AT&T supporting BCoE diversity programs
December 13, 2011
STARKVILLE, Miss. — A national telecommunications company will help boost diversity programs within Mississippi State’s Bagley College of Engineering (BCoE).
During a Nov. 2 reception in the university’s Grisham Room, C.D. Smith of AT&T Inc. presented a $10,000 check to Sarah Rajala, dean of the BCoE.
Angie Verdell, director of the college’s diversity programs and student development, said the money will be beneficial in several BCoE projects.
“Sponsorships such as this one are very important to the continued growth and development of our diversity initiatives including mentoring and helping our students transition into engineering professionals,” Verdell said.
Mississippi State representatives and students from the BCoE’s diversity programs were invited to the reception to commemorate AT&T’s contribution and present Smith with a plaque from the college.
Smith, an MSU alumnus, represented the company as its regional director for Mississippi. He had spoken to this group of students about employment opportunities at AT&T during a leadership development forum.
According to its website, AT&T strives to strengthen and enrich the diverse communities it serves to philanthropic efforts. The company boast a strong legacy with organizations including those focused on the empowerment of the African-American, Hispanic, Asian and Asian American, and American Indian communities. Last year, AT&T and its employees contributed nearly $148 million through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs.
For more information about the Bagley College of Engineering’s diversity programs, visit www.bagley.msstate.edu/programs/diversity.
More information about the BCoE can be found at www.bagley.msstate.edu.