Villanova University honors Edward Reese scholarship recipients

Villanova University played host at a luncheon in honor of Edward Reese, Technical Director for Lockheed Martin Management and Data Systems, Lockheed Martin M&DS and this year’s Edward Reese Fellows Scholarship recipients on February 14. Edward Reese ‘59 and Daniel Tantino,‘71, Manager for M&DS Systems Engineering, both graduates of Villanova’s College of Engineering, were on hand to congratulate the winners.

Each student, who must be a major in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering, receives $2000 to help offset the educational costs at Villanova. This years’ recipients include: Lauren A. Sanford ’03, Danielle M. DeCristoforo ’03, Joseph Girellini ‘03, Frances M. Gevarter ’03, and Anthony J. Dina 03.

The recipients must accept a highly coveted summer internship position at the Lockheed Martin Management and Data Systems in Valley Forge. Due to the classified nature of business, the recipients must agree to participate in a security clearance process.

Lockheed Martin Management and Data Systems established the Fellows Program in 1993 to provide recognition to individuals of the M&DS technical community whose significant achievements and unique talents reflects their commitment to integrity and excellence. Reese was among the nine initially selected and the scholarship program was instituted, in his honor, at Villanova in 2000.

Reese, although he graduated more than 40 years ago, he maintains close ties with the University "It is a great honor for me to be able to help in some small way with the advancement of the careers of these excellent representatives of Villanova University," Reese said. While the interns do not work directly with Reese, he is happy to help guide and aid them in networking with the Lockheed Martin Management and Data Systems organization.

The students are excited about receiving the internships, along with the scholarship funds. Remarking that summer internships are hard to get this year, the group was thankful to that burden lifted from their shoulders as they go about planning their future.