BOSTON, June 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- William H. Swanson, Chairman and CEO of Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), was honored today with the Bunker Hill Community College President's Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes extraordinary commitment and service to the College, and he delivered the annual commencement address to the graduating class of 2013.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130601/NE24205 )

Swanson received the College's top honor from BHCC President Mary L. Fifield during its 39th Commencement exercises. Fifield applauded Swanson's belief in the power of education to change lives and the value of our country's community colleges, which he leveraged to help create the "Learn and Earn" program at BHCC in conjunction with the CEOs of the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership. 

Through this innovative program, community college students gain hands-on experience in the corporate world with placement at some of the state's biggest companies, including Raytheon. Fifield regarded it as a model of successful partnering between education and industry.

In his commencement address, Swanson pointed to his own community college studies as a truly life-changing experience, and the spark and foundation for his education.

Swanson noted that community colleges like BHCC are so valuable to ensuring students are equipped with the skills and experience they need to succeed in the workforce.

He pointed to the Learn and Earn program and its role in improving workforce alignment between business and academia, stating: "Innovative programs like Learn and Earn put community colleges at the forefront of providing students with valuable skills for successful careers and providing industry with a competitive 21st-century workforce." He thanked President Fifield for her partnership and leadership in supporting the implementation of the program.

About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2012 sales of $24 billion and 68,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, security and civil markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 91 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems; as well as a broad range of mission support services. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. For more about Raytheon, visit us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter @raytheon.

Media Contact
Kevin Wynn
+1.781.522.5186
corporatepr@raytheon.com 

SOURCE Raytheon Company