Bill Parsons talks to guests at the VIP luncheon held during the FIRST robotics event held at the University of Central Florida Arena March 8.

Center Director Bill Parsons talks to guests at the VIP luncheon held during the FIRST robotics event held at the University of Central Florida Arena March 8-10. This was Parsons' first year attending the event as center director. An alumnus of UCF, Parsons also serves on the FIRST Executive Advisory Board. The FIRST, or For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in a series of competitions designed by FIRST founder Dean Kamen and Dr. Woodie Flowers, chairman and vice chairman of the Executive Advisory Board respectively, and a committee of engineers and other professionals. FIRST redefines winning for these students. Teams are rewarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity, and ability to overcome obstacles. Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building partnerships that last. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett