Timken Foundation Invests a quarter of $1 million to College of Engineering

A charitable investment of $250,000 from the Timken Foundation is a big boost to the University’s unfitting of the new College of Engineering home in downtown Anderson. 

The grant was finalized last spring, when Kurt Timken, who represented the Timken Foundation (located in Canton, Ohio) joined Todd Kingsbury and Kendrick Meekins, representatives for the local Timken facility (located in Honea Path, South Carolina) joined President Whitaker and Engineering Dean Zidek for lunch in the Student Center. After the lunch, the Timken Foundation representatives presented the check to the University. 

The Timken Foundation has made a strong commitment to Anderson University with previous support of the G. Ross Anderson Jr. Student Center.

“The College of Engineering is grateful for the support from the Timken Foundation as we build the engineering programs,” said Anderson University College of Engineering Dean Dr. Lisa Zidek. “The partnership exemplifies the fusion of academic excellence and industry support, propelling innovation and education forward for the betterment of society.”

“It’s rare for a Foundation executive, much less a family member, to visit a campus as Mr. Timken did. We were truly honored that he made the long trip and gave us so much of his time on campus. He told me later he believes AU is a ‘winner,’ and both the Timken Foundation and the Timken Company like winners. I think they’re going to love our engineering graduates,” President Whitaker said.

“This recognition from the Timken Foundation is truly humbling. They recognize the potential of the Anderson University College of Engineering and have made a huge commitment to our future,” said AU Associate Vice President for Corporate and Community Engagement Buddy Ferguson. (For more on the new home for the Anderson University College of Engineering, see page 32.)

The former SunTrust building at 907 N. Main Street in Anderson is now the full-time home to AU’s Engineering program. The 47,000-square foot facility underwent a comprehensive renovation, including new flooring, adding walls and giving everything inside a fresh coat of paint. It contains three engineering labs, two classrooms, a wind tunnel and a machine shop (among other additions.)

The Anderson University College of Engineering is where foundational science, the engineering mindset and servant leadership are joined to address the challenges of our built world.

Details about degree programs offered by the Anderson University College of Engineering can be found at andersonuniversity.edu or by calling 864-231-2164 or emailing astoddard@andersonuniversity.edu.

Written by Ed Welch