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Chevron donates $1.1 million to FVSU's STEM-focused CDEP program

by Pamela Berry-Johnson

Posted on Oct 23, 2020 at 0:00 AM

Chevron Corp. has made a $1.1 million donation to Fort Valley State University. The gift, which was announced during a check presentation on campus today, reflects the company's investment in FVSU's Cooperative Developmental Energy Program.

FVSU President Paul Jones applauded the donation, saying the funds would support ongoing growth for the institution's robust STEM offerings.

"This donation is a clear reflection of Chevron's continued commitment to supporting the development of future engineers and scientists at FVSU," Jones said. "It's a wonderful way to reaffirm our 30-year partnership and we look forward to more transformational moments like these that support FVSU and its students in meeting the energy demands around the world."

Chevron's relationship with FVSU dates back to the inception of the CDEP program in 1983. With this latest gift, Chevron's philanthropic giving to FVSU has exceeded $2 million.

Niccole Boswell, Chevron Diversity & Inclusion Relationship manager, said the gift was a reaffirmation to her company's work with and commitment to FVSU and other historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

"FVSU has been a partner of ours for over 30 years," Boswell said. "This particular gift is to support CDEP and try to ignite the young people to pursue careers in STEM. We are also trying to ignite students in STEM to not only consider a career in energy but with Chevron."

Dr. Isaac Crumbly, associate vice president for Careers & Collaborative Programs and CDEP director, said Chevron's financial support of CDEP is a mutually beneficial contribution that will allow FVSU to continue addressing the need to increase underrepresented minorities for STEM.

"For over 30 years, Chevron has supported the Cooperative Developmental Energy Program and its students by hiring interns, hosting CDEP's 12th-grade pre-college Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Academy annually, providing funding for scholarships and employing CDEP graduates," Crumbly said. "On behalf of the student recipients, I extend my sincere appreciation to Chevron."

Anthony Holloman, FVSU's vice president for University Advancement, said the gift should also serve as an inspiration to other corporations that Fort Valley State University is a great investment and donations of this magnitude are a meaningful and tangible way to uplift the future of their respective industries.

"It's so important that corporations embrace our shared interests regarding the future of their industries," Holloman said. "Giving to Fort Valley State is a powerful way to make an immediate and lasting impact for the university, its students and the future of their companies. We all win when there is financial support to higher education."

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