GE Vernova helps ignite STEM dreams with $710,000 commitment to Clemson University
October 31, 2023
GE Vernova has solidified its commitment to nurturing STEM talent with a new pledge of $710,000 over the next two academic years to fund three Clemson University initiatives aimed at widening the talent pipeline and fostering inclusive excellence.
The initiatives are the GE John Lammas Annual Scholarship, the Women’s Roundtable and a variety of STEM opportunities for middle school students.
“This renewed commitment symbolizes our unwavering belief in the boundless potential of young talent at Clemson,” said John Intile, vice president at GE Gas Power Engineering. “Through this initiative, we are not just funding education, but fostering the future pioneers of STEM.”
The new pledge comes on top of a $1-million gift that GE Gas Power, now part of GE Vernova, provided in 2021 to Clemson to establish the GE John Lammas Annual Scholarship and two pilot programs in Clemson’s Division of Inclusive Excellence.
Most of the new funding, $640,000, is designated for 40 scholarships that will be awarded at $8,000 each over two years. The renewed funding will double the number of students who have received the scholarship so far.
Student recipients have said the scholarship has considerably lightened the financial load of college tuition, allowed them to forge pivotal industry connections and provided indispensable mentorship opportunities.
“We are so appreciative of GE’s continued support for the next wave of STEM talent arriving at Clemson,” said Angie Leidinger, senior vice president for external affairs at Clemson. “GE has been a vital partner for several years, and we look forward to our continued collaborative efforts across multiple important programs across the University over the coming years.”
Lammas, the scholarship’s namesake, was known as a prolific engineer, inimitable inventor, charismatic leader and respected visionary whose handiwork can be seen at airports around the world, in desert oil fields and in the way a new generation of flexible and reliable natural gas power plants is helping bring more efficient energy to homes and businesses.
The scholarship is open to current or future students majoring in general engineering, chemical engineering, computer engineering, computer information systems, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, and materials science and engineering. Student recipients will be eligible for GE Vernova’s internships, co-ops and full-time leadership programs.
The gift also channels $50,000 to the Women’s Roundtable, a catalyst for inspiring and empowering middle and high school girls in STEM fields. This year’s roundtable, set for Nov. 2 at the Greenville Convention Center, promises to foster awareness, networking, and mentorship opportunities for its anticipated 500 attendees.
Another $20,000 will be dedicated to kindling passion for STEM subjects among middle school students and could help pay for a variety of items, such as supplies, travel expenses and fees, at the discretion of leadership in Clemson’s Division of Inclusive Excellence.
“The ripple effects of GE Vernova’s commitment extend far beyond the classroom,” said Felicia Benton-Johnson, the vice president for diversity and inclusive excellence at Clemson. “By alleviating financial pressures and opening new paths to industry, we’re ensuring that our students are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.”
The commitment from GE Vernova not only represents a significant financial contribution to STEM at Clemson but more crucially, it signifies an investment in the dreams, ambitions and futures of the students it aids.
“The GE John Lammas Scholarship is more than just a fund; it’s a beacon of opportunity for our students, showcasing what’s possible when industry and academia unite for a greater purpose,” said Oliver Myers, the associate dean of inclusion and equity in Clemson’s College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences.
