Nick Damoulakis '99 & Dr. David Gurzick '00

Two distinguished alumni from Frostburg State University, Dr. David Gurzick '00 and Nick Damoulakis '99, were honored at the inaugural Techie Awards, presented by Tech Frederick. Dr. Gurzick was named Outstanding STEM Educator, and Nick Damoulakis was recognized for his decade-long commitment as a Tech Frederick Board Member and organization founder.

Dr. Gurzick, a prominent figure in the field of information systems and socially responsible management, graduated from Frostburg State University in 2000. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role as Outstanding STEM Educator, teaching courses on the management of information systems, analytical methods, and socially responsible management at Hood College in Frederick, MD. His research delves into the impact of information and communication technology on the social lives of individuals and communities. With a background that includes serving as the director of research at Sonum Technologies, a software development company specializing in natural language processing, Dr. Gurzick's industry insights and academic contributions have made him an invaluable asset to the tech community.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Gurzick serves on the Board of Directors for the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI), a private non-profit organization dedicated to fostering technological innovation and accelerating the development of tech-based businesses. Dr. Gurzick's multifaceted contributions to both academia and industry underscore his dedication to advancing STEM education.

Tech Frederick acknowledged Nick Damoulakis, the President of Orases, a custom software development company based in Frederick, MD, for his remarkable contribution as one of the organization's founders and for his decade-long service as a board member. A significant achievement was his pivotal role in transforming the non-profit from an appointed board to a self-sustaining entity, securing over $3 million in revenue from more than 50 companies county-wide, in addition to funding from the Maryland Department of Labor. 

Beyond his professional achievements, Nick has been an active thought leader in the tech industry. He authored the Digital Framework, an interactive process aligning organizational values with culture, leadership style, and strategic thinking. Nick's commitment to fostering a value-driven workplace culture has earned Orases several accolades, including receiving the Great Place To Work® Certification in 2022 and 2023, and recognition as one of the 2023 Best Small Workplaces™ by Fortune Media. Nick graduated from Frostburg State University in 1999. 

Both Dr. David Gurzick and Nick Damoulakis exemplify the spirit of innovation and dedication to community that Frostburg State University seeks to instill in its graduates. Their achievements at the Techie Awards are a testament to the university's commitment to producing leaders who make a positive impact in the technology sector and beyond.

Press release by Kristi Stilen-Lare, Orases

Techie Awards Photo Credit: Marie Rose Photography