Boeing makes its presence felt at FAMU

Students and leaders of the Boeing company gather for a picture. Photo by Deanna McClary

FAMU’s University Scholarship Program and Boeing hosted its first event of the spring semester on Thursday: “Connect with Boeing.”

Boeing is a prominent aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, defense, space and security systems.

The Connect with Boeing event offered business administration and engineering students a chance to network, connect and showcased opportunities with Boeing, a company that has been under fire after some of its jets were determined to be deficient.

As students entered the Grand Ballroom, Boeing employees opened the event with introductions and activities. The activities helped the students learn the things they are going to encounter as they go into their career.

Charlisha Greene, a senior manager of supply chain management at Boeing, explained the importance of the event.

“The Boeing company is a big advocate of FAMU. We feel now that brand recognition should be our focus so that we can make sure that we’re filling the pipeline and able to then recruit interns and full-time employees going forward,” Greene said.

Greene is confident that Boeing has a lot to offer FAMU students.

Students at the event had the opportunity to talk directly to Boeing employees while enjoying food and beverages.

Chadian Clarke, a sophomore business administration student, said he enjoyed the event. “I was very satisfied with tonight’s event. The Boeing company has inspired me to get a jump start on my career and motivated me to keep taking advantage of opportunities at school because once I graduate I won’t have these opportunities anymore,” Clarke said.

Clarke said he was glad that FAMU sponsored the Connect With Boeing event. He noted that Boeing representatives had stopped by his class to inform students about the event.

Some FAMU students received scholarships to help go toward their education and programs that they’re involved in. These scholarships went to students who are actively involved in their major and show leadership skills.

Nathan Brooks, a Boeing employee who holds the distinction of being the first FAMU student to graduate with a degree in electrical engineering, said it felt great to be back at his alma mater to inspire students as they prepare for their careers.

“It feels great to be back mainly because I got the opportunity to come back to give students advice because I didn’t have these opportunities when I was their age. Whether they come to Boeing or not, I want to help them to be better students so that they have great careers,” Brooks said.

Boeing is committed to inspiring and preparing the next generation of innovators, he added.