PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – Prairie View A&M University’s (PVAMU) Roy G. Perry College of Engineering is extending its global footprint with a partnership with Canada-based TC Energy (TC). As part of this affiliation, the energy corporation and its philanthropic division, TC Energy Foundation, have donated $40,000 to PVAMU, recognizing PVAMU for its legacy and commitment to racial justice and equality through education.
“We welcome the gift from TC Energy,” said Pamela Holland Obiomon, Ph.D., dean of the Roy G. Perry College of Engineering. “It helps us to fulfill our commitment of supporting our students and preparing the next generation of innovators.”
The donation will support the College of Engineering Enhancement Institute (CE21), an innovative and intensive Summer Bridge Program designed to prepare first-year students for the rigors of engineering and computer science curriculums. The program also aids in the transition between high school and college.
“These funds will help give our students the resources needed to be successful in our Summer Bridge program,” said Jasmine Murry, program coordinator for PVAMU’s College of Engineering. “The partnership allows our students access to tutoring services, books, and supplies needed for their courses.”
PVAMU offers several Summer Bridge Programs that aim to provide a support network that enhances students’ responsibility and intellectual, civic, and social engagement. The programs, which are free or have minimal costs, aim to develop key academic understanding and skills among students; offer engaging opportunities that will aid in the successful transition to college; promote a cohort experience among participants to strengthen new peer relationships; familiarize participants with PVAMU and its resources; and provide necessary college success skills.
Kamron Wright, a first-year mechanical engineering student at PVAMU, participated in last year’s TC Energy presentation during CE21.
“TC Energy gave a great presentation for those interested in a career in mechanical engineering,” Wright said. “The company showed interesting fields and had a panel that related to students. The panel answered every question we had and allowed us time to network.”
TC Energy prides itself on being one of North America’s leading energy infrastructure companies with operations in natural gas, oil, and power industries. It recognizes that Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) like PVAMU provide exceptional education opportunities for all.
“HBCUs continue to play a vital role in the U.S. education system and have been critical in enhancing and progressing equal educational opportunity for diverse students,” TC Energy said in a statement. “At TC, our commitment to equity and inclusion extends beyond our workplaces. We strive to support organizations that promote equality and are contributing to a more inclusive future. We are honored to support PVAMU’s legacy of providing exceptional education with a US$40,000 donation by our community giving program, Build Strong, which includes the TC Energy Foundation.”
Last month, TC Energy profiled one of its employees, PVAMU alumnus Chris Thomas. Thomas is a manager at the company’s US General Plant Maintenance Capital (GPMC) West Facilities. He discussed the importance of supporting HBCUs and the next generation of community leaders. His full interview is available here: TC Connects. Real talk. Real time.
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