Compaq Makes Major Donations to READ Commission and to UT - Houston Health Science Center; Compaq Also Announces Grant for Cy-Fair ISD

Business Wire, August 20, 1998

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 20, 1998--

Editors' Summary

Compaq today announced:

-- Donations to Houston READ Commission over 2 years to fund "Self-Sufficiency Projects" at six computerized learning centers(1) -- Donations to the University of Texas - Houston Health Science Center over 3 years to fund a medical exchange program with Brazil -- Funding for Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District's campus safety programs

Compaq Computer Corporation today announced three major grants to non-profit organizations demonstrating Compaq's ongoing commitment to the Houston community.

The announcement of Compaq's third quarter donations was made by Hans W. Gutsch, Compaq Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Organization and Environment, at a luncheon on the Compaq campus honoring the three recipient organizations. Gutsch said, "Compaq and its 14,000 employees at its world headquarters here in Houston, salute the three groups here today who serve our local community in such meaningful ways."

Compaq is donating $200,000 to the Houston READ Commission in 1998 and $200,000 in 1999, to fund "Self-Sufficiency Projects" at six computerized learning centers that are designed to get people off welfare. Gutsch said, "One of our sustained goals for the past few years has been to help the working poor improve their skills in order to get better jobs and achieve economic independence."

"Teaching literacy skills is no longer enough to help individuals get off welfare and earn a decent living, " said Margaret Doughty, The Houston READ Commission's Executive Director. "Students are now learning in the context of their chosen job target along with language and math concepts. Interviewing, resume writing, worksite orientation, computer training and job placement are now becoming part of our literacy program, culminating in economic self-sufficiency for parents and their children. We're grateful for Compaq's support in past years with computers and for this current very generous commitment to our six computerized learning centers."

Compaq is also donating $300,000 to the University of Texas - Houston Health Science Center (UT- Houston) ($100,000 in 1998, $100,000 in 1999, and $100,000 in 2000) to fund a doctor exchange program with seven medical institutions in Brazil(2). UT - Houston doctors will learn about tropical diseases now affecting Houston, and Brazilian doctors will learn about cancer, cardiac care, substance abuse and other public health issues affecting their newly industrialized communities. Compaq has had a manufacturing facility in Jaguariuna, Brazil since 1994 and has been number one in the PC market place in Brazil since 1996. "The exchange program provides an opportunity to improve the health of both Compaq communities," said Gutsch.

"Technology is speeding up communication and improving collaboration opportunities among doctors around the world," said Dr. Thomas F. Burks, Executive Vice President for Research at the UT - Houston Health Science Center. "Advances in telecommunications and video-conferencing allow us to instantly share and compare knowledge with others irrespective of their location. Using the latest in technology, physicians in Houston can view and assess medical test results from a patient in Campinas; Brazilian medical students can participate in lectures from the Texas Medical Center, and researchers thousands of miles apart can easily collaborate, advancing our knowledge of disease prevention and treatment."

Closer to its worldwide headquarters in northwest Houston, Compaq is also funding a $50,000 grant for Cypress-Fairbanks (Cy-Fair) Independent School District's campus safety programs. Cy-Fair school district's campus safety programs affect a student population of about 55,000(3) and encompass 7 high schools, 10 junior high schools and 30 elementary schools. Cy-Fair is the second largest school district in the Houston area. "Compaq has always been a great neighbor to our school district," said Rick Berry, Cy-Fair ISD Superintendent. "This current donation clearly demonstrates Compaq's continuing commitment to the local community."

"We want to ensure children's safety on campus in our own neighborhood schools, so we're happy to assist Cy-Fair ISD in this effort," Gutsch said.

Compaq Background

Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation is a Fortune Global 100 company. Compaq is the second largest computer company in the world and the largest global supplier of personal computers. Compaq develops and markets hardware, software, solutions, and services, including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, networking and communication products, commercial desktop and portable products, and consumer PCs. The company is an industry leader in environmentally friendly programs and business practices.

Compaq products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners. Customer support and information about Compaq and its products are available at http://www.compaq.com or by calling 1-800-OK-COMPAQ. Product information and reseller locations are available by calling 1-800-345-1518.