CITGO recognised for furthering STEM education

Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) recognised CITGO Petroleum Corporation for its commitment to supporting the next generation of engineers by honouring the company with the prestigious Friends of Engineering Award. A partner of TAMU-CC for more than 30 years, CITGO was one of three Friends of Engineering Award honourees at this year's annual award luncheon held at the university. Award recipients are honoured for their outstanding achievements in support of the School of Engineering and Computing Science.

More than 400 students are currently enrolled in the TAMU-CC engineering programme, which has been offering degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering since 2009. A supporter of the School of Engineering and Computing Science since its inception, CITGO donates scholarships that allow the school to recruit and retain a diverse group of high achieving students. The CITGO Corpus Christi refinery is an integral member of the engineering department's Industrial Advisory Council and Engineering Advisory Board, which inform the strategic direction of the school's engineering curriculum. These contributions from CITGO, among others, have helped ensure that engineering students are graduating with the skills needed to succeed and meet the demands of today's modern, high tech business environment.

"The Island University is grateful for the CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery's support for engineering scholarships and the 2009 launch of our engineering programme," said Dr Flavius Killebrew, President and CEO of Texas A&M – Corpus Christi. "This year our first class of electrical engineering majors started class, and we're working on civil and industrial programs, as well. None of these developments would be possible without the generosity of CITGO."

CITGO actively participates in programmes throughout the community that promote academic exploration in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, from leading environmental stewardship workshops to sponsoring school robotics teams. Recently, CITGO announced its renewed partnership with Foy H. Moody High School in Corpus Christi and its CITGO Innovation Academy for Engineering, Environmental & Marine Science. In 2015, CITGO brought educators from Texas, Illinois and Louisiana aboard the Exploration Vessel Nautilus with the Ocean Exploration Trust to give them first hand deep sea exploration research and educational experience that they then delivered back to their classrooms.

"CITGO is an avid supporter of programmes that prepare students for real world challenges and highly sought after careers in STEM fields. We strive to strengthen the local workforce in Corpus Christi by showing students career paths they may not have otherwise been aware of and providing them opportunities to excel in these fields," said CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery Vice President & General Manager Art Klein.

Adapted from press release by Rosalie Starling

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/refining/18052016/citgo-recognised-for-furthering-stem-education-3329/