Keysight Steps in to Help Students Displaced by Hurricane Dorian

Feb 5, 2020 10:40 AM ET

When Hurricane Dorian stalled over the Bahamas islands last September, it destroyed everything in its path. The powerful Category 5 hurricane packed 355 km/hr (221 mph) wind gusts and sent a seven-meter wall of water onto the low-lying island. Buildings, homes, and the North Campus of the University of Bahamas suffered extensive damage.

Hampton University, Virginia, stepped in and accepted college students displaced by the University of the Bahamas' destroyed campus. However, Hampton University's lab facilities were not equipped to support additional electrical engineering students.

Recognizing the need, Doug Baney, director of the Keysight Education Program reached out to Dr. Demetris Geddis, assistant dean and department chair of electrical and computer engineering at Hampton University. After assessing the extent of the need, Keysight arranged an equipment donation to Hampton University of additional test stations and the equipment was delivered in November. In December, Doug visited Hampton University and was greeted by a very grateful Dean, Professors, and students. Says Doug, "We are pleased to have the opportunity to help out here. Our new education programs are connecting Keysight more closely with universities and positions Keysight as a partner university staff and students can rely on." 

"Students are the key to the future, and social responsibility is an important value that we at Keysight feel very strongly about," said Huei Sin Ee, Keysight vice president. "Hampton University extended a hand to the University of Bahamas in their time of need, and we are pleased in turn to forge a deeper relationship with Hampton University in building a stronger education community for all students."