US Engine Valve named Philanthropist of the Year
October 29, 2019
The Tri-County Technical College Foundation named US Engine Valve the recipient of its 2019 Philanthropist of the Year award. This is the Foundation’s highest and most prestigious honor reserved for individuals, foundations, companies, trusts, organizations or other entities that have made a significant financial contribution, either cash or non-cash, to the Foundation to support the work of the College. US Engine Valve Plant Manager Bobby Dover accepted the award at the College’s Annual Report reception held October 24. Grayson Kelly, executive director of the Foundation and vice president for institutional advancement and business relations, presented the award. “Thank you to Tri-County for your partnership and the longstanding relationship we have had over the years,” said Dover. He acknowledged his appreciation for the technical talent – Tri-County graduates — who are now working at the facility. The plant recently celebrated its 30-year anniversary and Dover said these alumni are “doing great things to make our plant successful. We look forward to another 30 years.”
US Engine Valve, located in Westminster, has been a loyal donor to the Tri- County Technical College Foundation since 1989. To date, US Engine Valve – “A Nittan Valve Co., Ltd. – Eaton Corp., JF” — has given more than $245,000.
In 1989, Tri-County’s Foundation set a goal to raise $500,000 for endowments that would support the financial needs of students. US Engine Valve was one of the first to establish an endowed scholarship, which benefits students enrolled in Industrial Electronics and Mechatronics, said Kelly.
“Recognizing the importance of providing relevant, up-to-date classroom instruction, US Engine Valve created a professional development endowment in 1991. The earnings from this endowment are used to award mini-grants to employees who apply for funds to attend conferences, enroll in advanced course work, or participate in other development opportunities that allow them to stay current in their field,” said Kelly.
From 2002 until most recently in November of 2018, US Engine Valve donated a total of $220,000 to upgrade and purchase training equipment for the College’s Corporate and Community Education Division’s industrial programs.
In addition to making monetary gifts, US Engine Valve is also a member of the College’s World Class Training Center, and the Company’s employees have participated in thousands of hours of online and hands-on instruction through programs offered by the Center, said Kelly.
He added that company employees also demonstrate involvement and leadership through their service on academic program advisory committees.
“The relationships and partnerships that we are fortunate to have with so many businesses and industries in the tri-county community have made it possible for the College to excel in many ways. US Engine Valve’s gifts and other support of the College clearly demonstrates that the company is one of our most valued partners,” said Kelly.
