NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release, please

Date: August 5, 2002

Contact: Julie Lea 785-532-7564

Prepared by: Megan Briggs

Southwestern Bell Foundation Funds Initiatives

MANHATTAN, KAN — Southwestern Bell Foundation, San Antonio, Texas, has made a commitment of $150,000 to the Kansas State University Foundation to fund three programs over a five-year period at Kansas State University. The programs are a Women in Engineering and Science Program (WESP) lecture series in the College of Engineering, a computer tutorial for the College of Technology and Aviation Academic Achievement Center at Salina, Kan., and a partnership with historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic American colleges and universities, and tribal colleges.

The purpose of the WESP lecture series is to increase the number of women in the fields of engineering and science by providing students and faculty exposure to successful women scientists and engineers in a lecture setting. The tutorial program at the College of Technology and Aviation aims at helping students succeed in the areas of science and math by providing the necessary software and hardware for the Academic Achievement Center. Additionally, through a partnership with historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic American colleges and universities, and tribal colleges, KSU can better provide an inclusive campus community for all students and faculty. Some benefits include student exchanges, curriculum enrichment and study abroad tours.

The Southwestern Bell Foundation uses its resources to contribute to the communities its employees serve. The foundation’s funding addresses local needs in the areas of education, community economic development, health and human services and arts and cultural outreach.

“The SBC Foundation is very proud to partner with Kansas State University — a university that has a reputation for excellence in higher education,” Cindy Zapletal, director, external affairs, Southwestern Bell, Manhattan, Kan., said. “In order to thrive in the global marketplace, America must have capable, resourceful citizens who have mastered the skills to be productive members of their communities and who understand and appreciate the nation’s diversity. This grant provides the opportunity for SBC and KSU to work together to achieve these goals.”

The KSU Foundation coordinates fundraising efforts with alumni, friends, corporations and foundations to encourage private support for the university’s benefit.

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