Thanks to the boundless support and generosity of corporate sponsors as well as Cullen College alumni and donors, the UH Cullen College of Engineering is able to offer academic and student success programs to its students which would otherwise not be possible. The donations the college receives from corporate and individual donors often goes toward funding academic programs, outreach services, professional development and social support for Cullen College students.
In their largest annual fundraiser on behalf of the Cullen College, the Engineering Alumni Association (EAA) will hold its Alumni Awards Gala on Thursday, June 12. Proceeds from the event provide direct funds toward the Dean’s educational priorities and operational support for the college.
This year, FMC Technologies has donated $15,000 to the EAA for the gala. Randy Wester is the Director of Subsea Engineering at FMC Technologies, as well as the recipient of this year’s Distinguished Engineering Alumni award which will be presented to him at the upcoming gala. According to Wester, this latest gift to the Cullen College on behalf of FMC is a small token of appreciation for the many years of successful collaboration they have enjoyed with the UH Cullen College of Engineering.
“The University of Houston and FMC Technologies have mutually benefited from an innovative, collaborative working relationship for many years,” Wester said. Most recently, FMC and the Cullen College have joined forces to create the nation’s first subsea engineering degree program. “The program has grown to over 200 students in four years, demonstrating not only the value and demand of the program itself but also the positive results that UH and industry can deliver by partnering together,” he said.
According to Russell Dunlavy, Chief Advancement Officer at the Cullen College, the donation from FMC means more opportunity for current students. “The success of the college is directly correlated to the support we receive from our alumni and industry partners,” Dunlavy said. “Student success is not simply defined by a grade in a classroom, and the college works hard to create an environment where students have the opportunity to interact with top faculty, engage in research opportunities, and participate in outreach programs to understand how engineers impact the community.” He said donations and support like what the college has received from FMC directly drives the academic curriculum and college research programs.
In addition to Wester, FMC project/design engineer Okechukwu A. Ofili is also being honored at the gala with the Distinguished Young Engineering Alumnus award.
The EAA Alumni Awards Gala will be held Thursday, June 12 at 6 p.m. at the Petroleum Club of Houston.