Category Archives: News

Texas Nuclear Summit Announces Former Energy Secretaries Rick Perry and Ernie Moniz to Keynote Lunch Panel

Austin, TX, July 26, 2024 –Former U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry and former U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest J. Moniz will be the keynote speakers at the upcoming Texas Nuclear Summit, hosted by the Texas Nuclear Alliance. The Secretaries will engage in a lunchtime panel discussion about the future of nuclear power and its role in securing America’s energy independence.

“We are thrilled to have two distinguished leaders like Secretary Perry and Secretary Moniz share their insights at the Texas Nuclear Summit given their unique perspectives and experiences leading the U.S. Department of Energy under two different administrations,” said Reed Clay, President of the Texas Nuclear Alliance. “In an ever-advancing world with growing economies and fast-paced change, we know that nuclear plays a vital role in the future success of Texas and the U.S. We look forward to hearing Sec. Perry’s and Sec. Moniz’s wisdom on how the advancement of nuclear technology and policy can bring continued energy security and prosperity to Texas, the United States and the world.”

The Texas Nuclear Summit will take place on November 18, 2024 in Austin, TX. Tickets and sponsorship information is available at https://nucleartexas.com/.

“Nuclear energy is safe, reliable, and clean energy that the United States must embrace and it’s critical for our energy and our national security,” said Rick Perry, U.S. Secretary of Energy from 2017-2019. “I look forward to discussing these topics at the Texas Nuclear Summit and I applaud the Texas Nuclear Alliance for its efforts to bring together industry innovators, policymakers, and grassroots supporters. Texas needs nuclear energy and nuclear energy needs Texas.”

“Nuclear energy can play an essential role in the global effort to manage climate change, provide clean electricity, decarbonize industrial systems, and bolster energy security and reliability,” said Ernest J. Moniz, U.S. Secretary of Energy from 2013-2017. “For nuclear to make a meaningful contribution toward each of these goals, we need to rethink how we conceive, build, regulate, and finance these technologies and projects. I’m looking forward to discussing the challenges and opportunities with next-generation nuclear power at the conference.”

The Center for Cyber Diplomacy and Leadership (CCDL) Announces Strategic Partnership with George Washington University

Washington, DC, July 26, 2024 — The Center for Cyber Diplomacy and Leadership (CCDL), a pioneering initiative dedicated to enhancing global cybersecurity cooperation and leadership, particularly among African nations, is proud to announce its strategic partnership with The George Washington University School of Business (GWSB) today. The CCDL, was officially formed in November 2023, with Dr. Pape Cissé serving as the Executive Director.

The CCDL’s mission is to empower leaders with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives necessary to excel in cybersecurity and cyber diplomacy, fostering international cooperation and protecting national interests. Operating as a public utility corporation, the Center embodies a commitment to global digital security.

A cornerstone of the CCDL’s strategic vision is its newly announced partnership with GWSB, leveraging the institution’s academic excellence and resources to drive impactful cybersecurity initiatives. This collaboration aims to provide a robust platform for research, education, and policy advocacy, ensuring the development of future leaders in the field of cybersecurity.

Target Audience:
The CCDL focuses on high-ranking African leaders, pivotal in shaping policies and strategies governing national security and diplomatic relations. The target audience includes:

Heads of African States
Heads of Governments
Ministers and Cabinet Members
Ambassadors
Senior Government Officials
Heads of Agencies
Managing Directors
Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs)
Policy Advisors and Analysts
Representatives of Regional Organizations
Private Sector Executives
Academic and Research Institutions
Military and Defense Officials
Law Enforcement Officials

Ambassador Omar Arouna, Co-Founder and Board Chair of CCDL, stated, “The formation of the CCDL represents a significant milestone in our collective effort to enhance cyber diplomacy and leadership. By partnering with The George Washington University School of Business, we are positioned to provide unparalleled educational and strategic opportunities for African leaders, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the complexities of the digital age.”

Dr. Pape Cissé, Co-Founder and Executive Director of CCDL, added, “Our mission at CCDL is to foster a secure digital environment through collaboration, innovation, and education. With the support of The George Washington University School of Business, we are committed to leading the charge in cybersecurity and cyber diplomacy, addressing the pressing challenges faced by nations around the world.”

The CCDL extends its heartfelt gratitude to The George Washington University School of Business for their unwavering support and partnership. Their dedication to academic excellence and innovation has been instrumental in the establishment and advancement of the Center.

Interim Dean Vanessa Perry of GW School of Business, expressed, “We are proud to partner with the Center for Cyber Diplomacy and Leadership. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to global education and to fostering innovative leaders who can drive solutions in critical sectors such as cybersecurity, and safeguard the future with digital and emergent technologies.”

