Satellite & Technology Corporation Becomes First USDLA 21st Century Benefactor

Anaheim, November 2, 1999 - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) today announced that Satellite & Technology Corporation will be the organization's first 21st Century Benefactor, and that the company's President and CEO, James E. (Jim) Vautrot, will join the USDLA Board of Directors.

Satellite & Technology is becoming a major corporate sponsor to support USDLA 's activities to promote distance learning and related educational and training programs. "We are proud to support USDLA and the excellent work it does for the distance learning community," said Vautrot. "Education has always been a top priority for our company and for me personally, and we are excited about USDLA's new plans to meet the technical and educational challenges of the 21st century."

The contribution was announced at USDLA's board meeting held during the annual Telecon West conference and trade show in Anaheim, California. USDLA's Executive Director, Dr. John G. Flores, noted the importance of the gift. "USDLA is restructuring to build a stronger foundation for the many new initiatives needed to maintain our leading role in distance learning," said Flores said. "This kind of support from one of the leading companies in the field gives all of our efforts a tremendous boost, and having Jim's expertise and experience will strengthen our Board."

Vautrot is a twenty-five year veteran of the broadcast and satellite industries, and also serves on the board of the Society of Satellite Professionals International. He founded Satellite & Technology when its parent company, BAF Communications, merged with Calumet Coach Company of Illinois. He joined BAF Communications as Vice President and General Manager of Broadcast Services in 1985, and helped establish that company as one of the world's leading providers of mobile satellite uplink vehicles and satellite network services.

The 21st Century Benefactor category was created by USDLA's Board of Directors in September to recognize contributions above $30,000. Other donor categories are Platinum, Silver and Bronze.

United States Distance Learning Association is a non-profit organization founded in 1987 to promote the development and application of distance learning for education and training. There are now 2000 individual members rep-resenting pre-K-through-12 and higher education, home schooling, continuing education, corporate, military and government training. USDLA is now the leading source of information and distance learning policy recommendations for Congress, government agencies and industry. In 1993 USDLA began the process of establishing chapters in all fifty states.

Satellite & Technology Corporation provides satellite space for broadcast organizations, corporate networks, educational institutions and government agencies. The company also does technical consulting on digital and analog television applications; video, voice and data network design, construction and maintenance; event planning and production; real-time video via the Internet and Broadcast/Satellite/Internet/Intranet connectivity.

Contact: Bill Wagner 301-526-1988