Donation to CSUB to aid math, science fields
Bakersfield Californian 2/24/07
Money will be used to raise interest -- and improve performance -- in math and science among local junior and high schoolers. The Initiative for the Advancement of Mathematics and Science Education is a three-year program designed to also promote the professional development of math and science teachers.
Campus President Horace Mitchell was thrilled to accept the gift.
"One million-dollar checks are welcome," he said. "We are all about education. This gift goes to the heart of what is important to us at this university."
Chevron spokeswoman Carla Musser said $1 million gifts aren't typical, but the company realizes the importance of investing in education. Doing so will help fill a pipeline from which to draw future professionals. It employs 1,000 in Bakersfield.
One of these employees, Sara Ante, a Cal State Bakersfield alumna and earth scientist, said it was "very cool to see them investing directly in the school that I went to."
Ante, a 2002 graduate, started as a child development major but switched to geology after taking a class taught by Professor Rob Negrini. She joined Chevron as an intern and was later offered a full-time position.
Mitchell said Chevron's gift is part of the broader initiative of enhancing excellence in science and math at the campus.
Construction of a Math and Computer Science building is under way. It's expected to be finished in February 2008.
The university is in talks with organizations about launching a $1.5 million campaign to complete the outfitting of the building, Mitchell said.
Funds from Chevron's gifts won't be used toward this effort.