TEMPE, AZ--(Marketwire - April 6, 2011) - The University of Advancing Technology (UAT) announced that the Board of Directors has awarded honorary doctorates to Steven Zylstra, CEO of Arizona Technology Council, and Sally Downey, Superintendent of East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT). The degrees will be presented at the April 29, 2011, Commencement Ceremonies at the Mesa Arts Theatre.
"Both Sally and Steve have contributed to our technology community here in Arizona. Through her enterprising and ambitious leadership at EVIT, and his perspicacious direction of AZ Tech Council, I am personally thankful to have Sally and Steve as our honorees," said Jason Pistillo, President of The University of Advancing Technology. "I love these guys."
Mr. Zylstra is the President and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council and currently serves on a number of different boards, including the Arizona Aerospace Institute Advisory Committee and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. He is also the co-founder and member of the Governors' Arizona Science and Technology Council and served as a past chairman of the Arizona Innovation Network. Mr. Zylstra graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor of science degree in Automotive Engineering Technology.
"When I received word that UAT was presenting me with an honorary doctorate degree, I was humbled, honored and excited," said Steven G. Zylstra. "I have great admiration for the uniqueness of UAT and its reputation as a respected academic institution that is focused on producing the next generation of technology innovators."
Dr. Downey was named Superintendent of East Valley Institute of Technology in 2000 and has over 40 years of educational experience. She provides leadership and acts as the visionary for the school that includes 3,000 high school students on campus and another 20,000 that attend via satellite. EVIT was recently named an A+ School in Arizona and a top Career and Technical School by the United States Department of Education. Dr. Downey holds a master's degree and doctorate from the University of Oklahoma.
About UAT: A small, private technology university dedicated to advancing our society by cultivating thinking innovators. UAT offers bachelor's and master's level degrees in a rich learning environment for the young technophiles representing all 50 states and four continents. UAT is recognized as a Center of Academic Excellence by the National Security Agency and a leader in technology education.
Contact Information:
CONTACT:
Jennifer Wagner
UAT/Media Relations
jwagner@uat.edu
