Merchandising Giant D3 LLC Donates 3D Printer to FSC
July 10, 2017
FSC alumnus and D3 employee Manpreet Trehan, with the 3D printer
FSC’s School of Engineering Technology has just received a 3D printer valued at more than $25,000, courtesy of D3 LLC.
The gift comes on the heels of President Nader’s visit to the company’s Melville headquarters, where 25 FSC alums hold jobs. Amazingly, these former SET students make up nearly 20% of D3’s workforce.
“D3 is a cutting-edge firm and industry leader that is flourishing in our backyard,” said President Nader. “The fact that they employ two dozen Farmingdale graduates underscores the relevance of our programs and our importance to the Long Island economy.”
D3, which manufactures displays, is globally recognized for its merchandising expertise, serving top-name brands such as Chanel and Sephora at their point of sale. Its collaboration with FSC began in 2013, when Dr. Jeff Hung brought several students toD3 as part of a senior project, at the prompting of MaryEllen DeCicco, Associate Director of Development.
Says Diane Gariti, D3’s human resources manager: “I knew, with the mentorship of the D3 team, that students could bring creative, innovative ideas while solving real-life business challenges. That is exactly what happened.
“From the start of our collaboration, it was apparent that alumni from Farmingdale State College brought with them knowledge and skills that translate perfectly to our industry.”
Louis Dupere, D3’s CEO of the Americas, comments on the company’s using FSC as a go-to place for new, highly trained employees: “This has developed into a very valuable relationship, where students get the opportunity to use their creativity and skills at a forward-thinking organization. It’s truly a win-win partnership.”
As for the printer, it comes on top of $10,000 in scholarships already provided by D3.
“With more up-to-date equipment on hand in their labs, students can become more efficient and bring those methodologies to our organization,” says Gariti. “The hands-on experience will be vital to the success of our projects, as well as the student’s future.”
Says Dr. Hazem Tawfik, chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology: “This is the advantage of collaborating with industry.”
With partners such as D3 all across the Island, collaborating is something FSC does extremely well.
