FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Liz Cooper
781-540-1231
ecooper@massbay.edu
WELLESLEY HILLS, Mass. (May 15, 2024) — Towerwall Inc., a leading cybersecurity firm headquartered in Framingham, has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering education and supporting the next generation of cybersecurity professionals by presenting MassBay Community College President David Podell with a generous donation of $7,500 for cybersecurity student scholarships. This contribution marks another significant milestone in MassBay’s ongoing partnership with Towerwall and its CEO, Michelle Drolet, which spans 14 years and has raised more than $65,000 for student scholarships.
![Framingham-based Towerwall presents MassBay Community College with a check for $7,500 from last year’s Info Security Summi]( "Framingham-based Towerwall presents MassBay Community College with a check for $7,500 from last year’s Info Security Summi")
Framingham-based Towerwall presents MassBay Community College with a check for $7,500 from last year’s Info Security Summit which is for student scholarships. From left to right, Sydney Johnson, MassBay Alumni Relations & Volunteer Coordinator; Marcus Edward, MassBay Vice President for Administration & Finance; Michelle Drolet, CEO & Founder, Towerwall; Tony Sena, Professor and Chair of the MassBay Cybersecurity Department; David Podell, MassBay President; Manoj Yeddanapudi, MassBay Computer Science Lab Manager; Mishawn Davis-Eyene, Executive Director of Development; Michael Lyons, MassBay Assistant Vice President & Chief Information Officer; Jacquelyn Drolet, Cybersecurity Sales Consultant, Towerwall pose in the College’s new cyber range located on the Wellesley Hills campus, Wellesley Hills, MA, April 2024 (Photo/ MassBay Community College)
“We are profoundly appreciative of Towerwall’s unwavering and longstanding dedication to our institution and our students,” MassBay President David Podell. “Beyond their financial contributions, Towerwall plays a pivotal role in our annual Cyber Security Summit, providing invaluable opportunities for IT professionals, and offering essential internships that equip our students with real-world experience crucial for their future careers. Their commitment to both our community and our students will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
The cybersecurity scholarships, awarded in $1,000 increments, have already empowered 38 students to continue their education. With this latest donation, an additional seven students will receive vital financial support, enabling them to focus on their studies without the financial burden.
“In the ever-changing threat landscape of cyber security our dedication to education stands strong,” said Towerwall, Inc. CEO Michelle Drolet. “Towerwall’s support for MassBay Community College emphasizes our role in building the next generation of cyber professionals. As we gather for this year’s Cyber Summit, let’s celebrate partnerships vital for building our defenses and encouraging future innovators. The Summit continues to provide invaluable insights, enriching cyber security professionals year after year.”
Reflecting on the impact of the scholarship, one cybersecurity student shared, “This scholarship has significantly alleviated my family’s financial burdens, allowing me to dedicate myself fully to my studies without worrying about how to cover expenses. I hope that one day I will also be able to help struggling students reach their goals in higher education by assisting them in the same way that I have been supported”.
Towerwall and MassBay will host the 13th Annual Cyber Security Summit on Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 7:30am – 1:30pm on the MassBay Wellesley Hills campus (50 Oakland Street). This premier cybersecurity conference provides IT professionals with the latest trends, networking with industry experts, and other opportunities for professionals to stay ahead in the ever-evolving digital world. Attendees can earn up to 6 CPE credits. All proceeds from the Cyber Security Summit are donated to MassBay in the form of student scholarships. Registration is now open and can be found here; https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-information-security-summit-registration-838594377357?_eboga=2106860776.1709738468.
MassBay Community College is the most affordable higher education option in MetroWest Boston, offering a robust portfolio of courses and more than 70 associate degree and certificate programs with flexible day, evening, and weekend classes in Ashland, Framingham, Wellesley Hills, and online. MassBay students receive an unmatched educational value by earning stackable credits that transfer to bachelor’s degree programs, and workforce-ready skills necessary to advance careers in high-demand fields such as health and life sciences, automotive technology, engineering, business, cybersecurity, and the humanities. MassBay’s Associate Degree in Nursing (RN) and Practical Nursing (LPN) programs were both ranked as the #1 Nursing Program in Massachusetts in 2020, 2021, and 2023 by national nursing advocacy organizations RegisteredNursing.org, and PracticalNursing.org. Since its founding in 1961, MassBay has been accredited by several governing bodies and remains firmly committed to its mission of meeting the needs of the diverse local communities it serves. We value the intrinsic worth of all individuals, collectively in pursuit of inclusiveness and prioritize our work towards achieving equity within our community and beyond.