Menu
Print |

Press Releases

PPG donates $10,000 to Millikin University on behalf of Mount Zion glass plant

12/12/2011
The PPG Industries Foundation has donated $10,000 to Millikin University on behalf of PPG Industries’ Mount Zion glass manufacturing facility to support the iSmartgirls Discovery Day Camp operated by Millikin’s Center for Entrepreneurship.
 
The PPG Industries Foundation has donated $10,000 to Millikin University on behalf of the PPG Industries glass manufacturing plant in Mount Zion, Ill., to enhance the iSmartgirls Discovery Day Camp program of Millikin’s Center for Entrepreneurship. The technology-based camp introduces 6th- through 8th-grade girls to innovations in science, math, art and real-world technology through hands-on learning experiences, with Millikin University students acting as mentors.
MOUNT ZION, Ill., Dec. 12, 2011 – The PPG Industries Foundation has donated $10,000 to Millikin University on behalf of PPG Industries’ (NYSE:PPG) Mount Zion glass manufacturing facility to support the iSmartgirls Discovery Day Camp operated by Millikin’s Center for Entrepreneurship. The technology-based camp is scheduled for two full-day sessions, Jan. 28 and Feb. 4, 2012, with a new iSmartgirls Reflective Day planned for March 10 at Rock Springs Environmental Center as a wrap-up for attendees of the earlier sessions.

“We are very happy to receive this generous support from PPG,” said Sharon T. Alpi, Coleman Foundation professor in the Millikin University Center for Entrepreneurship and director of iSmartgirls Discovery Camp. “This funding helps us to offer two, full-day iSmartgirls Discovery Days in 2012 and to enroll a total of 90 girls to attend. Additionally, we are introducing a sustainability-focused project for girls who attend our 2012 sessions to reinforce the science and technology that underlie recycling and related real-world issues.”

The iSmartgirls program offers an opportunity for 6th- through 8th-grade Decatur-area girls to learn about innovations in science, math, art and real-world technology through an intensive day of hands-on learning experiences, with Millikin University students acting as mentors. The day includes three labs – iDesigner, where girls work with geometric patterning and tessellation for artistic design; iChemist, where students create their own skin care products; and iEngineer, where students explore solutions for bettering their worlds – and a creative “upcycling” project, transforming recyclables into objects of value, all encouraging participants to pursue studies in these disciplines and to develop their applied imagination. Alpi said the goal is to help girls understand concepts and develop skills, believe in themselves and their abilities, and use their talents to positively impact the world in technology-driven careers.

“PPG is strongly committed to supporting the communities where its employees work and live, especially through educational programs focusing on science, technology and math,” said John Gauthier, plant manager for the Mount Zion glass manufacturing facility. “We are proud to continue our decades-long relationship with Millikin University by helping to enrich this unique program for girls. Some of our female employees are hoping to serve as mentors or speakers for future camp sessions, which will offer an exciting opportunity to grow this relationship further.”

For more about the iSmartgirls program, including registration information, call 217-424-6296 or visit http://www.millikin.edu/academics/tabor/entrepreneurship/iSmart.

Established in 1951, the PPG Industries Foundation demonstrates the values of PPG Industries by enhancing the quality of life in communities where the company has a presence. Interests of the foundation, in order of priority, are education, human services, culture and arts, and civic and community affairs. PPG also supports charitable causes by encouraging employees' volunteerism and board service with nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.ppgfoundation.com.

About Millikin University
Millikin University is an independent, private, four-year university in Decatur, Ill., with approximately 2,300 students in traditional and nontraditional undergraduate and Master’s degree programs. It offers more than 50 majors in four colleges: arts and sciences, fine arts, professional studies, and business. Millikin's Center for Entrepreneurship promotes the values of entrepreneurship through the coordination of many educational and outreach programs. The Center engages business students in internships and professional opportunities in the Decatur business community that focus on the development of skills in finance, marketing, information systems, accounting and management. For more information, visit www.millikin.edu.

PPG: BRINGING INNOVATION TO THE SURFACE.(TM)
PPG Industries' vision is to continue to be the world’s leading coatings and specialty products company. Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. Founded in 1883, PPG has global headquarters in Pittsburgh and operates in more than 60 countries around the world. Sales in 2010 were $13.4 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.


Bringing innovation to the surface is a trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
–111212PPGMtZion_MillikinU–

Contact:
K.C. McCrory
PPG Corporate Communications
412-434-2445
kmccrory@ppg.com

Mary Little
Millikin University Center for Entrepreneurship
217-424-6296
mlittle@mail.millikin.edu