SYRACUSE, NY, 19-JUN-00 -- Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems-Syracuse (NE&SS-Syracuse) today announced that it has presented Syracuse University with a $95,000 grant for initiatives in its L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science. The grant includes funds to update and expand teaching and research facilities for wireless information technologies and systems, and support for student scholarships, research projects and programs that develop excellence in a diverse population of engineering students. Edward Bogucz, dean of engineering and computer science, called the gifts a strong affirmation of the long, beneficial relationship we have had with General Electric and now, Lockheed Martin.

In 1996, SU launched an initiative to strengthen its programs and facilities in the College of Engineering and Computer Science in wireless systems and other areas of strategic importance, according to Dean Bogucz. The wireless systems area was selected for investment and growth based on SU's established strengths and the importance of the area to Lockheed Martin and many other firms located in Central New York.

Lockheed Martin Corporation views Syracuse University as one of its key corporate schools, meaning that its graduates are of particular interest as potential employees of the company. Part of the Lockheed Martin gift will be used to fund four scholarships worth $5,000 per year for four years for majors in engineering or computer science who are members of racial and ethnic groups that are traditionally under-represented in these disciplines.

We are pleased to be a partner with Syracuse University in the pursuit of academic excellence in engineering, said NE&SS-Syracuse President Michael A. Smith. The new facilities and scholarships will allow students to reach their potential at a terrific academic institution and prepare them for successful careers, perhaps even at Lockheed Martin.

Founded in 1901, the L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science enrolls approximately 1400 undergraduate and graduate students across a broad range of long-standing and newly emerging disciplines. In addition to its initiative to strengthen programs in wireless information technologies and systems, the College is pursuing strategic development of multidisciplinary programs in environmental systems, biomedical devices, and infrastructure systems for manufacturing, energy, and transportation.

A leader in ground-based and airborne radar, surface vessel and submarine electronic warfare, ASW systems and sensors, minehunting systems and vessel traffic management, Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems-Syracuse serves customers including all branches of the U.S. armed forces, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Transportation and State, and defense and transportation departments of countries on six continents. NE&SS-Syracuse employs approximately 2,000 people at its Syracuse, N.Y., headquarters and is a unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation.