May 09, 2007
University officials laud Caterpillar for gift
CARBONDALE, Ill. — One of the world’s leading heavy equipment manufacturers is supporting various programs at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Tim Cross, a representative of Caterpillar Inc., in Peoria, presented a check to SIUC officials April 27 at the University’s College of Engineering. Caterpillar’s donation will assist in funding existing programs designed to enhance opportunities for SIUC faculty and students, in addition to fostering diversity initiatives campus-wide.
Caterpillar’s gift is earmarked for academic disciplines in the College of Business and Administration, the College of Engineering and the College of Science, in addition to the University’s career center. The amount of the donation was not disclosed.
“Caterpillar is pleased to continue and expand its relationship with SIUC,” said Cross, a 1981 SIUC graduate. “This supports the University’s faculty, outreach programs with junior colleges and high schools, recruiting and retention initiatives, in addition to providing financial assistance to college students.”
Rickey N. McCurry, vice chancellor for institutional advancement and CEO of the SIU Foundation, said Caterpillar’s ongoing support is essential as the University continues its $100 million comprehensive capital campaign.
“This is a long-lasting partnership. Tim is one of many SIUC alumni with Caterpillar who continues his association with us,” McCurry said. “This relationship extends throughout our University community as Caterpillar’s gift will aid various academic disciplines and programs.
“Caterpillar’s generosity continues to assist us in maintaining a standard of excellence for our University. Corporate funds will continue to be vital as we strive to move Southern forward.”
Caterpillar’s gift will benefit student development programs, scholarship opportunities, University outreach efforts, faculty development, and career networking.
William Osborne, dean of the College of Engineering said, “Support for our students is essential. This gift will assist our college in funding our success week program, general scholarships, and minority scholarship programs. We appreciate Caterpillar’s ongoing commitment to our institution.”
J. Dennis Cradit, dean of the College of Business and Administration said, “Caterpillar's long history of giving to our University has been and continues to be an integral part of the University’s growth. In particular, College of Business students will directly benefit from Caterpillar's gift as it will go toward fulfilling our mission to provide an uncompromising delivery of student services and top-notch academic programs."