the data center design and operation industry by sponsoring a data center-focused scholarship at Colorado School of Mines.
The endowed scholarship will be awarded each year to a junior in mechanical or electrical engineering, or computer science studies, to encourage the cross-disciplinary curriculum necessary to prepare for a career in the data center industry. “We’re at a great time in the data center market,” said chapter president, Rachel Barrett. “There is strong demand for data center design and construction services, and for on-going operations, but the number of available candidates is not keeping pace. This scholarship will encourage study and work in the industry.”
AFCOM Denver-Rocky Mountain plans to integrate scholarship winners in its quarterly meetings and annual Symposium, and to use the new relationship with Colorado School of Mines to expand research, intern opportunities, and academic involvement with the Rocky Mountain region’s data center companies.
“AFCOM advances data center professionals by delivering education and peer-to-peer networking to its members around the globe,” said Mark Monroe, treasurer of the chapter. “We started thinking that we could extend that mission to the university level, and raised the funds for the scholarship through our local events. Our sponsors deserve a lot of credit.” Monroe says one goal is to inspire other AFCOM chapters around the country to work more closely with their university colleagues.
Scholarship awards begin next year and will continue in perpetuity, thanks to the Colorado School of Mines Foundation management of the endowment. “We are thrilled with this new partnership between Mines and AFCOM. This endowed scholarship illustrates their dedication to engaging with students who are interested in data center and computer facility design, operations and management. We have no doubt that this scholarship will provide both resources and professional support for Mines students,” said Brian Winkelbauer, president and COO of the Colorado School of Mines Foundation.
AFCOM President Tom Roberts also applauded the Denver-Rocky Mountain Chapter for their efforts.
“I would like to personally thank the AFCOM Denver Chapter on creating this scholarship program and presenting such a generous check to Mines. The Denver Chapter has put a big step forward keeping our industry viable for the future by assisting in the education the next generation of professionals following in our footsteps. This surely sets a goal for all our chapters to follow. Congratulations to both the chapter board, its members and of course Colorado School of Mines.”
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| From left: Dave Leonard (chapter VP), Mark Monroe (chapter treasurer), Rachel Barrett (chapter president), Cindy Joos (chapter secretary), Amy Kusek (Mines Foundation assistant director), Haley Salzwedel (Mines student) and Brian Winklebauer (CSM Foundation president). |
About AFCOM
AFCOM advances data center professionals by delivering comprehensive and vendor-neutral education and peer-to-peer networking to its members around the globe. Through forward-looking research by Data Center Institute, publications including Data Center Management Magazine, local chapters, regional symposiums, and major events like Data Center World, AFCOM supports thousands of data center professionals in their career advancement. In serving the greater data center industry for more than 30 years, AFCOM has earned recognition as the market leader in connecting the data center community.
About Colorado School of Mines
Colorado School of Mines is a highly selective, public research university, offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in engineering and applied sciences. Mines is internationally recognized for its education and research programs focusing on stewardship of the earth and its resources, developing advanced materials and applications, addressing the earth’s energy challenges, and fostering environmentally sound and sustainable solutions.
Contact:
Karen Gilbert, Director of Public Relations, Colorado School of Mines | 303-273-3541 | kgilbert@mines.edu
Kathleen Morton, Digital Media and Communications Manager, Colorado School of Mines | 303-273-3088 | kmorton@mines.edu
