ExxonMobil Corp. grants support Lamar University engineering programs

ExxonMobil Corp. recently awarded $17,000 in grants to four engineering departments at Lamar University as part of its national program supporting higher education.

“ExxonMobil recognizes the importance of high-quality education for its workforce and makes supporting universities an integral part of its long-term business strategy,” said Srinivas Palanki, dean of Lamar University’s College of Engineering. “We are pleased to be partners with ExxonMobil and appreciate these generous departmental grants.”

The grants to Lamar University are: $7,000 to the chemical engineering department; $6,000 to mechanical engineering; $3,000 to electrical engineering; and $1,000 to civil engineering. The grant amount is based on several factors including ExxonMobil’s past recruiting success and the number of employees produced from a specific university.

Kristy McCarty, ExxonMobil-Beaumont major projects technical and environmental section supervisor, and a 2007 Lamar University engineering graduate presented the checks in a meeting with the college dean and chairs of the academic departments.

The grant allows selected academic departments to allocate 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. ExxonMobil awards the grants to schools that offer degrees in subject from which it recruits employees.

In addition to the Departmental Grants Program, ExxonMobil supports education initiatives that encourage students to take an active interest in math and science careers, motivate students to learn and perform well in math and science, support the development of highly qualified teachers and provide teachers with professional development opportunities in science and math.

“Lamar University continues to be a source of outstanding graduates who contribute to the company’s growth and success,” Palanki said.

The Departmental Grants Program represents only a portion of ExxonMobil’s annual support of Lamar University.