FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2007
ALCOA Warrick Operations gives $142,500
The Alcoa Foundation and the University of Evansville are proud to announce the Foundations's largest-ever gift to the university that will enable UE to build the region's first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified facility.
The gift of $142,500, announced this week, is the largest given by The Alcoa Foundation through their Warrick Operations this year. While $42,500 will go toward the university's FEE Campaign (Friends for Educational Excellence), which helps pay for student scholarships and financial aid; $100,000 will go toward helping make the new Ridgeway University Center a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified facility. The grant is just a portion of the tens of millions of dollars that will be invested worldwide by the Alcoa Foundation this year.
"We're very grateful for the commitment Alcoa Foundation has made to the University of Evansville," said UE President Stephen Jennings. "With their help, this university will be among those leading the movement toward safe, environmentally-friendly practices, improved environmental efficiency and reduced energy consumption."
The project will make the University of Evansville the first institution of higher education in Southwestern Indiana to have a "green" building on campus. The environmental impact coupled with the educational opportunities the project will bring, made this gift an easy decision.
"Partnering with the University of Evansville to build awareness about the impact each of us has on the environment is truly exciting to all of us at Alcoa," said Ann Whitty, Vice President and General Manager for Alcoa's Rigid Packaging Division. "The efforts that UE is making to ensure students understand the steps being taken to secure LEED certification will pay rewards to our environment for generations to come."
To obtain LEED certification, which is administered through the U.S. Green Building Council, a building must be constructed using specific methods and materials. Specialized, environmentally-friendly procedures also are put in place.
Among those features planned for the new Ridgeway University Center are: control of pollution and storm water runoff; protection of existing trees and plant materials; creation of expanded open space (lawns and planting); water use reduction; daylight control; artificial lighting control; utilization of LEED-certified design professionals; control of trash and recycling materials; use of certified materials such as certified wood; use of renewable resources such as bamboo and recycled rubber; and outdoor air delivery monitoring.
The new building is scheduled for completion in Winter 2008.
In addition, Alcoa Foundation's gift will create numerous scholarships through the FEE Campaign. Through this program, friends of the university are encouraged to contribute to student financial aid and scholarships; any individual who donates $2,000 can actually sponsor an individual student's scholarship.
Ann Whitty added, "The University of Evansville has been an integral part of education in our region, and has produced many graduates who now work for Alcoa Warrick Operations, It's important that we continue that tradition of excellence allowing future students to come to southwest Indiana to get an education and potentially a lifetime career."
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Joe Atkinson
News Director
University of Evansville
(812) 488-2562
ja122@evansville.edu
The Core Purpose of the University of Evansville is to provide life transforming educational experiences that prepare students to engage the world as informed, ethical and productive citizens.
About Alcoa Foundation
Alcoa Foundation is a separately constituted nonprofit U.S. corporate foundation with assets of approximately $534 million. Its mission is to actively invest in the quality of life in Alcoa communities worldwide. Throughout its history, the Foundation has been a source of positive community change and enhancement, with nearly $437 million invested since 1952. In 2006, Alcoa and Alcoa Foundation invested a combined total of $42.3 million in community programs in 32 countries, focusing on four areas of excellence: conservation and sustainability, global education and workplace skills, business and community partnerships, and safe and healthy children and families. For more information, visit www.alcoa.com.
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