The Griffin | Volume 1, Issue 3

Page 3: SUNY Poly MoU Signing

Page 4: Staff Summer BBQ

Page 6: Griffiss Grounds Podcast

A Note from ELT

Summer is here and the hum of incoming students, researchers, and guests is buzzing across the GI’s national network. In Rome, maybe it’s Drone City testing within Innovare Studios or our VICEROY students assuming their summer posts securing systems at Army Research Laboratory. The Griffiss Institute is proud to welcome folks from all walks of life to Innovare Advancement Center and all of our DoD host sites across our great nation each summer, and this year is no different.

Throughout the summer, activities will continue to ramp up and bring the thrill of new faces and spaces. This is a great marker of all the progress GI has made since its inception. However, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and we encourage our employees to practice mindfulness, as well as take time to breathe and reset when needed. As we navigate the waves, we must take care of ourselves and each other to put our best foot forward and achieve the success of which we are all capable.

David

Semadeni

Chief Financial Officer

At the time of publishing the third issue of The Griffin, GI has already welcomed to Rome approximately 40 Information Institute faculty and students, five teams in the EMERGE track of HUSTLE, and nearly 40 ACE interns to the 2024 season; not to mention 13 students in the AFRL Challenge Competition back in April! Coming soon are over 60 RI Interns, 2 CO-OPS, 6 NEATEC interns, three HUSTLE teams on the ELEVATE track, and 40 VICEROY interns.

Beyond Rome, the Griffiss Institute is proud to support Air & Space STEM Outreach at 39 Air Force bases nationwide, Air Force LEGACY at 5 locations, and the operation of over 40 colleges and universities as part of the Virtual Institutes established through VICEROY. VICEROY students are settling into new roles at ARL, NRL, Keesler, Eglin, Joint Base San Antonio, NIWC PAC, and Keyport. These national endeavors underscore the breadth of GI’s impact and ability to support the national agenda and our capacity to shape the future of technology and the future workforce for the American defense industrial base.

We are committed to facilitating these experiences year after year. Our dedicated, resilient, and industrious employees consistently deliver outcomes that strengthen our national security and economic competitiveness, embodying our core values and fostering an environment conducive to collective success.

So, here’s to an epic summer and all that’s to come!

Editor & Publisher: Pam Mustee

Content & Design: Ashley LaForce and Darian Deeley

Photo & Video Production: Daryn Boulerice

Graphic Design: Darian Deeley and Corrine Bush

If you are interested in submitting a story, announcement, update, or other item to The Griffin, please submit your request to GI News found on the GI Corporate Dashboard. If you have any questions or would like addtional information, please contact marketing@griffissinstitute.org.

The Griffin is a publication of the Griffiss Institute MarCom Department. All information herein is reported to the best of our ability and knowledge. Should you have changes or corrections please direct them to Pam Mustee, Marketing and Communications Manager.

©2024 The Griffiss Institute

Griffiss

Tracy DiMeo

Todd Hummiston

Mike Feng

Jon Parry

Seth Mulligan

Dr. John Salerno

Jennifer McCullough

Kelly Poynter

Pam Mustee

Jennifer Marshall

Ben Graniero

Wendy Carpenter

Makenzi Enos

Tom Kramer

Ashley Springer

Heather Hage President & CEO

Mike Wessing Chief Engineer

Todd Humiston Chief Talent Officer

Seth Mulligan Chief Operations Officer

Tracy DiMeo Executive Office Manager

Melissa Tallman Chief Brand Officer

SUNY Poly Joins Innovare Alliance with Official MoU Signing

The Griffiss Institute has announced a significant new partnership with the State University of New York Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration marks SUNY Poly as the eleventh member of the Innovare Alliance, a consortium dedicated to fostering high-quality educational, training, research, and entrepreneurial opportunities across Upstate New York.

The partnership aims to enhance cooperation among academic, industrial, and defense sectors in the region, focusing on the development of technical and professional skills. By fostering a skilled workforce, the Innovare Alliance seeks to maintain and enhance Upstate New York’s competitiveness in technological advancements and career opportunities.

