FSC Helps Energy Provider National Grid Build Its Workforce

March 13, 2017

It was both a graduation party and a coming out party. And everyone was celebrating.

Brian Varga, National Grid and Professor Marj Issapour

The celebration was threefold: FSC’s Marj Issapour, Director of the RESC, was recognized for the outstanding work she did in developing the Natural Gas Technician Certificate Program for energy provider National Grid – which was celebrating because the program graduated 12 students who are now employees at the company. The 12 were honored with certificates and proclamations from state and local elected officials.

President Nader congratulates a graduate

SUNY – represented by Chancellor Nancy Zimpher – was celebrating too, because the FSC curriculum will be rolled out at other SUNY schools and National Grid locations across the state.

Two themes dominated the event, in remarks by President Nader, Chancellor Zimpher, and National Grid President Ken Daly: first, that the program is a perfect example of how creative applied learning initiatives can positively impact students, industry and the local economy; and second, that the FSC – National Grid partnership has created a new standard for partnerships between higher education and private industry.