Florida Atlantic University graduate Sue Skemp recognized for life-long ties to the school

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Many people become graduates of Florida Atlantic University, some even stay on board to work at the Boca Raton campus. But few can say they have ties to the campus since birth.

Sue Skemp is one of those few. She was born on site during WWII, when the campus was an Army Air Base.

"This is history, this is part of me. I always felt there was a kinship here," said Skemp, who is currently the executive director of the Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center at FAU.

Skemp grew up in Delray Beach, and then received her engineering degree at FAU, officially becoming an Owl.

Her engineering classes were held in the T-buildings, some of which have been leveled to make way for a parking lot. Her father worked in one of the T-buildings as a captain during the war.

Now, after a successful career at Pratt Whitney, Skemp is back on campus. She is managing the Energy Center, which is studying ways to harness energy from the ocean. In her spare time, she mentors students.

"I've always felt it was important to help students and mentor them about searching for their next career," said Skemp.

For her, driving around campus is like taking a walk down memory lane. She can appreciate how far the university has come, and where it's going.