Copper giant gives $500,000 to NAU to boost science, engineering
Published by MAC on 2008-03-01
Copper giant gives $500,000 to NAU to boost science, engineering
1st March 2008
by Associated Press
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.- Copper mining giant Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc. has donated $500,000 to Northern Arizona University to help boost science and engineering programs and promote interest in math and science among pre-college students.
The gift will be used to create an undergraduate mentoring and research office that will expand undergraduate research opportunities in the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences. It also will serve as a central resource for students and faculty who are interested in undergraduate research.
Freeport-McMoRan, which acquired Phelps Dodge Corp. in late 2006 and moved its headquarters to Phoenix, is the world's largest publicly traded copper company.
Timothy Snider, who will retire in April as president and chief operating officer of Freeport-McMoRan, graduated from NAU in 1979 with a bachelor of science in chemistry and geology. Snider began with Phelps Dodge as a laborer in its underground mining operations in Bisbee, becoming the president and chief operating officer in 2003. He currently serves as a board member for the NAU Foundation.
A portion of the gift also will support a lecture series highlighting the importance to society of engaging more young people in scientific and engineering careers.