Edison Tech Alumni Spotlight

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

The Edison Tech Alumni Association is proud to announce that nominations for the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards are officially open!

This is your opportunity to recognize an alumnus who embodies Excellence. Legacy. Impact.

Do you know someone who:
Is leading in their profession?
Is making a difference in their community?
Is mentoring and uplifting others?
Represents the very best of Edison Tech?
Now is the time to lift their name.

Distinguished Alumni Awards 2026
📅 Ceremony: April 24, 2026
🗓️ Nomination Deadline: March 13, 2026
Submit your nomination here:
🔗 https://forms.gle/1hfW2dbZQFWtbkGr9

Let’s celebrate the brilliance within our E⚡️T family.
Tag an alum who inspires you. Share this post. Spread the word.

𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧𝐢 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐃𝐚𝐉𝐮𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐨𝐧 ’𝟐𝟓

We’re excited to highlight DaJuan Jackson ’25, proud member of the 𝐸𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑇𝑒𝑐ℎ 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑔 𝐴𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛𝑖 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑙, for his outstanding community impact work featured by SUNY Brockport. DaJuan organized a winter outreach initiative that helped provide warm clothing and meals to community members in need — a true example of servant leadership in action.

Read more about his work here: https://www.brockport.edu/live/news/11910-im-seeing-that-people-are-cold-lets-fix-that

Thanks for representing Edison⚡️Tech with heart, DaJuan!

Edison Tech Alumni Spotlight: Bobby Fulmore Jr, Class of 2000:

The Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta Georgia shimmered with celebration as Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Airlines, took the stage to Honor Delta Air Lines Chaiman Honorees class of 2025. Among the 100 honorees gathered that evening sat Bobby Fulmore Jr., an Edison Tech High School (Class of 2000) graduate. Bobby’s induction into the Chairman’s Club which is Delta Air Lines’ most prestigious employee honor was a jubilation of his 18-year career journey. By design, only the very best are selected for this honor with its rigorous process to select the best of the best. Only 100 employees out of Delta’s 100,000 global workforce, one percent of one percent, earn this recognition each year. The weight of the moment was clear. “I feel honored and humbled,” Bobby says quietly as the gold pin is placed on his lapel. “To stand here, representing not just myself but my family and whole team…it’s extraordinary.”

From Edison Tech to ECC:

Bobby’s story began in Rochester, New York. A hands-on learner, he gravitated early to Thomas A. Edison Career & Technical High School, enrolling in its HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) program and also playing football earning “All City Catholic” honors. “I was that kid in shop class, tinkering with sheet metal, not wanting to attend class and only was truly concerned with playing football” he recalls with a self-deprecating smile. " It wasn’t always easy. It was a grind". Academic challenges landed him in summer school, a humbling experience he now credits for building his drive to succeed and overcome. “Edison Tech taught me discipline and that a second chance is everything,” Bobby reflects. He also sought a second chance at football by attending nearby Erie Community College, where teamwork and toughness on the field further forged his character. Leading him to secure a full scholarship playing football for Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. “Those early mornings in the weight room, learning to lead and never give up – that stuck with me,” he says. These lessons would prove the foundation of his work ethic at Delta.

Climbing the Delta Ladder

Hired as an entry-level Ramp Agent in Philadelphia, PA in 2007, Bobby learned the importance of teamwork and the attention to detail that was needed to work in the Airline Industry. After 3 years of learning every job responsibility and overachieving in those areas. Bobby took on more responsibility which included training new hires, leading projects to improve on-time departures, and eventually supervising entire teams becoming a “Performance Leader” and now “Operation Service Manager”. Colleagues describe him as a natural mentor. “You don’t hear a lot of loud talking, but Bobby quietly makes sure everyone around him succeeds,” one former coworker noted. Bobby credits Delta’s culture for nurturing this growth. The airline emphasizes its “Delta Difference” and “Rules of the Road,” and honorees like Bobby are those who live by them. “I never turned down an opportunity to help a teammate,” he says. “If someone was struggling, I’d step in – whether that meant coaching a colleague on new software or just grabbing extra luggage carts to keep a late flight moving.” His senior leaders saw that diligence and continued to promote him into roles of greater leadership.