Beckfield College Celebrates 40 Years with 93 percent NCLEX Passing Rate; Welcomes New President

Florence, KY, July 26, 2024 –Beckfield College Celebrates 40 Years with 93% NCLEX Passing Rate, Welcomes New President

Beckfield College is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Diana Lawrence as the new president of the institution. Dr. Lawrence brings a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to academic excellence and student success, positioning her as a perfect fit for Beckfield College’s mission and values.

Background and Experience
Dr. Diana Lawrence joins Beckfield College with extensive experience in higher education leadership (34 years). She holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education (administration) from Nova Southeastern University and a Master of Science in Management from National Louis University. Her career includes significant roles such as Senior Vice President/Provost and Vice President for Accreditation at Sullivan University. Additionally, Dr. Lawrence has served as an accreditation team member for various accrediting bodies since 1994 and is the founder of Dr. World® Productions, a professional development organization dedicated to education, mentorship, and community service. She received national recognition as an unstoppable women entrepreneur of 2022.

Throughout her career, Dr. Lawrence has been recognized for her innovative approach to education, emphasizing student-centered learning and community engagement. Her work in enhancing curriculum development, fostering inclusive learning environments, and championing student success initiatives has earned her numerous accolades and the respect of her peers.

Why Beckfield College?
Dr. Lawrence’s decision to join Beckfield College was driven by the institution’s strong commitment to providing quality education and its supportive community atmosphere. “I am honored to join Beckfield College at such a pivotal time,” Dr. Lawrence stated. “The college’s dedication to student success over the last 40 years, coupled with its focus on practical, hands-on learning experiences, aligns perfectly with my own educational philosophy. I am particularly impressed with the NCLEX-RN pass rate of 93% for the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) program, which speaks volumes about the quality of education and preparation our students receive from our talented faculty and academic administrators. I look forward to working with the faculty and staff to continue building on Beckfield’s legacy of excellence.”

In addition to maintaining high academic standards, Dr. Lawrence plans to put the international program in motion, expanding opportunities for students from around the globe to benefit from Beckfield’s top-tier education.

A Vision for the Future

Under Dr. Lawrence’s leadership, Beckfield College aims to:

Expand Educational Programs: Introduce new programs and courses to meet the evolving needs of students and the job market.
Enhance Student Support Services: Improve support services to ensure that all students have the resources they need to succeed.
Strengthen Community Partnerships: Build stronger ties with local businesses and organizations to provide students with real-world learning opportunities and career pathways.
Implement International Programs: Develop and launch programs to attract and support international students.

Busch Marine Inc. is Launching a Search Mission for the Wreck of SS I’m Alone

Plainwell, MI, July 26, 2024 –Busch Marine Inc., with locations in Plainwell, Freeland, and Carrollton Michigan, is embarking on a search mission for the wreck of the SS I’m Alone. This deep ocean search will be conducted in the Gulf of Mexico at a depth of 12,000 to 16,000 feet. The SS I’m Alone was a renowned rum-running sloop during prohibition and sank in a hail of gunfire from the United States Coast Guard while sailing in international waters. The 1929 sinking of the I’m Alone and its subsequent court case was an international incident that captured the attention of people worldwide.

Nearly 100 years later, Busch Marine is launching a search mission to locate its wreck, which is deeper than the Titanic. Although the wreck has no monetary value, Busch Marine will use this project to test and develop proprietary deep ocean remote technology. This work will be conducted off our state-of-the-art research vessel, Christina Busch, which is outfitted with a certified 3-man submersible, side scan sonars, magnetometers, ROVs, camera sleds, and other marine search equipment.

Busch Marine has designed and developed a specialized ROV for use in deep ocean marine archaeological sites. The process of exploration, research, and documentation in the deep ocean presents a unique challenge that they are excited to undertake. Tasks like capturing 3D photogrammetry images of sites on the ocean floor help advance their understanding of the deep sea and historical events. This new ROV system has applications in ecosystem monitoring, resource remediation, and general ocean exploration.

This endeavor presents a unique opportunity to witness the wreckage’s current state and add a worthy final chapter to its remarkable story.

“For half an hour on March 22, 1929, there was a shooting war between the US and Canada. Jack Randell, fiery skipper of the most famous run runners of them all, wouldn’t surrender his ship to the Coast Guard, so they blew him out of the water.” – James Bannerman

RedoQ Is Moving Their Headquarters from the UK to India

July 25, 2024,Kolkata, West Bengal, India : RedoQ, a global leader in IT solutions with an estimated turnover of £48 million, is moving its headquarters and all administrative operations from Stoke-on-Trent, UK, to Kolkata, India. The strategic move by the company is aimed to give RedoQ a strong presence in the world’s fast-emerging market, and leverage opportunities in Asia in a cost-effective manner.

