November 13, 2007

Aisin continues support of engineering college

by Tim Crosby

CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Aisin family of companies is continuing its support of the engineering studies at Southern Illinois University Carbondale with another $20,000 donation.

Aisin Manufacturing Illinois, Aisin Electronics Illinois and Aisin Light Metals Illinois are donating $100,000 over five years to the College of Engineering at SIUC. The money will fund the Aisin Scholarship Program, which supports scholarships and internships for outstanding SIUC students majoring in mechanical engineering, engineering technology or industrial technology.

Company officials recently met with engineering college leaders to make the latest check presentation.

The companies, which opened in July 2002 in Marion, make automobile components for Toyota, General Motors and Mitsubishi. The firms are well-established contributors to SIUC's engineering programs, routinely providing scholarships and company internships to students. In addition to the current commitment, the companies previously donated $5,000 to install at SIUC the same model of programmable logic computers used in Aisin's factories.

John Nicklow, associate dean of the College of Engineering, expressed appreciation for Aisin's support.

"We have maintained an excellent, mutually beneficial relationship with the company that is important to the future of the college and to the success of our students," Nicklow said. "Our students benefit from unique internships and financial support, and Aisin benefits by hiring many of our top-notch students."

Glenn Edwards, department manager at Aisin Manufacturing Illinois, said Aisin is proud to work with SIUC's College of Engineering.

"The annual donation goes to support scholarships and other programs. SIUC and Aisin have partnered for over three years providing support and opportunities for internships and class projects," he said.