ESU's Cybersecurity Research and Outreach Center Dedicates New Computers to Emporia Senior Center
Emporia, KS (10/18/2024) — Emporia State's Cybersecurity Research and Outreach Center donated two computers to the Emporia Senior Center today, Friday, Oct. 18.
The event at the senior center, 603 E. 12th Ave., included remarks by Dr. Ed Bashaw, dean of ESU's School of Business and Technology; Leticia Rust, CyROC senior director; and Carla Fessler, director of Emporia Senior Center.
The state-of-the-art Cybersecurity Research and Outreach Center, or CyROC, offers a range of programs to educate students in computer science, information systems and business data analytics. In addition to classes, CyROC aims to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. The center also hosts seminars, camps and encourages research in the field.
CyROC's mission is crucial as cyber threats grow more frequent and complex. In 2023 there were 2,365 cyberattacks that impacted 343,338,964 victims, according to Forbes Online. 2023 also saw a 72% increase in data breaches since 2021, which held the previous record.
ESU's relationship with the Emporia Senior Center dates back to 1983 when the ESU Blue Key Honor Society played a key role in fundraising and providing seed money for the center's opening. According to former Blue Key member Mark Kendall, Richard F. Reicherter, Blue Key founder and faculty leader at the time, began the $150,000 campaign with the belief that Emporia needed a social home for local seniors and that young members of the community should be involved.
"It is quite rewarding to see the Senior Center still in use some 40 years later," said Kendall, "certainly a highlight of our Blue Key/ESU experience."
In addition to the donation of two new Dell OptiPlexAll-in-One Plus computers, CyROC leaders plan to set up education about cybersecurity for senior citizens.
"We are excited to have this opportunity to not only give back to our community, but also provide a hands-on experience for our students," said Leticia Rust, CyROC senior director. "As an added bonus, we are honored to help our community seniors with their technology and cybersecurity needs."
For more information on CyROC or the computer dedication, please contact Leticia Rust by email at lrust1@emporia.edu.
About Emporia State University
Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its institute and seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business & Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, Library and Information Management & Library and Archives, Science & Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.
As the sole public university in Kansas to be recognized as a College of Distinction for eight consecutive years, ESU stands out for its innovative education practices. It ensures accessible education by offering in-state tuition rates to full-time undergraduate students from all lower-48 United States. Additionally, full-time undergraduates benefit from flat-rate tuition - students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with at least one credit hour on campus pay a flat rate.
For more information on how to build your future at Emporia State University, please visit www.emporia.edu.
Media Attachments
Senior ESU student Macy Smith, left, and Gracie Gilpin, junior, set up the two new computers at the Emporia Senior Center on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, in Emporia, Kansas. Both are computer science majors and part of a group of ESU students who will work with the center and its clients on computer issues as well as education about cybersecurity threats and how to avoid them.