Annual Hall of Fame Event
The objective of the Long Island Technology Hall of Fame (LITHF) is to recognize, honor and preserve the contributions, accomplishments, and dedication of historical figures or current leaders in science or technology who have had, or are having, an impact on Long Island.
We all know that venture capital is a key component in Long Island’s economic engine, bridging the gap between invention and marketability. When an idea does take hold, the potential is of great significance to the funders, as well as to the ongoing vitality of a region. Many local companies, some of which are now quite large and diverse, can trace their origins to the support provided by enlightened investors. The Long Island Technology Hall of Fame adds another critical layer to this reciprocation: enlightened philanthropy. Similar to the role played by venture capitalists, the LITHF is also an important bridge through which many companies, remembering their humble beginnings, give back to their community.
As in the past, the Long Island Technology Hall of Fame will raise the funds for scholarships, outreach, and research initiatives that will ensure Long Island’s economic and intellectual leadership continues.Much of this investment is being done at the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) of Stony Brook University, which is the Island’s largest source of young talent in engineering and technology-related fields and a positive force for the region’s economic development. At the College, the LITHF helped to support nearly $60,000 in scholarships paid to 35 undergraduates in engineering and technology fields. This was also an investment in diversity as CEAS was ranked #3 in the country in Ph.D.’s to women in Engineering and #4 in M.S. degrees to women in engineering.
Our potential for continued invention on Long Island is great, especially with so much young talent. In 2004, 83 students from the Island were selected as semifinalists in the prestigious Intel Science competition. Forty percent of them, 33 in all, worked with Stony Brook faculty, in the University’s laboratories. This is more than 10% of the 300 Intel semifinalists selected nationwide. Similarly, four of the 40 Intel finalists did their work at SBU, which is 10% of the national total. The compelling numbers reinforce the role higher education plays in developing the research talents of exceptional high school students. The LI Technology Hall of Fame served as an important resource for the programs in which these exceptional young people were involved to achieve this level of success.
The objectives of the Long Island Technology Hall of Fame are to recognize, honor and preserve the contributions, exceptional accomplishments, and dedication of historical figures or current leaders in science or technology who have had, or are having, an impact on Long Island.
Inductees are selected impartially from among individual nominees submitted by corporate, research, and academic institutions, as well as colleagues, peers, or other personal associates.
The LITHF Nomination and Awards Selection Committee then determines the most qualified inductees according to intellectual acumen, lifetime achievement, overall impact on the advancement of science and technology, national prominence, contributions to Long Island's economic development and commitment to the Long Island community.