ECPI University Gala Marks 50 Years of Student Success
In 1966, Alfred Dreyfus had an idea: To start a school where students could learn how to program computers. Today, that seems like a perfectly sound notion. At the time, however, it was considered somewhat risky. There were many who actually believed that computers were a fad. Mr. Dreyfus thought differently and his bold decision to create what has become ECPI University has made a tremendous difference in the lives of the 70,000 graduates who enrolled at ECPI seeking a more rewarding career.
This month, more than 700 faculty and staff members – past and present – gathered with employers, community leaders, and former students to celebrate ECPI University’s 50th anniversary. During the event held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, Mr. Dreyfus’ son and current ECPI University President, Mark Dreyfus, took a moment to reflect on his father and all those who have worked to make ECPI University what it is today.
“Really, this story started 70 years ago, not 50 years ago,” said Mr. Dreyfus. “Seventy years ago, my father who was a refugee from Europe. He came to this country and was just trying to make it as an immigrant, and arrived with just $14 in his pocket.” Alfred Dreyfus may not have had much money, but he did have the skills he learned from an accelerated training program offered at the end of World War II in Switzerland. He studied electronics and was soon working as a technician in New York.
As his career progressed, Mr. Dreyfus never forgot who made it all possible. “He really appreciated what the military had done to save the world because if it hadn’t been for the brave men on Normandy Beach, he wouldn’t be here,” said President Dreyfus during his remarks at the gala. “So, we really want to thank all of those who have served in the military for your efforts because none of this would have been possible without you.”
Closing out his remarks, President Dreyfus talked about ECPI University’s impact during its first half century. “Seventy thousand graduates, that’s something that any institution could be very proud of, but we are the school of second chances. Most of our students have come to us from other types of institutions or they had some type of situation in their lives and we were able to help them, and we are very proud of that. And that takes a very dedicated staff and faculty.
“We have some of our employers here and I want to thank them for giving our students a chance, because in this day and age, what we need is opportunity for all people and moving people from different income levels up. And we have shown that our programs, whether they are healthcare or technology or business or culinary or criminal justice… those students with those skills get that opportunity to move up.
“So, I want to thank all of you, the students that are here, the staff, and certainly our faculty for all your effort and the belief you have in us because it takes all of us together to make this institution successful. And I am certainly proud of all we have done and accomplished and we have so much more to do, hopefully, in the next 50 years.”
Could you see yourself as part of ECPI University's next 50 years? If are interested in learning more about starting (or finishing) your education at ECPI University, be sure to contact an admissions counselor today to discuss your options.
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