Texas Tech Receives ConocoPhillips Gift for Business, Engineering Colleges

Funds from the gift support the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering’s ConocoPhillips Academic Success Bridge Program, the ConocoPhillips SPIRIT scholars program, the new Rawls College of Business Building, as well as a variety of other programs and activities that stimulate interest and development among students and faculty in their chosen disciplines. Guy Bailey, president of Texas Tech, lauded ConocoPhillips for its continued support of the university with this $500,000 gift. “We are fortunate to have such a loyal corporate partner as ConocoPhillips,” Bailey said. “So many opportunities for students and graduates open up when a university receives such outstanding support as Texas Tech has from them, both in funding and in hiring.” Tom Mathiasmeier, senior vice president, ConocoPhillips Gas & Power, said his company is pleased to have such a strong partnership with Texas Tech University. “I am proud ConocoPhillips is able to continue our financial contribution to Texas Tech University,” he said. “We recognize that today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders and we have a responsibility to provide support and help prepare them for the future. “In addition, ConocoPhillips is happy to continue with our second installment of funding toward the construction of the new building for the Rawls College of Business. We believe our support will further enhance Texas Tech’s ability to attract new students and continue to develop top talent for the many companies who actively recruit Tech graduates.” In March 2007, Texas Tech became part of the ConocoPhillips SPIRIT Scholars program, which now includes 292 scholars across eight universities. The SPIRIT Scholars program provides educational opportunities to business and engineering students who have an interest in pursuing a career in the energy industry. The program was created to represent the core values of ConocoPhillips: Safety, People, Integrity, Responsibility, Innovation and Teamwork. The Bridge Program provides academic support services to entering freshmen engineering students. Bridge Program participants also have opportunities to interact with engineers, scientists and other technical professionals as they look to their own future. Students participating in the program take six hours of credit courses and are housed on campus in Lubbock for one month during the summer before their freshman year. Funds also will go to the construction of the new Rawls College of Business Building, which is scheduled for ground breaking on Oct. 9. The new business administration building will serve as an anchor for the North Campus Gateway that will be an entrance to the campus from the Marsha Sharp Freeway. CONTACT:  Leslie Cranford, senior editor, Communications & Marketing, Texas Tech University, (806) 742-2136, or leslie.cranford@ttu.edu.