While there are many companies that have left an impact on the College of Engineering, none can be felt more than Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. For over 50 years, this world renowned manufacturer has demonstrated its commitment to our students, faculty, research, and facilities, and on November 16, Air Products made yet another generous donation to the College. On behalf of the company, Villanova alumnus and Air Products manager Joe Lamack, ChE '87, presented a check for $74,000 to Dr. Gary Gabriele, Drosdick Endowed Dean of Engineering.
Over the past six years, Air Products has donated approximately $400,000, including this year's contribution, to the College of Engineering. The funds have supported undergraduate research, scholarships, laboratory renovations, and high school outreach programs in the Departments of Chemical and Mechanical Engineering. The Multidisciplinary Design Lab, the Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) program, and student professional chapters have also appreciated the corporation’s generosity. In addition, Air Products has donated more than $150,000 in gift-in-kind materials, equipment, and services, which have greatly upgraded the College’s level of teaching and research. The many Villanova alumni at Air Products back up this financial investment with immense amounts of time put into service to the College of Engineering and the University. "Air Products is the foremost company in recognizing the power of relationships in supporting students," says Gabriele.
Of all the advantages this partnership has offered, perhaps none is more significant to the students than the career opportunities they have been afforded. Villanova graduates have served at Air Products’s highest levels of leadership. Lamack estimates between 85-100 Villanova graduates are currently employed by the company. “Villanova students are not just strong in the classroom, but outside it as well. They’re notably well-rounded," says Lamack. Jillian Burgio, the company's North American Career Development Program Manager adds, “Villanova graduates have a special quality that distinguishes them from others. They involve themselves in activities and service outside the classroom. Those are qualities we value at Air Products."
Joining Lamack for the official check presentation were Air Products colleagues Burgio and Greg Ambrogi, BME '96, MME '97. Among the faculty attending were Dr. Amy Fleischer ME '91, interim chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Dr. Charles Coe, assistant professor of Chemical Engineering. Fleischer worked for Air Products for four years before returning to academia, and Coe worked for the company for thirty-three years before bringing his expertise to Villanova.
To learn more about Air Products and Chemicals, visit their website at www.airproducts.com.
