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Strongest Link in the Chain

Caterpillar has had a strong history of involvement with the college, particularly through the Supply Chain Resource Cooperative, a collaborative industry-academic program based in the College of Management. More than 100 students have gained real world experience through Caterpillar's involvement with the SCRC, both in the classroom and by providing projects that give graduate and undergraduate students hands on experience working with Caterpillar teams to find solutions to real world problems.

Through SCRC, Caterpillar has also provided annual scholarships to support undergraduate students in the college's supply chain management concentration. Twelve of the students who received scholarships for the 2008-09 academic year gathered at the front of Nelson Hall this fall for a photo, along with two machines that are similar to equipment that student teams worked on during their practicum projects. One of the machines, sporting NC State colors and the university's Block S logo, has been donated to the university. Clyde M, Crider, learning and talent development manager for Caterpillar’s building construction products division offices in Cary, N.C., and Steve Edwards, SCRC program director, joined the students for the photo.

The multi-faceted Achieve! Campaign gift will build on the college's relationship with Owens and Caterpillar, establishing the Owens Distinguished Professorship of Supply Chain Management and student scholarships within the College of Management. It also will support the college's development of interdisciplinary SCM programs in collaboration with the Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering in NC State's College of Engineering.

This substantial gift also will help cover the cost of renovating a building to provide dedicated space for students, faculty and corporate partners working with the Supply Chain Resource Cooperative. Nearly 470 students have working on over 150 projects gaining real work experience with SCRC's national and international partners throughout its history.

Both an undergraduate and a graduate NC State alumnus ('68, '70, '73), Owens says, "Our hope is that this investment, especially with its emphasis on interdisciplinary programs, will provide a diverse student population the opportunity for an education in this important and growing field of study. NC State, and particularly the College of Management, has a strong history in supply chain education research and outreach. Caterpillar and I are very pleased to support its continued growth and development."

Photos:

Left: Jim Owens met with students in the Graduate Economics Program during a visit to the college in fall 2007.

Right: Jim Owens speaks with students following his Wachovia Executive Lecture Series presentation in fall 2007.

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