SUNY Poly brings substantial expertise and a commitment to excellence to the Innovare Alliance. Dr. Winston Soboyejo, President of SUNY Poly, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the university’s dedication to leveraging the talents of its students, faculty, and staff to address societal and technological challenges. “These ideals align perfectly with the Alliance’s efforts to expand access to high-quality educational, training, research, and entrepreneurial opportunities in Upstate New York and beyond,” Dr. Soboyejo stated. He emphasized the importance of tackling emerging challenges in fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and unmanned aerial systems.

Wayne Westervelt, Chief of Staff and Vice President for External Relations at SUNY Poly, lauded the Griffiss Institute for its role as an innovation hub that provides valuable learning and research opportunities. He expressed optimism about the strengthened collaboration, aiming to develop joint academic and professional development programs, interdisciplinary research, and expanded educational and entrepreneurial opportunities in the Mohawk Valley and beyond.

Heather Hage, President and CEO of the Griffiss Institute, underscored the critical role of collaboration among academic, industrial, and defense entities. She expressed excitement about the partnership’s potential to spur new ventures that benefit both communities and industries. “Together, we are poised to reach unprecedented heights and leave a lasting imprint on our world,” Hage affirmed.

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The partnership will bring a renewed focus on entrepreneurship within the Innovare Alliance. Seth Mulligan, Chief Operating Officer at the Griffiss Institute, highlighted the importance of the collaboration for entrepreneurial activities, noting that it opens new avenues for ventures that reinforce innovation and drive economic growth in Upstate New York.

Through this collaboration, Griffiss Institute and SUNY Poly aim to develop new programs that will increase the number of skilled professionals in engineering, computer, and mathematical fields in Upstate New York. The partnership will create an environment conducive to innovation, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and mentorship, to accelerate the development of commercially viable technologies.

The Innovare Alliance includes prominent entities such as the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate, Oneida County, the City of Rome, NYSTEC, Central New York Defense Alliance, and several academic institutions including the Rochester Institute of Technology, Binghamton University, and Le Moyne College. The addition of SUNY Poly strengthens the Alliance’s mission to accelerate the development and deployment of emerging technologies for both national defense and commercial markets.

Staff Celebrates Summer with BBQ

On May 14, 2024, on-site Griffiss Institute employees celebrated the incoming summer season with a BBQ hosted by our very own Culture Club. Culture Club, a joint effort including representatives from each department, strives to enhance the company culture of GI and ensure a positive experience for all employees.

There was delicious food, yard games, and good company as staff paraded outside to take a welldeserved break from the daily grind. This potluck-style ode to summer fun included burgers and hot dogs, classics like potato salad and chips, as well as yummy desserts such as cheesecake and brookies – the delightful combination of brownies and cookies – to satisfy that sweet tooth.

Heather Hage, president and CEO of GI, took a moment to honor recently retired Griffiss Institute employee, Gregory Ianello. Greg has been as invaluable asset to the GI’s mission. He was recognized on May 6, 2024, by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for his exceptional career from being an honored veteran to serving the Department of Defense in multiple avenues. Greg’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the US, as well as warm personality, made him wellloved among GI employees.

In addition to the regularly on-site staff, the crowd was joined by Jordan Rader, Air & Space STEM Outreach Manager of Digital Learning and remote GI employee, as well as Denise Wright, FY24 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow. The pair flew in from Ohio and D.C., respectively, to capture 360° video of the Quantum Labs for a virtual interactive experience for all to enjoy on their website, dafstem.org.

#GIfamily

#Thankyouforeverything

On the Horizon: ‘Griffiss Grounds’ Podcast Takes Flight

An exciting new endeavor, part of the Innovare Elevation Series along with Coffee & Concepts, is brewing under the name Griffiss Grounds. This platform, aptly named “Grounds,” pays homage to both coffee culture and the foundational support upon which we build our endeavors. Hosted by Melissa Tallman, Chief Brand Officer, and produced by Corrine Bush, Digital Marketing Associate, along with assistance from several other members of our marketing team, this podcast promises engaging conversations and insightful guests from the technology sphere. Set to launch in early June, let’s sip some coffee and explore the world of innovation together!

