Exxon pledges $23,000 for Mississippi State programs

Exxon's contribution will be divided among the departments of chemical, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering; programs in accounting, business administration and computer science; and the Richard Holmes Center for Cultural Diversity.

"We're proud of the strong relationship Mississippi State has with Exxon," said College of Engineering Dean Robert A. Altenkirch. "The corporation has been a consistent supporter of our engineering programs year after year. These latest funds will help us meet the needs of some of our highest priority areas."

The gift to Mississippi State is part of $1.7 million Exxon is designating to universities across the country. Past grants have supported scholarships, field trips, visiting speakers, equipment purchases, student and faculty travel to professional meetings, and other academic projects.

Exxon makes grants to schools which offer degrees in fields from which the company recruits future employees. The amount of each grant is based on factors including the number of employees from a particular school and Exxon's recruiting success at the school over the past five years. Last year, Exxon's support of education totaled $24 million.