UNCF secures ExxonMobil award in technology campaign - tech briefs - United Negro College Fund - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

Black Issues in Higher Education, June 6, 2002 by Ronald Roach

DALLAS

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) has netted yet another big-dollar award in its highly successful UNCF Technology Enhancement Capital Campaign. ExxonMobil Foundation announced recently that it awarded UNCF a grant of $500,000. The campaign is strengthening the information technology capabilities of the 39 private historically Black college and universities in UNCF that serve more than 60,000 students.

Launched in 2000, the Technology Enhancement Capital Campaign has raised more than $90 million to provide UNCF campuses with new hardware, software, computing facilities and technical services as well as making computers available to students and faculty at low costs. ExxonMobil's grant is directed toward establishing new computer labs, complete wiring of campus buildings, and integrating technology into college and university curriculums. ExxonMobil has contributed to UNCF since the organization's inception in 1944. The company's contributions to UNCF have totaled $11 million.

"We greatly appreciate the support that ExxonMobil has provided UNCF for nearly 60 years, and we extend our fullest thanks for their contribution to our Technology Enhancement Capital Campaign," says William H. Gray, UNCF president and chief executive officer.

According to a 1999 UNCF survey, member institutions owned only one computer for every six students, compared to one for every 2.6 students at the average U.S. college or university. The survey also found that UNCF member institutions provided only half as many network servers per 1,000 students as other colleges nationwide.

"Technology is no longer a luxury in education, it is a necessity. As a company based on math and science, ExxonMobil understands the importance of technology and is committed to supporting programs like the UNCF Technology Enhancement Capitol Campaign," says Lee Raymond, chairman of Exxon Mobil Corporation and a member of the UNCF Board of Directors.