Welcome to Corporate Relations at Purdue
We're here for you, ready to help you become more involved with Purdue. We can help you make connections throughout the University. Let us show you the many ways you can benefit from the discovery, learning, and engagement taking place at Purdue. And, when you're ready to consider making a gift, we'll help you identify options for supporting the University's aspirations to become the nation's premier land-grant institution.
Purdue University Development Office
Dick and Sandy Dauch Alumni Center
403 West Wood St. West Lafayette, IN 47907
Ph 765-494-2728, 800-677-8780
Fax 765-496-2902
A Centennial of Success
December 2, 2008
A century is a long time to be in business. For General Motors Corporation, it has been a century of leadership and achievements, of challenges and opportunities. A centennial is a great time to reflect on and celebrate the past. But for GM, it is more than that…it is an opportunity to look forward to their next 100 years.
In fall 2008, Dean Dennis Depew (left) accepted a check from Bill Muzzillo, GM’s University Relations Team Coordinator, to support Purdue initiatives and students. |
It is precisely this kind of leadership that resulted in GM presenting a check to Purdue University in the amount of $180,000 to support research, student organizations, and Access & Success initiatives.
Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 284,000 people around the world, in six continents, over 200 countries, 23 time zones, and speaking more than 50 languages. Diversity at GM reflects the many perspectives and experiences each employee brings to their work. GM assembled a Diversity Initiative Team with a goal of supporting business objectives and the core value of Individual Respect and Responsibility. GM’s vision is to create a work environment of inclusion, where everyone fully contributes to customer enthusiasm.
GM also makes significant strides to lessen the environmental impact of their vehicles and develop new technologies to allow consumers to have cleaner, more efficient vehicles. Innovative technologies have helped improve environmental performance at their facilities and research is carried out to identify alternative sources of energy. Ultimately, GM expects hydrogen fuel cells to replace the internal combustion engine altogether. Fuel cells, which produce electricity from hydrogen and oxygen, emit clean water and nothing else.
In the meantime, GM offers a range of hybrid cars and trucks and continues to improve the internal combustion engine to provide better efficiency, fuel economy, and performance. They have already begun rolling out a range of technologies, including the fuel-saving Displacement on Demand. In the short run, these technologies will help protect the natural resources of the planet we all share, as they continue toward longer-term solutions.
GM is a great car and truck manufacturer with a long history of outstanding corporate citizenship. They invest in projects dedicated to improving health, safety and education, corporate responsibility, and innovation and technology. In 2007-08, General Motors contributed over $200,000 to Purdue. This included $12,450 from their dedicated employees, which GM graciously matched. This support affirms GM’s commitment to supporting excellence in education. Their efforts funded Purdue scholarships and fellowships, enhanced diversity and outreach initiatives, and helped explore innovative research projects.
Becoming a legend requires innovation. Remaining a legend requires hard work, diligence, and commitment. General Motors Corporation today stands at the juncture between their first and second centuries, between a tremendous heritage and a bright and exciting future. Purdue is very proud of our partnership with GM and we appreciate the opportunity to work together to help make that future a reality.
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