Robotics mentor gets surprise farewell

A robot, they say, has no feelings. But Mike Bryan, who is leaving the Dorchester County School District 2 robotics engineering program, is departing with plenty of emotions.

"I'll miss the kids," he said shortly after dozens of students associated with current and past robotics programs treated him to a surprise going-away reception.

Bryan, a Robert Bosch plant engineer who has been with the district robotics program for nine years, is leaving the North Charleston plant to take a post with Bosch Rexroth Corp. in Fountain Inn. He said he will conduct apprentice and training programs at Rexroth, just as he has done at Bosch in North Charleston.

The local Bosch plant's Hank Bennett will take Bryan's place on the corporation's team of engineers who serve as "Team 342" mentors and advisers.

A native of Anderson, Bryan said he's been in the Lowcountry for 25 years and is looking forward to working near his hometown. He added that it's hard to say goodbye to the many enthusiastic Dorchester County youths he has worked with, traveled with and helped lead into contests in which robots compete against each other.

Students surprised Bryan on May 12 when they presented him with a framed set of photos recalling many of the robotics teams exploits, beside a poem composed for Bryan.

Pat Raynor, District 2's communications director, said Bryan was instrumental in starting the robotics program and bringing it to where it is now. "He has recruited engineers to mentor students and has provided corporate financial support for Robotics," Raynor said.

Bryan was also recognized and thanked for his efforts by the Dorchester County District 2 Board.

Bryan has been able to arrange the donations of many hundreds of dollars' worth of surplus equipment and supplies to the middle and high school pre-engineering programs and the robotics program, Janice Jolly, robotics program coordinator, said.

She said the district's robotics program is open to kids from both public and private schools, and to home schooled students. About 30 youths compose the current team, she said.

Reach Edward C. Fennell at efennell@postandcourier.com or 745-5865.