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.