After being honored with the ISU Order of the Knoll Corporate and Foundation Award earlier this month, the 3M Corporation will double its current financial stake in Iowa State’s College of Engineering – an increase that will amount to a commitment of $1 million, the largest corporate donation in the history of the College of Engineering.

The donation by the large corporation helps Iowa State pursue its goal of $800 million as part of the Campaign Iowa State fundraising effort announced in October 2007. 3M’s financial contribution will specifically be applied to the Engineering Leadership Program in the engineering department.

“The Engineering Leadership Program is an innovative program which helps prepare engineering students for leadership roles in their careers,” said Alex Cirillo, vice president of the 3M Foundation. “Building awareness and learning the fundamentals of leadership while still in college is essential to success, and 3M is proud to help develop these skills in today’s students.”

The Engineering Leadership Program exists to create an environment where academics are integrated with experiential learning. Students are encouraged to interact with faculty and staff as well as local businesses in the area of technology and public policy. The leadership program educates engineering students in areas where they can participate in current projects regarding global energy and solving problems involving the environment..

“We are very excited that 3M has increased its funding support of the ELP program,” said Krishna Athreya, director of the Engineering Leadership Program since March 2006. “We now have more scholarship money to attract and educate students specifically in leadership areas and in learning experiences.”

3M’s first contribution to Iowa State came in spring 2006 when 12 scholarships were awarded to engineering students. The following fall, 17 students joined the program. They are scheduled to graduate in 2010 as 3M Leadership scholars.

“Some important uses of the 3M donation include retreats, curriculum modification and professional development activities,” Athreya said. “The scholarships available to upper-class students will increase as well.”

3M currently employs roughly 350 graduates of Iowa State’s College of Engineering and maintains a partnership with Iowa State as a corporate foundation and educational asset.

The company grosses roughly $21.2 billion in worldwide sales and hosts company branches in more than 60 countries. The Extended Learning Program is also supported by Caterpillar, based out of Peoria, Ill., and Rockwell Collins, in Cedar Rapids. These corporations offer support for engineering education and subsequent graduate employment options.