India is on track to achieve a $5 trillion GDP within the next three years, with over 50% of the population under the age of 50. These factors provide a conducive environment for RedoQ’s expansion. Establishing operations in India aligns with the company’s growth and innovation objectives. The move is also projected to result in cost savings of 30% for the company. RedoQ plans to hire Indian professionals from both technical and non-technical backgrounds to support its growth targets in the coming months.

“We are excited about the move to India,” said Mr Dipal Dutta, CEO of RedoQ. “The Digital India initiative of the government aligns with our mission of delivering affordable digital solutions to everyone. India’s progressive environment and rich talent pool make it an ideal location for our new hub.”

Founded in 2010, RedoQ began as an IT solution provider in Europe’s Food & Beverage industry. Today, the company has a presence in over eight countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. RedoQ has expanded its services into the FinTech industry, in addition to delivering end-to-end IT solutions in both B2B and B2C markets. With over 5,000 clients, RedoQ has forged partnerships with major players like Apple, Google, Amazon and Microsoft.

In India, the company will provide comprehensive IT solutions tailored for businesses of all sizes. These offerings include Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and advanced data and cloud management services. RedoQ is making significant investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to develop intuitive products for its clients. Additionally, the company is expanding into the pharmaceutical manufacturing and retail sector, focusing on meeting the needs of everyday consumers. More details about the company are available on the company’s website (www.redoq.com).

Venus Effect Celebrates Official Selection at Atlanta Underground Film Festival

Atlanta, GA, July 24, 2024 –The Andrew Burn helmed sci-fi indie blockbuster “Venus Effect,” produced by Skyframe Pictures along with partner studios Funarios and Cold Turkey, is proud to announce the film’s official selection at the Atlanta Underground Film Festival. Starring Lonnie Smith (Funarios), Jamal Morant (Jamal The Creative), Blaire Najal, Vanessa D. Fant, and many other stars, the film will continue to captivate audiences on screen in Atlanta before going international on the forthcoming film festival circuit.

The film is set to screen at the Limelight Theater on Sunday, August 18, at 8:30 PM in Theater 2.

This selection for “Venus Effect” marks another milestone for the Atlanta-based film studio Skyframe Pictures and its partners Funarios and Cold Turkey Management. This film is also an achievement to the talented cast and crew, as this project solidifies its status as a significant entry in the science fiction genre.

Individual Giving Anchors the Nonprofit Ecosystem, Even in Times of Growing Polarization

New York, NY, July 24, 2024 — The GivingTuesday Data Commons released The Giving Bridge: Lookback at 2023 Trends in Global Generosity, its fourth annual exploration of global giving trends, today. This comprehensive report offers an in-depth analysis of generosity worldwide, aiming to foster a more effective and evidence-driven social sector.

The report’s holistic view of global giving in 2023 reflects research and analysis derived from current Data Commons initiatives and partnerships, cross-referenced against findings by other leading sector analysts. The Giving Bridge goes beyond familiar philanthropic metrics, often narrowly focused on financial donations to charities, to also report on giving money, time, items, and voice in many different contexts, including giving to community groups and non-family individuals.

Last year, the Lookback Report highlighted the need for the social sector to evolve beyond traditional scarcity-driven funding models, suggesting more inclusive and resilient engagement approaches. This year’s Lookback Report continues this journey, presenting a wide variety of giving behavior metrics across global regions and communities along with relevant insights and new recommendations.

Key findings include:

–The Giving Bridge is Real: Amidst global concerns about polarization and social cohesion, the data shows that most people are willing to give across ideological, lifestyle, and community boundaries.

–Need for Non-Profit Adaptation: Although there are declining trends in monetary donations and participation rates, most people remain open and ready to help those in need. In other words, the giving ecosystem is as robust as ever, and it appears increasingly clear that it is non-profits who must adapt and redesign their relationship to giving to overcome the steady declines in donors and dollars.

–Diversify for Impact and Resilience: The social sector as a whole is not inviting enough different kinds of people into its support ecosystem, whether as donors, volunteers or cause supporters. By focusing on high-net worth individuals, many other potential donors – including many highly generous albeit less wealthy individuals – are excluded. Tapping into existing giving ecosystems in client communities is a smart long-term strategy to increase resilience and impact.

“This is such exciting and important work because we’re really beginning to see a new way forward for the nonprofit sector, where doom and gloom about declining dollars and donors has intensified competition rather than driving innovation,” said GivingTuesday’s Chief Data Officer Woodrow Rosenbaum. “We’re convinced that the more we learn about how generosity really works in the world around us, the more opportunities we will discover to harness and cultivate giving in all its forms, increasing impact, engagement and inclusion.”

This report could not have been produced without the support of the GivingTuesday Data Commons’ many partners. The full report and the Data Commons’ extensive data assets are all available for free on the GivingTuesday Data Commons platform. These resources provide valuable insights for non-profits, fundraisers, researchers, and anyone interested in the future of local and global generosity.