Exxon increases matching gifts

Mississippi State is receiving nearly $76,000 from the Exxon Education Foundation's employee matching-gift program.

The amount-a 20 percent increase over last year-is derived from the foundation's 3-to-1 match of contributions to MSU over the past year by 46 Exxon USA Co. employees, retirees, spouses, and directors.

MSU ranks 46th among more than 900 colleges and universities in the foundation's matching gift program, which this year is awarding a total of $15.5 million to participating institutions.

Randy Cleveland, a manager with Exxon's New Orleans office, recently was on campus to present the contribution to Mississippi State President Malcolm Portera.

Cleveland is a 1983 MSU petroleum engineering graduate. He is a Decatur native now residing in Mandeville, La.