TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Indiana State University’s Board of Trustees on Friday approved the naming in perpetuity of the North American Lighting Student Success Center in the College of Technology.
The space, located on the first floor of the John T. Myers Technology Center, connects students with campus resources, facilitates tutoring, and serves as home for career-readiness initiatives within the college.
“The support we receive for our corporate partners is an investment in our university, our students, and the entire community,” said Andrea Angel, Vice President of University Advancement and CEO of the ISU Foundation. “We would like to thank North American Lighting for their bold vision and leadership to support ISU programs that foster connections and opportunities right here in the Wabash Valley.”
NAL’s philanthropic commitment supports a variety of ISU initiatives. For the College of Technology, NAL’s gift will enhance the Mechanical Engineering Technology Lab; support scholarships for the Mechanical Engineering Technology program and STEM education experiential learning programs; and grow networking opportunities and other student success initiatives.
NAL will also provide scholarship support for the Scott College of Business and Sycamore Athletics sponsorships.
“We are proud to partner with North American Lighting, a global leader in automotive manufacturing, to foster success among students across campus,” said ISU President Deborah J. Curtis. “The company’s interest in student development and workplace readiness matches that of our university. The commitment further enhances opportunities for students to reach their educational goals at Indiana State University, while positively shaping communities in which Sycamore graduates call home.”
Said Nesli Alp, Dean of the College of Technology: “North American Lighting understands that student success is our number one priority at the College of Technology. They have been exceptional partners for our Mechanical Engineering Technology program and across the college. We are so grateful for their continued investment in our students.”
This new gift builds on the company’s 2018 commitment that resulted in the development of student success and tutoring programs, increased student retention, and experiential learning opportunities that assisted in creating an employment network for ISU students.
“It is important to NAL that we focus on growing and keeping talent local to support the vigorous job opportunities presented in the area,” said Kirk Gadberry, President and COO of North American Lighting. “As an employer of over 50 ISU alumni between our Paris facilities, we trust the caliber of students coming out of the campus, and we want to help support their education through means outlined in our expanded partnership.
“The partnership with the university has been an effective way to touch many different areas on campus. As a result of our existing relationship, NAL has seen an increase in brand awareness on campus as well as numerous opportunities to interact with students in a variety of disciplines. These combined outcomes help generate an impressive talent pipeline of ISU students fit for future internship and full-time job opportunities at NAL.”
Other news from the meeting:
- Trustees approved the naming of the Dick Hay Memorial Art Annex in recognition of a gift to support the Ceramics program in the College of Arts and Sciences.
- Trustees approved a 1.5% price increase for a traditional residence hall room with a standard meal plan.
- Trustees approved a new licensure program for Exceptional Needs: Intensive Intervention in the Bayh College of Education.
- Trustees re-activated the Master of Science in Athletic Training program in the College of Health and Human Services.