Leading with Service:

Mentorship and Giving Back A core part of Bobby’s Delta career has been service beyond the day job. For years he organized holiday toy drives and winter coat collections for underprivileged children in Philadelphia, PA. “I grew up in a family that gave what it could,” he explains. “I wanted to share that with my Delta family and the neighboring community” He also volunteered as a mentor for high school students interested in aviation careers, often hosting tours of airport facilities. These efforts did not escape notice as Delta’s Chairman’s Club nominees are “singled out not only for their service to customers and comradery with coworkers but also their service to community is also weighed in the process. “Every box of coats we delivered, every child’s smile at Christmas – that’s why I keep doing it,” he says. “It reminded me of who I am and why I work this hard.” Through it all, Bobby remained modest. “I’ve always believed leadership means serving first,” he reflects. “At Delta, they actually reward that. So I kept at it, day in and day out.” A Culmination and a Humble Heart At the induction gala, Fulmore felt a mix of pride and disbelief. “Honestly, I kept thinking, ‘Is this real? The CEO said ‘the 100 best deserve to be here. I’m no CEO, just a guy from Rochester. It hit me: this night was not just about me, but about everyone who helped me — my family, my teachers, the people I lead.” In his acceptance remarks, Bobby spoke with characteristic humility. “I always tell my teams: work hard, be kind, and never forget where you came from,” he said. “This honor reminds me to keep doing just that.” For Bobby, the Chairman’s Club is not an endpoint but rather a “door opening” – a chance to inspire others. “If I can show one kid from Edison that it’s possible, then it’s worth it,” he adds. He now carries his new badge with pride and plans to display his photo in that Flight Museum’s gallery, imagining future generations of his family walking by.

Next Horizons: Real Estate and Giving Back

Looking ahead, Fulmore is already charting the next course. After nearly two decades in aviation, he’s transitioning into real estate – another way to stay rooted in his community. “My Delta roots won’t go away,” he says. “I learned that helping people, whether it’s getting them home on time or finding them a home to raise their family, is deeply rewarding.” He plans to leverage his mentoring skills in his new role, even as he steps away from airport life. Still, he pledges, “I’ll never stop giving back. I’m starting a mentorship group for young people interested in business and tech, and the Chairman’s Club just gave me a bigger platform to do that.” Fulmore hopes this spotlight will encourage future Edison Tech alumni to follow a similar path of service and humility. “I want kids to see that your first job or even a setback doesn’t define you,” he says. “What matters is what you learn and who you become along the way.”

His story – from a summer-school kid in Rochester to walking the red carpet as a Delta Air honoree – will surely be one more legendary tale in Edison Tech’s long history, inspiring students who watch Bobby Fulmore’s journey to take flight, touch the sky and move up. E⚡️T

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: KWESI BABATU (CLASS OF 1969)

Kwesi Babatu (who graduated from Edison Tech’s Drafting program in 1969 as Duane Johnson) returned to his alma mater last month, sparking conversation and inspiration across the Edison community. His visit was a powerful journey through history – from Rochester’s historic Hanover Houses to classrooms in Cincinnati and beyond. Babatu shared stories from his student days, recalled how his father’s creative legacy shaped him, and offered heartfelt advice to current students and fellow alumni. In this spotlight, we recount the highlights of his visit and the enduring lessons he brought back to Edison.

LEGACY

Raised in Rochester’s Hanover Houses, Kwesi grew up immersed in art and activism. His father, Bobby Johnson, was a renowned local poet and photographer – a man who taught Kwesi “the power of words and images” from a young age. Despite his creative instincts, Babatu admits he struggled in school: “I failed math all four years at Edison Tech,” he laughed during the visit, recalling how he only passed by attending summer school. He credits his drafting classes for turning things around. “Drafting helped shape my discipline,” he said – a hands-on program that forced him to focus and hone his attention to detail. That experience instilled resilience and self-confidence, lessons he carries to this day.

EDISON TECH AND THE CIVIL RIGHTS ERA

Walking the hallways of Edison today, it’s hard to imagine the turbulence of the late 1960s. But Babatu spoke candidly about the challenges he faced during that time. As a Black student, he experienced the era’s tensions first-hand. He recalled the day he flipped through his senior yearbook and found a racially charged message scrawled on his page. It was a “painful moment,” he said, but one that his classmates met with courage. The offensive note “triggered a student protest” at Edison – a grassroots response that showed the strength of community and solidarity among the students. “It taught us all about standing up for each other,” Babatu said. Even today, he credits those moments with teaching him one of life’s most important lessons: the power of unity in the face of injustice.

