Caterpillar donates technology scholarships

A friend of Pittsburg State University’s College of Technology has made a donation that will help ensure students are fully prepared for the workforce.

Two representatives from Caterpillar visited the campus Wednesday to present a check for $10,000. The university will match that amount for a total of $20,000. The money will go toward scholarships for students in the Caterpillar Think Bigger programs at Pitt State.

The Caterpillar Think Big program is a two-year course of study that prepares students to become heavy equipment technicians for the company. Pittsburg State University has the only four-year Caterpillar Think Bigger program, which expands on the two-year program by awarding students bachelor’s degrees and preparing them for entry-level management positions with Caterpillar.

“These students are coming from coast to coast, and this money helps us recruit and retain them,” said Dr. Tim Dell, chairman of the Department of Automotive Technology. “We are glad to have Caterpillar assist us in making their educations affordable.”
Dan Kennedy (BS ’70, MS ’71), manager of continuous product improvement for Caterpillar (Americas-Asia Pacific), said the contributions are equally beneficial for both the company and the university.

“We want to be good global citizens in this part of the world,” he said. “To help these young people as they grow, it’s a win-win situation for us.”

(In photograph (l-r): Bob Schroer, PSU automotive technology instructor; Dr. Tim Dell, chairman of the PSU Department of Automotive Technology; Cameron Ferguson, Caterpillar director of product safety and engineering solutions; and Dan Kennedy, Caterpillar manager of continuous product improvement for Americas-Asia Pacific.)

---Pitt State---