L-3 Platform Integration Establishes Endowed Scholarship in Baylor's School of Engineering and Computer Science

October 2, 2013

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Contact: Lori Fogleman, (254) 710-6275

Scholarship extends partnership between L-3 Platform Integration and Baylor University

WACO, Texas (Oct. 2, 2013) - Baylor University announced today the establishment of the L-3 Endowed Scholarship Fund in the School of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS), provided by a gift from L-3 Platform Integration to benefit future Baylor engineering and computer science majors. The scholarship represents another step in the meaningful partnership between L-3 and Baylor University ECS.

"I am thrilled that L-3 is endowing a scholarship in the School of Engineering and Computer Science," said Dennis O'Neal, Ph.D., dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science. "L-3 and Baylor have had a close relationship over the years. This scholarship should help support a high-achieving student and demonstrates L-3's commitment to our academic programs."

Nick Farah, executive vice president of L-3 Platform Systems and president of L-3 Platform Integration, distinctly understands the need for highly-trained engineers.

"Developing the next generation of engineers is important for both our community and L-3," Farah said. "Investing in this endowed scholarship provides an additional avenue for students to earn a world-class engineering degree right here in Central Texas."

The endowed scholarship proved to be a natural extension of the working relationship between Baylor and L-3 Platform Integration. This partnership includes a number of varied projects, both in and out of the classroom. A member of the ECS Board of Advocates, L-3 Platform Integration has financially supported graduate-level research projects in the Mechanical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments, as well as the Baylor Baja Society of Automotive Engineers competition team. Additionally, students have been enriched by the expertise of the company's engineers, who have served as mentors or participated in Baylor classes as speakers.

"L-3 has been a stalwart partner to Baylor for many years," said Truell Hyde, Ph.D., vice provost for research at Baylor. "We currently have multiple projects funded through them, supporting our faculty and students and providing research germane to L-3's mission. These have proven so successful that they recently signed a lease to move their engineers working on these projects into the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative (BRIC), making them our first and primary industry partner within the Discovery Park."

L-3 engineers at the BRIC work directly with Baylor faculty researchers on collaborations sponsored by the company. Over the last two decades, L-3 has hired more than 40 engineers from Baylor's engineering program.

"This scholarship is yet one more example of how L-3 continues to support Baylor as we work together to serve Greater Waco and beyond," Hyde said.

To learn more about the L-3 Endowed Scholarship in the School of Engineering and Computer Science or to learn how you can support this and other scholarships at Baylor University, contact Kristen Box at (254) 710-2561 or Kristen_A_Box@baylor.edu.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having "high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The university provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 15,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating university in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 11 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.

ABOUT L-3 PLATFORM INTEGRATION

L-3 Platform Integration is a large-scale systems integration organization known internationally for its design, integration and flight science engineering expertise. The company provides complex aircraft modernization, sustainment and modification services for military and commercial customers. L-3 Platform Integration leverages a workforce of highly skilled artisans and engineers in disciplines that include the full range of aeronautical flight sciences and mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as highly skilled aviation technicians. L-3 Platform Integration has modified hundreds of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft of virtually all types - from single-engine turboprop aircraft to helicopters to jets of all sizes. It integrates state-of-the-art technology on military and commercial platforms for U.S. and international customers. This includes performing avionics modernization and upgrades to mission systems; command, control and communications systems; and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems. L-3 Platform Integration also provides luxurious interiors and self-protection systems on large aircraft for Head-of-State and VIP customers and integration services for major propulsion manufacturers.