LIFE AFTER EDISON

After graduation from Edison Tech’s Clifford Avenue campus, Babatu’s journey took him far from Rochester. He spent time in Japan – a formative experience where he continued to train and teach, absorbing new cultures and ideas. Upon returning to the United States, he built a long, distinguished career in education. For nearly 30 years, Babatu was a history teacher at Woodward Career Technical High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, specializing in special education and history. Colleagues remember him as a patient mentor who connected with students from all walks of life. He often drew on his Edison days to help struggling learners, noting that his own academic hurdles made him a more empathetic teacher. Students at Woodward simply called him Mr. Babatu – a caring educator who expected hard work but also believed deeply in every student’s potential.

AUTHOR AND ADVOCATE

Babatu’s passion for learning and speaking didn’t stop in the classroom. He co-founded The Orator Academy, a Cincinnati-based program dedicated to developing young people’s communication and leadership skills. Through this Academy and his nonprofit BM Productions, he has reached countless students beyond his own classrooms. Kwesi also turned to writing to share his life’s work. During his visit, he proudly showed off copies of his books – most notably A Journey Remembered and We Shall Overcome. A Journey Remembered: Faith Hope Love (2018) is a personal memoir that chronicles his life story, and We Shall Overcome (2020) is a collection of reflections and poetry echoing the civil rights anthem that inspired his generation. In one photo from the day, Babatu smiles next to a table stacked with his books, pen in hand as he autographs a copy for a student. These works, like his career, reflect themes of perseverance, dignity, and the belief that personal history can inspire others.

EDISON TECH’S LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

Throughout his talk, Babatu was emphatic about one thing: Edison Tech has always been “a school of excellence.” He reminded everyone that the values he learned here – pride in workmanship, intellectual curiosity, and a strong moral compass – stayed with him for decades. “This school has a legacy of dignity and high standards,” he told assembled students and staff. “At Edison, we learned that every project, every test, every choice carries the weight of our community’s name.” His pride was palpable as he walked the old drafting labs and saw modern students working on blueprints; in his eyes, the same torch of excellence was being passed. Babatu’s own experience was proof: the discipline he gained from Edison’s demanding program set him on a path to success around the globe.

MESSAGE TO STUDENTS

Babatu’s visit was meant as a gift of wisdom to current Inventors. He urged students to remember that they are part of something bigger than themselves. “Walk with purpose,” he told them, “and always respect your family name.” In his own words, these short phrases packed deep meaning. To Babatu, walking with purpose means setting goals and pursuing them with confidence. Respecting your family name means acting in ways that make your loved ones and your community proud. Above all, he reminded them you are part of a legacy – the same legacy of excellence that he and all Edison grads share. One key takeaway he shared was the Golden Rule his parents taught him: treat others the way you want to be treated. As he put it, “When you leave these halls, remember what Edison Tech stands for.” His gentle challenge was that every student should strive daily to live up to those ideals, carrying the Edison torch forward.

MESSAGE TO ALUMNI AND STAFF

Babatu’s challenge extended beyond students – it was a call to action for everyone in the Edison family. He spoke directly to alumni, faculty, and alumni leadership, encouraging us to lead by example in our respective communities. Drawing on decades of experience, he reminded former students and teachers that education is a vocation with a higher purpose. “Whatever you do,” he said, “do this work for the right reasons.” In other words, whether you’re an educator, engineer, or any professional, let integrity and service guide you. This resonated deeply: Babatu’s own path shows that work done with heart can change lives. He emphasized that carrying the Edison name is an honor, and we must honor it by acting with compassion, fairness, and dedication—just as he has throughout his career.

AN OPEN INVITATION TO EDISON ALUMNI

As the visit drew to a close, Babatu left us with an invitation and a reminder of our shared heritage. Edison Tech’s story is alive in every graduate who walked its halls – and it continues when we come back. Kwesi encouraged other alumni: remember the difference this school made in your life, and come back to inspire the next generation. His own example shows how powerful it is for young people to hear real stories from their elders. So to all Edison Tech alumni: your school is waiting. Bring your photos, your yearbooks, your memories, and let our students learn from your journey. Just as Kwesi Babatu honored us with his story, we invite you to return and share yours. Together, we keep the Edison legacy burning bright, helping every Inventor soar to new heights.