ExxonMobil grant supports engineering departments

[Guest abovetherim]

10/18/2007 

ExxonMobil Corp. announced today that $1.7 million has been contributed in departmental grants to 84 colleges and universities throughout the country to support various academic programs. Through this program, Lamar University will receive $15,200 from ExxonMobil.

The unrestricted grant allows selected academic departments to allocate the money for various educational purposes including scholarships, field trips, visiting speakers, equipment purchases, student and faculty travel to academic-related activities, and other educational projects.

Located in a region that contains ExxonMobil’s largest concentration of refineries and chemical plants, Lamar University has long directed its research and educational programs in areas that serve Southeast Texas and ExxonMobil’s interests.

“Supporting higher education has always been a strong priority for ExxonMobil,†said Tom Marcotte, Global Recruiting Organization, ExxonMobil. “This program enables us to provide funding to colleges and universities that play a pivotal role in preparing students to enter the workforce. ExxonMobil is proud to provide support to Lamar University which will enhance the departments whose academic focus aligns with the workforce needs of ExxonMobil.â€

The funds contributed will be used for any educational purpose within LU’s engineering department. Randy Locke, technologies specialist for polyalpha-olefin, a synthetic lubricant that is the base stock for MOBIL 1, ExxonMobil's synthetic motor oil, and 1980 graduate of Lamar University, presented the grant to Jack Hopper, dean of the college, Wednesday. The grant will be divided among the chemical, mechanical, electrical and civil engineering departments.

ExxonMobil awards grants to colleges and universities that offer degrees in disciplines from which it recruits employees. The amount of the grant is based on several factors, including the number and performance of employees from the specific university working with ExxonMobil.

The Departmental Grants Program represents only a portion of ExxonMobil’s overall support of education. In 2006, ExxonMobil Foundation, ExxonMobil Corporation, and its divisions and affiliates provided $54 million in contributions to educational initiatives worldwide.

http://www.lamar.edu/newsevents/news/207_5815.htm