Sustainable Styles: Tech Threads Gives Interns Opportunity to Dress for Less

A new initiative known as Tech Threads will launch this summer with the goal of providing no-cost, sustainable clothing options to interns, entrepreneurs, and others in the tech industry who may find themselves lost in the middle of building their professional wardrobe.

Suits, button-downs, dresses and more, Tech Threads is looking for your donations of gently used or new clothing for all genders, sizes, and styles. Your contribution will help aspiring tech professionals present themselves with confidence and professionalism at interviews, networking events, meetings, and beyond.

To coordinate donations or ask questions, contact: Melissa Tallman, Chief Brand Officer, mtallman@griffissinstitute.org

HOST PRODUCER

All the Happenings

Work Anniversaries

1 YEAR

Ariana Belluscio - 5/16

Bambi Patterson - 5/30

Yu Chen - 6/12

Matthew Gwilt - 6/19

Darian Deeley - 6/19

2 YEARS

Wendy Carpenter - 5/2

Daryn Boulerice - 6/10

Patti DeVoe - 6/27

Dylan Snow - 6/27

3 YEARS

Heather Hage - 5/1

Nick Wilcox - 6/7

Birthdays

Svea Anderson - 5/12

Patti DeVoe - 5/15

Melissa Tallman - 5/28

Bill Carman - 6/1

Darian Deeley - 6/9

Stacey Lazzelle - 6/17

Madison Venables - 6/29

John Robinson - 6/29

Ashley LaForce - 6/30

Eric Royer - 6/30

New Hireswelcome

Eric Royer, Student Support Specialist

Kurt Bessel, I&P Activation Scout

Tanya Waite, I&P Activation Scout

May 2, 2024 - SUNY Poly

Staff Spotlight

Kramer Operations Division Safety & Security Operations Manager

How long have you been working at the Griffiss Institute?

About a year and a half

Tell us a little about what you do here:

I split my time as Safety and Security Operations Manager facilitating all safety and security aspects for the GI and IAC, as well as assisting the VICEROY program as the ROTC Lead to engage ROTC students to better prepare the DoD Cyber and Electromagnetic Spectrum military workforce.

What is your favorite part of working at the GI?

Amazing people focused on a common mission goal, and the opportunity to directly impact our local community and nation!

What are your hobbies outside of work?

I enjoy spending time outdoors, golfing and fishing when I can, and am active in my church

Do you have any pets? If not, what kind of pet would you like to have?

We have 2 dogs, an 11-year-old Springer Spaniel named Emma and a 5-year-old Weimaraner/Plott Hound mix... great dogs, but our mix seems to like TV remotes, so we buy them in bulk now (currently gone through about 15 remotes).

What is your favorite song?

Not sure I could pin down a single favorite as I like to listen to everything from classic rock (70s-90s), to country and Christian music

Recommend one of your favorite local businesses: I like La Roma (Floyd Ave, Rome) for pizza/Italian and the Franklin Hotel (James St, Rome) for a good variety and excellent bread and desserts!

Tom

TheGriffin Crossword Puzzle

For your enjoyment each issue of The Griffin will have an interactive game donning some of the best trivia around. Complete it on your own or with friends... But most important have fun with it! Click the puzzle below or head to: https://puzzel.org/crossword/play?p=-Ny0c4_bMbn96vGsd5WP to play virtually.

across

3. A sandy summer destination

4. Over 100 GI employees share this job title between May and August

7. Event where newly hired employees are welcomed to their new workplace and introduced to their job, organization, work environment, and colleagues

9. Interns in this program participate in weekly runs

10. This event is the longest day of the year

11. A variety of these can be found outside Innovare Advancement Center between 1am-1pm during the summer

down

1. This program was the first to welcome their participants into the IAC for the summer

2. Select interns in the VICEROY program will get the opportunity to visit this prestigous location at the conclusion of their summer

5. A packed meal that one may eat on a beach, for example 6. Parks and __________

8. This federal holiday was first celebrated in 1865

10. The official start of this season