In 2023, a gift from Debora A. ’81 and Roger L. Plunkett, Ph.D., funded programming, equipment and technology in the Plunkett Cyber Exercise Room, located in the TU Cyber Center. The space welcomes students for cyber competitions, undergraduate research projects and related workforce development activities.

What interested you in funding cyber security learning and the Cyber Exercise Room at TU?

Contributing to cyber learning at TU is an extension of our desire to see more students trained in simulated scenarios that prepare them to enter the workforce and protect and defend our nation’s infrastructures. There continues to be a cybersecurity workforce shortage and a critical need to build capacity. 

How did this giving opportunity come about?

Brian DeFilippis (vice president for university advancement at TU) approached us about the opportunity and made a compelling case for us to consider it. We ultimately decided to make a pledge to support the TU Cyber Center.

How do you hope your gift inspires others?

We have been giving advocates for more than 40 years, believing that to whom much is given, much is expected. We started our careers as public servants, and even while living on public service salaries, we have given proportional to our means. Our strong faith teaches us to be generous with our time, talents and treasures. We believe that investing in education is one of the best ways to prepare for our future.

Why is cyber security important to you?  

I (Debora) have worked in the cybersecurity field for more than 25 years. I am passionate about raising the bar for securing systems and data and contribute as a thought leader in this space. Our son works in the cyber/tech field, and our daughter has a strong technical background.

About Debora and Roger

Debora serves as chair of the Audit and Risk Management Committee of the Towson University Foundation Board. Roger, former assistant superintendent of Howard, Harford and Baltimore County schools, is a faculty member in the College of Education and teaches instructional leadership and professional development.