2021 CEE Congressional Luncheon
Channel: Center for Excellence in Education
Date: 2021-04-12

Enjoy the recording of the Center for Excellence in Education's 2021 Annual  Congressional Luncheon held virtually on Thursday, April 8, 2021. 

Moderated by CEE Trustee Susan Lee Ko (RSI ’91), the luncheon brought together STEM leaders in the public and private sectors, friends of CEE, and alumni of the Center’s programs. Honorary Trustees U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (NV) and U.S. Representatives Neal Dunn (FL) spoke about the importance of science and technology in all educational training and for global leadership. Virginia Delegate Mark Keam presented CEE with a commendation issued jointly by the Virginia State Senate and House of Delegates. The commendation recognizes CEE’s 38 years of providing STEM opportunities to outstanding high school scholars and teachers. Yunseo Choi (RSI ’20), who was awarded first place in the 2021 Regeneron STS competition, spoke about her experience attending CEE’s RSI program. Bryce Hwang (USABO '12,  ’13), who recently was a contestant on Jeopardy!, also spoke about his experience being on the show.

During the luncheon Senator Lieberman presented the 2021 Senator Joseph I. Lieberman Awards for Outstanding STEM Achievement to:

Mark Kantrowitz (RSI ’84) is President of Cerebly, Inc. He previously served as Publisher and Vice President of Research, Saving for College. He is a nationally recognized expert on student financial aid, scholarships, college savings plans and student loans. His mission is to deliver practical information, advice and tools to students and their families for them to make informed decisions about planning and paying for college. He earned Bachelor of Science degrees in mathematics and philosophy from MIT and a Master of Science degree in computer science from Carnegie Mellon University.

Lauren K. Williams (RSI ’94) is Dwight Parker Robinson Professor of Mathematics at Harvard and Sally Starling Seaver Professor at the Radcliffe Institute. She is known for her work on cluster algebras and tropical geometry. She earned an A.B. in mathematics from Harvard University and her PhD in 2005 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  

Both Mark and Lauren are exemplary models of students supported by the Center’s programs. The award acknowledges significant STEM and business accomplishments and recognizes Senator Lieberman’s longtime support as a CEE Trustee. 

Following the luncheon, CEE Alumni Liaison James Schuyler (RSI ’91) led a spring chess tournament.

The Center for Excellence in Education (CEE), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, was founded in 1983 by the late Admiral H.G. Rickover and Joann P. DiGennaro, President of the Center. The Center’s mission is to nurture high school and university scholars to careers of excellence and leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and to encourage collaboration between and among scientific and technological leaders in the global community. CEE sponsors the Research Science Institute (RSI), USA Biolympiad (USABO), Teacher Enrichment Program (TEP), and STEM Lyceums. CEE programs are provided cost-free to participating students and teachers, thereby leveling the playing field for economically disadvantaged students. The Center’s nonprofit mission is supported by corporations, foundations, individuals, and government agencies. For more information, visit https://www.cee.org

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