The partnership, announced during October's Cybersecurity Awareness Month, emerged from a conversation between workout buddies CyROC senior director Leticia Rust and Senior Center director Carla Fessler.
"When I took the job, I said I'm so excited because there's so many things I'd like to do," Fessler said. "One of them is to get a technology center and teach seniors how to avoid scams. The next thing I know, she said, 'We're going to do you one better, we're just gonna set up your computer lab.'"
The donation ceremony coincided with a festive atmosphere at the center.
"We had the opening of the computer thing, then we had a tailgate party with tailgate food, s'mores being cooked on-demand, and live music," Fessler said. Nearly 70 seniors attended the celebration.
Dr. Ed Bashaw, dean of ESU's School of Business and Technology, emphasized the timeliness of this initiative.
"Earlier, five years ago, it was pretty easy to spot what would be a scam. Now the cybersecurity threats are getting more and more clever," Bashaw said. "And many times, the older we get, the more susceptible we are."
Recent statistics underscore the urgency of cybersecurity education. According to Forbes Online, 2023 witnessed 2,365 cyber attacks impacting over 343 million victims, with data breaches increasing by 72 percent compared to 2021's previous record numbers.
Fessler highlighted the pressing need for senior technology education.
"Just watching my own elderly parents or talking to people here, they click on things on the computer because they aren't sure. A lot of times people say, 'You won $1,000, click here and give us your information,' and a lot of seniors don't know that's a scam," she said. "We're in such a technology age that maybe they want to send an email to their grandchild or look up information — they just don't know how."
Beyond the computer donation, ESU technology club students will provide monthly classes covering topics like avoiding scams and basic computer skills. "Not only the wonderful donation but the fact that they're tied into us — if something looks weird, they will call or come help us. It's kind of like we have a little big brother looking over it," Fessler added.
Rust, who serves as both CyROC's senior director and the internship coordinator for the School of Business and Technology, emphasized that cybersecurity education doesn't need to be intimidating.
"Cybersecurity isn't scary," she said. "It's 80 percent human interaction and 20 percent technology. Once we all learn about cybersecurity and how to protect ourselves, we're less at risk."
The initiative may expand beyond its current scope.
"They have a lot of projects coming up," Rust said. "They may need renovation on some of their current technology equipment, and maybe we can partner with them. Our students are eager for hands-on, real-world experiences."
This collaboration strengthens a relationship between ESU and the Senior Center that spans four decades. In 1983, ESU's Blue Key Honor Society, under the leadership of faculty member Richard F. Reicherter, spearheaded a $150,000 fundraising campaign to establish the center. Reicherter believed Emporia needed a social home for local seniors and that young community members should be involved in its creation.
"It is quite rewarding to see the Senior Center still in use some 40 years later," said former Blue Key member Mark Kendall. "Certainly a highlight of our Blue Key/ESU experience."
The new computers will provide seniors with modern tools for staying connected with family, managing personal affairs, and learning essential cybersecurity practices. ESU's technology club students will maintain regular hours at the center, ensuring seniors have consistent access to technical support and guidance.
"People are just so nice in this community," Fessler said. "Every time I ask for something, someone helps me. It's just so heartwarming and wonderful."
For more information about CyROC or the computer dedication program, contact Leticia Rust at lrust1@emporia.edu.
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